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Matt Helm (Helm)
New Member
Username: Helm

Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 09:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I've had this thing "stuck" to my dash for about 5 months (in warm weather). When winter came it toppled off and just wouldn't stick with either the perm or temp disc they give you. I know this sort of an obscure question.. but I dont know where else to ask. I have an 03 disco and i'm considering mounting it on there with something a bit more durable in cold weather. Any adhesive suggestions?

Thanks
Helm
 

Curt Perlman (Cnote)
New Member
Username: Cnote

Post Number: 23
Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I actually took off all the mounting hardware and mine rests in that little space on the dash above the radio. It sits at the perfect angle and I have never had any problem with it sliding around. In addition, when you remove it while parked there is no visible hardware to tip off a crook that you have a GPS inside Otherwise, prep all surfaces with alcohol before trying to remount
 

Craig Kobayashi (Koby)
Dweb Lounge Member
Username: Koby

Post Number: 1049
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 09:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

You could do a RAM mount and screw it into the dashboard:

http://koby.sigmadata.net/disco/176c/
 

Matt Helm (Helm)
New Member
Username: Helm

Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 10:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I have a baseball cap that sits over mine when it's not in use ;) Cant even tell the GPS is under it!! =)

Thanks for the suggestions.
 

Jack Leitch (Liveattheedge)
Member
Username: Liveattheedge

Post Number: 123
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 10:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

matt, that is a genius idea. Deffinatly doing that.

Cheers

Jack
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 871
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 11:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Matt,

Get a RAM mount as Craig suggested. You need to get it bolted down. I wouldn't trust the sticky mount that came with it - it's not going to hold in the event of impact.

The RAM mount adjusts to desired positions easily, locks the garmin into it, and you can remove the unit in seconds to use elsewhere. Shop around for prices, when I got mine, the RAM mount for it was retailing for apprx $40 and I was able to get it thru an aircraft supplier for apprx $20.

You might want to check www.valcoelectronics.com, their prices are great, orders are shipped same day, and their customer service is excellent.

Good Luck, Jamie
 

Bill Mallin (Billmallin)
Member
Username: Billmallin

Post Number: 167
Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 11:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I stuck down a III Plus with that 3M foam tape. It's been off road and bumped and rattled and shakin and it is still there... still holding strong.

Granted, the III Plus is smaller...

Maybe you should try that tape. Most stereo shops have it. Make sure to clean where you are going to put it with rubbing alcohol really really well. I think it's worth a try before you drill holes...
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 60
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 08:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Craig,

Nice setup!

A couple of questions. Where did you get the ram mount? Where did you wire your GPS to give it power? I see the wire disappear under the dash.

JRS
 

Craig Kobayashi (Koby)
Dweb Lounge Member
Username: Koby

Post Number: 1052
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 11:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Justin-

I forget where I got it from exactly, but I did buy from a RAM dealer.

My GPS is wired directly to the battery.
 

Bill Mallin (Billmallin)
Member
Username: Billmallin

Post Number: 170
Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 12:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

They sure do have a lot of nifty stuff: http://www.ram-mount.com/
 

Ken Rountree (Krountre)
New Member
Username: Krountre

Post Number: 12
Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Matt,

I had the same problem with the discs for my e-trex that use in my appraisal business. I finally glued it down with Duco Cement. I let it set up for a day before I reattached the rest of the mount. I don't plan on selling my '98 anytime soon, but if I do, I hope they need an e-trex mount on the dash :-) Next time I'll get the Ram mount. Saw one today in a Cabela's catalog.

By the way (and I should be smarter than this; guess it was old age) but remember to check the voltage before altering the wiring on a GPS. My 9volt etrex didn't like my 12volt Disco. That's why the socket is so big :-)
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 882
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Ken,

That's just too good - Duco Cement! :-) :-)

I've got mine powered with the 12V cord for the street pilot. It runs down behind the panels on the dash into an additional 12V 3 way plug (from radio shack) that is mounted on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel.

Jamie
 

Matt Helm (Helm)
New Member
Username: Helm

Post Number: 3
Registered: 02-2004
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 08:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hrmmmm.. Duco Cement. I was thinking epoxy. So your mount is on there? Solid? Even in cold cold weather?

I would order a RAM mount, but I just don't have the heart to put holes in my 03 dashboard.. just yet ;)
 

Ho Chung (Thediscoho)
Moderator
Username: Thediscoho

Post Number: 614
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

matt, here's an older streepilot on my disco1.
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/hoshos/DCP_1679.jpg

it's sitting where the rubber coin tray used to be. have you tried that? if fits perfectly in my case.


Ho Chung
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 885
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Matt,

Yes, it is on there solid in all weather. Well I guess I can't say all weather - We've never been in temps lower than 30 degrees (yet) and it's only been that cold for a few hours during a hard freeze.

I wouldn't be concerned about putting holes in your dashboard if you put your equipment in there in a way that makes sense. Trust me, I was ready to just hammer my equipment to the dash, and the members here were loud (understatement!) in their convictions that I should do it "properly". That was a very good thing for me. Gee whiz, if I would have thought of Duco cement, I probably would have done that for sure. I was so frustrated trying to figure all of that out that I was just about ready to get out a hammer and nail everything to the dash.

I doubt that you will want or need to go to the extremes that we have. One of our primary end goals of my truck prep has been to secure everything as tightly as possible to be prepared to roll it and for us to stay as safe as possible inside the cabin if that were to happen (but I really really really hope I don't have to do that)

Here is pic that maybe I should be too embarrased to post? I know it will never pass any beauty shows, but it all works in spite of my human deficiencies. I can get equipment out in a matter of seconds when it is necessary. Mounts swivel and tighten into any position. The messy straps you see are the lanyards and stuff that secure them to people or other equipment for use outside the truck - I leave them on there so that they don't have to be hunted for when needed. I do keep misc items like the external antenna in a handy spot, but I don't use them much because they just get knocked off when stuff hits my truck.

Good luck, Jamie

 

Reed Cotton (Reedcotton)
Senior Member
Username: Reedcotton

Post Number: 311
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Matt-

Ho's idea is good, and you could always supplement it with Velcro.

I have a Color Streetpilot, mounted on the Garmin dash mount. The first year I had it mounted, iI had the same problem that you did. In hot weather the sticky stuff lost its stickyness.

I solved it by getting another set of the mounting pads, and then really cleaning the dash area. Don't just use the towelettes supplied with the pads, but get some alchohol, or contact cleaner and spray down the area. (Test this on an unseen part first to make sure there is no discoloration, or tendency to dissolve the dash.) I haven't had any reoccuring problems.

One thing I did do though was use both the "temporary" mount, and the "permanent" one in tandem. The temp mount looks like it gives better shock absorbtion, and I used the permanent one just in case it had a more permanent type of glue. (Though I'm really not sure about that, but it is so thin that it really doesn't matter)

Another thing you might try is a replacement kit for glass mounted antennas.

Good luck,
-Reed
 

Matt Helm (Helm)
New Member
Username: Helm

Post Number: 4
Registered: 02-2004
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well .. thanks for all the suggestions! I think what i'm going to do is go get some Duco from the hardware store and glue the mount down where I had it before. It's pretty much in front of and slightly to the left of the "coin" tray. About the same postion you guys have the RAM mount mounted. I do like the idea of just laying it in the tray with some velcro.. but It's a bit farther back than i'd like..and i love putting my crap in that tray.

 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 887
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 01:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I couldn't resist taking this pic that demonstrates the versatility of the RAM mounts. Gosh I've gotta start working an quit playing around :-)

I wish I could find the receipt for when I ordered mine. I know it was just about 50% off the retail prices at the time (it was their regular price, I didn't get a special deal). The name Hart Aviation keeps coming to mind, I'll try to check.

 

Randy Maynard (Rans)
Senior Member
Username: Rans

Post Number: 758
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 02:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

RAM Mount, screwed in on '99 DII Only way to fly. Can also be used as a mount for video camera. But I also have a bar mounted RAM mount for that, and mount the vidcam on the roof rack.
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 62
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 02:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Jaime,

You have the coolest rig!

JRS
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 64
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 09:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Craig,

Could you post a pic on how you connected the power for the GPS to the battery? I'm curious as to how you guys are connecting things to your battery. What's the best, neatest way? I'm getting a Street Pilot III next week and want to install it myself.

Thanks.

JRS
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 891
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 10:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks Justin,

My LR tech figured all of mine out, chose the layout and placement of equipment, and installed everything. I somehow managed to leave him alone to stay out of his way :-)

He bypassed the stock electrical system so that it does not overload anything and cause problems. All equipment runs through a separate fuse panel with on/off switches so that I don't accidentally leave equip on and end up with a drained battery.

I just know where all the fuses are and how many amps can travel thru each without blowing anything. Some of them are right at the battery. Here is pic of battery connections if that is of any help. I put a pink arrow in the lower right side pointing to fuses that are at the battery.

Good Luck, Jamie

 

John Roche (Jroc)
Member
Username: Jroc

Post Number: 226
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 01:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

That RAM mount is nice! But if you live in a part of the country where crime is a concern, like Zoo York City, it would last about as long as it takes Rosie O'Donnell to go through a bag of Lays!

If this is the case you might check out a product from 3M called Dual Lock. Like velcro but Waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy stronger. No, I don't work for 3M, but I am a fan of many of their products. I've used this particular product many times (I'm a Property Master/Special Effects tech.) with great success. In Extreme cold you might have a problem, but you could always use a stronger adhesive to mount the Dual Lock with. It could be mounted in the location that Ho was good enough to recommend, and would look very stealth (less obtrusive). Good Luck
 

Craig Kobayashi (Koby)
Dweb Lounge Member
Username: Koby

Post Number: 1066
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 01:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Justin, I use the Audiopipe Terminals and Distribution Block (one more pic) to wire all my electrical accesories.

John-

The RAM Mount is indeed nice, but the nice thing about the RAM that really sold me on it was that the GPS unit simply unclips from the mount. Whenever I long-term park my truck I take out the GPS and voila! My GPS is theft-proof.
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 894
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 01:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Craig,

That's really cool! Connections sure look neat and clean that way!! :-)

Jamie
 

John Roche (Jroc)
Member
Username: Jroc

Post Number: 227
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 01:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Cool Craig,

I didn't know that it was removable, that does make it even more appealing.
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 68
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 01:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Craig, Jaime,

Thanks for the pics. You both have good setups.

JRS
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 903
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 01:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Removable is the only way to go for me. Especially since it came with a gazzillion accessories and cords. I leave the beanbag mount and the data cord on my desk for data import/export since I have compatable Garmin software on my computer. Unfortunately, I have not been able to master the import/export. If I could get that under control it would be awesome so I could make the maps on my hardrive then just transfer them over (and vice versa).

I have gotten really frustrated and have left it on my desk - only to return to it later to find dead batteries. Solved that problem by purchasing a cheapy adapter that I plugs into the wall. It enables me to use AC power by plugging the 12V cord into it. That way, I can leave the additional 12V cord on my desk as well and I don't have to feed the street pilot batteries.

One of the other advantages of being able to remove it is for editing information. For example, when I'm out, I'll mark waypoints with the unit - and quickly note the number that the unit assigns the marker "waypoint" on my "paper" map. By doing this, I am able to also track my route on paper and can later edit the number assigned to some sort of unique code using letters so that it hopefuloly makes sense to me when needed at a later date.

Someday I might smarten up and just throw the blasted thing out my window and leave it behind forever. I really am tempted to do that - especially when it starts that annoying "off route, recalculating" nonsense.
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 72
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 09:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Got my Street Pilot III. For now it's sitting on the dash in the bean bag holder (or whatever that thing is). I'll buy a ram mount. I think that sounds like a good way to go. Back to the wiring thing. Did you guys/gals actually modify the lighter adapter by cutting off the lighter portion and solder an extension to it to reach the battery?

JRS
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 973
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 11:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Justin,

I still plug mine in. The 12V cord runs down behind the front panels ending near the 12V 3-socket plug that I added (from radio shack). The electrical equipment that I have to carry varies from time to time, so this works for me b/c I can just unplug it - then plug in the power to whatever equipment takes priority. Here is pic so you can see where I mounted the additional 3-way on the passenger side of the center console.

Craigs set up looks really sweet and clean, I'd go with that if I were you.
Mine works well if you need to switch equipment in, out, and around on a continual basis.

Good Luck, Jamie

 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 73
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 01:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Jaime,

So the 12 volt, 3 socket adapter is what you have hard wired into the battery?

JRS
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 974
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 03:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

No. It runs through an additional electrical switch panel inside the cabin that then goes to the battery for powering extra equipment in the field. My tech designed and installed it so that nothing messes with the "stock" electrical system. It is also CYA b/c there are 3 fuses between each piece of equipment and the battery for when I am a dumb bunny. You know the expression that it's either feast or famine? When I'm out there, I'm usually doing absolutely nothing or a gazzillion things at once that I can't afford to screw up on. Or maybe it's that expression of when all h___ breaks loose?

If you want details, I'd be happy to share them. It's not expensive to go this way, but it takes alot of time to do the initial install. Parts for doing everything this way ran apprx $75 for everything (not just this section). I found all that was needed at Boaters World and Radio Shack when they were running sales.

That particular 3 socket adapter is not the one you asked about. However it is the same thing for less money and on display at the store right beside the one you asked about.

We used the one that radio shack sells that has the 3 way adapter that plugs into the stock cigar lighter plug. We went this way because it was way CHEAPER than the one with the wires - you just remove the 12V plug that it comes with and pull the wires down to use them. Basically, you get the exact same thing for less money.
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 74
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Jaime,

Is this the Ram mount you have?

http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/0061.9.11016670284117616599/ramb101g1.html

JRS
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 979
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

It looks like it is the same, but I can't tell for sure.
Description I had written from my old notes is: B kit street pilot 3/3D to 2.5 surface.
 

Craig Kobayashi (Koby)
Dweb Lounge Member
Username: Koby

Post Number: 1091
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 01:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Justin, I wouldn't recommend cutting up your cig adapter if you want to hard-wire.

http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10082%2D00

I believe that will work with your Street Pilot III
 

Jamie (Rover_puppy)
Senior Member
Username: Rover_puppy

Post Number: 980
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 09:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Justin,

I agree with Craig on that, we've had to come up with some rather unique solutions for unusual circumstances (and also to compensate for my deficiencies in other areas). If you can go with a straight set up, keep it clean, and go for it. I really like Craig/Kobys set up alot.

BTW, it was the radio shack adapter that we modified, NOT the Garmin cord.

Good Luck, Jamie
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 78
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 03:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Craig,

I got my ram mount in the mail. What kind of screws did you use to secure your mount to the dash? How long were they? How far down in the dash did you drill, roughly?

Thanks

JRS
 

Craig Kobayashi (Koby)
Dweb Lounge Member
Username: Koby

Post Number: 1117
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 04:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I used short wood screws.

When I drilled into the dash I was very careful not to drill too deep because there is an A/C vent directly below the area on my dash where I drilled.

When the small bit I used cleared the dashboard plastic I stuck a toothpick into the hole until the toothpick hit the A/C vent. This established the maximum length screw I would be able to use without causing damage to the A/C vent.

I then went into my screw bin and found three screws that matched the dimensions I needed.
 

Justin Sherfy (Jrsherfy)
Member
Username: Jrsherfy

Post Number: 79
Registered: 08-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 06:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Craig,

Good ideas. I'll see if I can't get the thing mounted this weekend.

JRS

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