 Topic Name: GPS Noob
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on: October 28, 2008, 07:51:49 AM
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #1 on: October 28, 2008, 08:33:12 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2008, 08:33:12 AM » |
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You will get a better track if the GPS is on the handlebars. It depends on the tree cover, but it may be just fine in the pack. If you do put it in the pack, try to keep it on the top pocket with as little blocking its view to the sky as possible.
The handlebar mount works pretty well for the 60 series units. It seems a little fragile, but I had many miles on mine. Some people add a zip tie or other cord just in case it does bump off.
Hope that helps.
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #2 on: October 28, 2008, 06:18:45 PM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2008, 06:18:45 PM » |
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Make sure you TETHER your gps to the handlebars if you use the mount. I lost my beloved ETrex this summer on the GDMBR and my wife had to get another one for me. I = idiot.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #3 on: October 28, 2008, 07:00:32 PM
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rocky rode
Posts: 98
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« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2008, 07:00:32 PM » |
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I'm using an Etrex Vista and I've had it pop off a couple of times. The latch that holds the battery cover can let go. Not only do I have a tether around the stem but I now use a large rubber band around the unit and the mount. I played with it a bit and have it so I can still see all of the screen and access the buttons. I've not had it come loose since I started doing this about a year ago.
I also added one of those light mounts for a fork, and mounted it to my stem, the GPS is mounted to that. This keeps the unit a bit more protected in a fall, it's not sticking so far out ahead of the bars. I can get the brand name of the mount if anyone wants to know.
Gary
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« Last Edit: October 28, 2008, 07:04:01 PM by rocky rode »
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #4 on: October 28, 2008, 07:45:27 PM
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dave54
Location: Lassen County, CA
Posts: 79
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« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2008, 07:45:27 PM » |
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I use an external antenna. It makes the unit more accurate and you lose signal under canopy less often.
The antenna is mag mount, designed for the roof of a car. So I sewed a flat washer (any flat piece of steel will work) atop my trunk bag and the antenna stays there. The GPS unit is inside the trunk.
The only down side is using an external antenna drains the batteries a bit faster.
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #5 on: October 29, 2008, 05:57:33 AM
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kbabin
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Posts: 36
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« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2008, 05:57:33 AM » |
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Gary,
Can you post pictures and links on what you use?
Thanks
Kev
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #6 on: October 29, 2008, 06:31:54 AM
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #7 on: October 29, 2008, 06:45:36 AM
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kbabin
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Posts: 36
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« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2008, 06:45:36 AM » |
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Cool, No need for pics. I see how it works...that is what I was looking for.
Thanks
Kev
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #8 on: November 02, 2008, 10:34:54 AM
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mtntraveler
Location: Southern CA
Posts: 64
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« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2008, 10:34:54 AM » |
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Having used the garmin GPS holder and having had lots of problems with it I, started looking for alternatives and found this RAM GPS handlebar mount. The GPS holder is solid, its survived a crash that would have sent the manufactures mount to the trash hep. Heres a link to the site www.gpscity.com/item-ram/rap274ga16.htm>GPS City RAM Mount Plastic eTrex Color Series Bike Handlebar Rail Mount[/url] |
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #9 on: November 03, 2008, 06:38:29 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2008, 06:38:29 AM » |
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The only down side is using an external antenna drains the batteries a bit faster.
That and you can't see the GPS while riding. But that's a neat idea to store it in the trunk with an antenna. Bet you get good signal (even better than on the handelbars). |
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #10 on: November 03, 2008, 06:43:04 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2008, 06:43:04 AM » |
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I also added one of those light mounts for a fork, and mounted it to my stem, the GPS is mounted to that. This keeps the unit a bit more protected in a fall, it's not sticking so far out ahead of the bars. I can get the brand name of the mount if anyone wants to know.
Cool idea Gary, thanks for sharing. I've never had any etrex pop off the mount (or the battery latch come undone), but they are open to damage sticking out like that. What I usually do is have my mount fairly loose on the bars. Just tight enough that it doesn't rotate with bumps, but loose enough that I can move it to change the angle (for better visibility). Then, if I crash it will just rotate rather than break off. |
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Topic Name: GPS Noob
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Reply #11 on: December 06, 2008, 11:18:28 AM
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rocky rode
Posts: 98
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« Reply #11 on: December 06, 2008, 11:18:28 AM » |
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Here's my GPS mounting set up (I hope). I'm trying to figure out how to post photos.
Anyone who wants to give advice on posting photos? It looks like I could have gone larger?
Gary
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« Last Edit: December 06, 2008, 11:22:19 AM by rocky rode »
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