GPS power source

[Dan-A]

Think I now have a plan which is reasonably simple, offers the flexibilty I need, and is relatively low cost :

2. Will use a Ram mount suitable for the Garmin and locate on the right hand side near the front brake (since the clocks are left of centre on the bike, and I don't want to restrict visibility).

Mounted to the left makes it easier to change screens etc without taking the hand off the throttle.

[Phillo]

I have only been able to find the one shown in Rockets second photo - the one with the wire clip. If you put a meter on the two terminals you only get +- 9 volts - measure from one to earth and you get a full 12 volt plus - measure from the other one to earth gets you around 3 to 4 volts ?? - I guess I will have to keep looking for the other one.

[Dan-A]

I have only been able to find the one shown in Rockets second photo - the one with the wire clip. If you put a meter on the two terminals you only get +- 9 volts - measure from one to earth and you get a full 12 volt plus - measure from the other one to earth gets you around 3 to 4 volts ?? - I guess I will have to keep looking for the other one.

Copied from here: http://f800riders.org/forum/showpost.ph ... stcount=27

The three wires on the GPS accessory connector do this:
(1) Brown = ground
(2) Blue/Green = Speed Pulse
(3) Red/White = 12V
You want to use the Brown and Red/White. I would not splice into it. I bought the BMW "repair connector" and then soldered/heat shrinked it to the GPS power cable.
The BMW part number is 83300413585 and is the mating connector with over a foot pigtail with yellow wires. This way you aren't messing with the wiring harness and it's also interchangeable with all other CANBUS BMW's.

[Phillo]

Yes Dan, Thanks I know that and I intend to connect it exactly the same as you have done " soldered connections and heat shrink sleeving" all I have to do is find the darn thing

[Rocket]

Decided to use short RAM bracket (also have long bkt when tank bag fitted) in centre of handle bars and positioned Nuvi 550 holder right of centre, so that I can still use left hand on touch screen. It also leaves clear view of other instruments.

Just have to be careful not to allow yourself to be distracted too much when riding. On this point, a good facility of the Nuvi 550 is that it provides details of your next turning in the top left which is great for anticipating the next junction. This helps reduce the time you need to look at the screen when approaching the turn, which makes it safer and compensates for the lack of audio.

The Nuvi also "zooms" into the junction as you approach it providing a larger picture on the screen.

It's early days yet, but have to say, I haven't missed the audio yet. Used battery power so far. Hard wiring over the weekend. USB connector doesn't look waterproof to me.

Comments?

[famousperson]

Mine is rigged on the left with a long RAM arm, which just clears my tank bag. I have it connected directly to the battery (with fuse). The wires run along the tank behind the plastic so nothing shows. No finding hidden connectors, soldering or splicing required.

Since I don't like being distracted, I use it almost exclusively for the displayed "miles to turn" in the lower right corner of the display. If a new weatherproof model came out with the display features of the Nuvi 550 I'd be on it like a shot.

I rode 250 miles in the pouring rain yesterday, poor visibility and definitely not good for pulling over to look at maps. My Zumo 550 saved the day, finding my destination with no problems even though it was on a small side street in an obscure town. What did we do before GPSs?

[Rocket]

Mine is rigged on the left with a long RAM arm, which just clears my tank bag. I have it connected directly to the battery (with fuse). The wires run along the tank behind the plastic so nothing shows. No finding hidden connectors, soldering or splicing required.

Since I don't like being distracted, I use it almost exclusively for the displayed "miles to turn" in the lower right corner of the display. If a new weatherproof model came out with the display features of the Nuvi 550 I'd be on it like a shot.

I rode 250 miles in the pouring rain yesterday, poor visibility and definitely not good for pulling over to look at maps. My Zumo 550 saved the day, finding my destination with no problems even though it was on a small side street in an obscure town. What did we do before GPSs?

The Nuvi 550 is supposed to be fully waterproof and suitable for bikes, although I haven't tested mine yet. Some guys in my local bike club recently tested theirs on a tour through France & Spain. 2 days of rain didn't cause it any problems, so I am optimistic.

[famousperson]

Mine is rigged on the left with a long RAM arm, which just clears my tank bag. I have it connected directly to the battery (with fuse). The wires run along the tank behind the plastic so nothing shows. No finding hidden connectors, soldering or splicing required.

Since I don't like being distracted, I use it almost exclusively for the displayed "miles to turn" in the lower right corner of the display. If a new weatherproof model came out with the display features of the Nuvi 550 I'd be on it like a shot.

I rode 250 miles in the pouring rain yesterday, poor visibility and definitely not good for pulling over to look at maps. My Zumo 550 saved the day, finding my destination with no problems even though it was on a small side street in an obscure town. What did we do before GPSs?

The Nuvi 550 is supposed to be fully waterproof and suitable for bikes, although I haven't tested mine yet. Some guys in my local bike club recently tested theirs on a tour through France & Spain. 2 days of rain didn't cause it any problems, so I am optimistic.

I didn't know that!! Like I said, then, I'm on it