Date:         Sat, 20 Jun 2015 07:22:56 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Lovin' my new GPS!
In-Reply-To:  <CACK29c=vPKaUQ7Vby4-PtMEk9203Dzdk5Xe=6zz5hB70OQ7erA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I got a couple of DigiKey power outlets with built-in caps that snap into
the openings ....these have the caps 'tethered' right to the outlet, but
I've found they tend to 'spit out' the cover...the cover pops out and
stands up after a day or two.  I finally cut the plastic that connected the
cap to the socket...Other than that,  the Digikey sockets are better
quality than the cheezy ones you'll likely find in the Foreign Products
stores or on ebay.  I drilled into the dash just 'behind' (in front of?)
the ash tray and put one outlet there...I plug a springy power lead in
that.   I use one of those suction mounts for the "head unit" because it
allows me to position the GPS display right adjacent to the instrument pod,
in  a great position.    When I must touch the screen display, I can reach
it easily and I can steady the heel of my hand on the front edge of the
dash to change the display underway with some accuracy of my poking
finger.... Digikey link below

https://www.google.com/search?q=digikey&oq=&aqs=chrome.2.69i58j0i66l3.84279j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

   For the actual GPS,  I use my android phone and google's program.   My
particular phone has great battery life so I don't really "need" to have it
plugged in, but when it is, that coiled cord sits up on the dash and I can
use the phone or internet without unplugging, thanks to the coiled cord
lead.


On Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 5:04 AM, Steven Shelton <shelton4@gmail.com> wrote:

> I wired my GPS with a push-on Piggy Back Terminal  (
>
> http://www.delcity.net/store/Non!insulated-Push!on-Piggy-Back-Terminals/p_802001
> )
> on the back of the cigarette lighter.  I cut a black Plexiglas plate and
> mounted a cigarette lighter under it.  The mounting bracket for the lighter
> fits snugly into the ashtray opening.  The wire for the GPS goes through a
> slot cut into the Plexiglas.  I used the suction cup mount for a long time
> but it would occasionally fall off.  I finally just drilled a hole in it
> and the Plexiglas and mounted it with a bolt and nut.
>
> On our last trip I discovered that if I go to the screen on the GPS for
> setting the clock, I can leave it on in that setting and have a large
> display clock on the dashboard.
>
> On Fri, Jun 19, 2015 at 2:10 PM, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@mymts.net> wrote:
>
> > My stereo has extra USB ports on the back, so I have extra power hiding
> in
> > the ashtray. It's handy.
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > > On Jun 19, 2015, at 11:50 AM, William Monk <billmonk@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > >
> > > For not money you can purchase a USB cord with just the leads on one
> > end. I
> > > would wire it to a switched power that turns on/off with the ignition.
> > > That way you can take advantage of the GPS auto off feature.
> > > Make sure it's fused. Doesn't draw very much. Use a low amp fuse.
> > >
> > > Bill
> >
>