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GPS hookup

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by DaveFxst, Jan 9, 2009.

  1. DaveFxst

    DaveFxst New Member

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    Picked up a Sony GPS unit after the holidays, the usual dash-mount, 3" screen and so on. Man, the prices have really come down on these things. This one was $80 at Radio Shack. Anyway, I hope to be riding in the Florida Keys in March, and I would like to mount it on the bars of my softtail. Never been to Florida before and it would really help. Is there a simple way to hook up a standard cigarette lighter-type fitting without shredding the wiring harness? The bike is a 2001 Softtail Standard, nothing fancy. Any thoughts appreciated.
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2009
    DaveFxst, Jan 9, 2009
    #1
  3. Slimjim

    Slimjim Active Member

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    The attached link will take you to a good place to get almost any mount you may need. I have my GPS hard wired to a spare fuse position but I have seen them wired through plugs which makes it much easier to remove completely from the bike. You don't say what bike you have but if it does have a cigarette lighter, that would be the easiest electrical connection you could do IMO. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

    RAM Mounting Systems, Inc.
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2009
    Slimjim, Jan 9, 2009
    #2
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    if ya have a battery tender plug on the bike, they have power adaptors that plug into them. an electronic store, like radio shack, should have all you need to hook up a temp. power source for the battery. talk to one of the geeks behind the counter............:)
    chucktx, Jan 9, 2009
    #3
  5. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    FLHTbiker, Jan 10, 2009
    #4
  6. DaveFxst

    DaveFxst New Member

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    No cigarette lighter, Slimjim. That would be way too easy. I do have the battery tender harness that came with the tender itself, that being two leads that attach to the poles, with female ends that connect to the corresponding male ends on the battery tender cables. Next stop will be the technos at Radio Shack to see what they recommend. Logic would dictate a simple plug with two leads and a fusible link should suffice. It has to be easily removable. These things can disappear in no time.

    Thanks for the input. Will advise when I get it installed.
    DaveFxst, Jan 12, 2009
    #5
  7. DaveFxst

    DaveFxst New Member

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    GPS hookup solution

    The HD shop has a short harness that attaches to the battery terminals with a 7.5 amp inline fuse. The terminal end is a male-female plug that matches the battery tender fitting. You route the wiring alongside the underseat battery compartment. When you want to attach the battery tender, you just plug it in under the seat. Price is around $8.00. They also have a cigarette-lighter type accessory socket for around $20. I took the extra male-female fitting from a battery tender I had on hand and soldered and shrink-wrapped the wires to the accessory plug pins. For less than $30 I now have a socket that I can attach and plug the GPS unit in while it is in the right saddle bag, keeping it safe and charged. Best of all there's no hardware on the handlebars that screams "steal me" when it's parked somewhere.

    Thanks for the input. Problem solved.
    DaveFxst, Feb 3, 2009
    #6
  8. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    go to CycleGadgets.com to get the ram mount they have all the options and bits to fit any geeps or camera etc.

    I would mount a camera, better to get photos of what happens in the keys, well most of what happens...

    BTW FL is easy to navigate,

    To get to the keys, ride south, from Daytona take I95, and a gun, and run about 80 mph, when you get to Miami, speed up, load the gun and be ready to fire at anything close. Past Miami get on US1 ride to Key West

    just kidding you really don't have to speed up in Miami, it hurts your aim anyway... :roflmao:

    Other Fl riding and Key west Tips

    1) If before Noon and you are riding to the sun, you are going east, stop when you hit the ocean, your motorcycle will not run in salt water
    2) If it is before noon and the sun is behind you, you are going west, stop when you hit the gulf, the water does not help your bike run
    3) conversely if it 's afternoon and you see the sun in front of you you are going west, behind you east. Stop at the big water....
    4) When riding in the keys, it is best not to turn left or right unless you are on an island. Also do not stop and drink a lot of fruity drinks or beer, this causes many motorcyclist to turn left or right and end up in the water.
    5) If a super tall blond with big hooters in a dress approaches you in Keywest and in a deep voice asks if you'd like to dance, run away!:D
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2009
    hotroadking, Feb 3, 2009
    #7
  9. DaveFxst

    DaveFxst New Member

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    Pa. concealed carry permit is legal in Florida as part of reciprocal agreement. I assume you are not referring to 4-legged gators but the two-legged variety. As a friend of mne says, you can only ride till your helmet floats. Will post pictures (some, anyway) when we return.
    DaveFxst, Feb 4, 2009
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep and Fl is not a flee first state...

    Mostly 4 wheeled locals

    I-95 through Miami is not for the faint of heart.....

    at any time .

    You'll have fun though it isn't that bad, 1 to the keys is a good straight ride.
    hotroadking, Feb 4, 2009
    #9

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