Author Topic: Great way to mount GPS on Norge... (Read 13821 times)

jovato · « **on:** July 15, 2015, 12:57:29 PM »

I discovered that the little cap screw to the right of the ignition only holds a small plastic piece that retains some cables. I pulled it out and it had 6mm threads. It seemed like a great way to mount a GPS. Sure enough, Ram Mounts sells a 1" ball mount with an M6 screw. It is a very clean installation, and you can mount anything with a Ram Mount (which is virtually anything at all) straight on the ball. I used a zip tie to hold the cables in place, since I had to remove the little plastic piece. I'm not sure if any other models have this same mounting option, but it certainly is cheap, clean and easy. Here is a picture.

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/710745_JRn8bw#!i=4206056401&k=QWnmgx2&lb=1&s=A

canuguzzi · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2015, 01:51:15 PM »

That is what it is for, MG makes a GPS mount for the TomTom GPS. Under the tank near the front you'll find a switched set of wires for power. They are small so fine for carrying the current for a GPS. Do yourself a favor, remove the tank to tap into those wires as there isn't much extra length for crimping. There is also the TomTom specific connector on the end of the wires. If you tap off before the connector you retain it as stock should it become necessary.

I ran new wire (#10 gauge shipboard) from under the seat to the front and made up a 2nd generation of the Gizmo Dash. I put in two weatherproof Marine grade power sockets and and made room for my bike cam. All that is on-off via the lighted switch which can handle 16 amps, more than enough. The switch also operates the driving/fog lamp up front under the fairing.

I'll use the GPS power wire to supply the tire pressure monitor with juice and since it is switched with the ignition, no power drain when t he bike is off.

The dash mount uses no screws or bolts to be held onto the bike. The GPS-Tablet mount is QD for instant on-off.

From the rider position, nothing interferes with seeing any of gauges or LCD panel display.

Funny thing though, I rarely look at the GPS. This was just a hobby thing to do, I check my route before heading out and then at stops I might check again but while riding, it just sits there. It's an 8" tablet and does work nicely and is large enough to see. It do use it to play music via bluetooth to earbuds I wear under the helmet. works as good as ear plugs since it seals out noise really well even with no music playing.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:02:40 PM »

This is the no bolt baseplate. The 1/4-20 bolts coming up are not attached to the Norge's triple clamp in any way nor is the retaining bracket. The baseplate is held on via 3M VHB solar tape and the retaining clamp is a fail safe of an aluminum bar on the front side also held on that way.

The VHB is a proven fastening system (used it for years to hold solar panels on a tracking system mounted on a motorhome that went through all kinds of weather and over all kinds of roads including rutted dirt, about as good as welding. Getting it off means cutting between the taped pieces with wire but it does come off as if it was never there so bike can return to completely stock.

Instructions on how to make the whole thing is in the archives. You need only a drill and a file plus some materials.

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:06:42 PM »

I simply put a suction disk on the steering head cover and stick my Tom Tom on that.
GuzziJohn

Triple Jim · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:13:36 PM »

After a fairly bad crash when I was 21, caused by letting my attention get drawn away from the road, that large, colorful GPS display in the rider's view makes me cringe. I keep my GPS receiver in my tail bag, and stop to look at it as needed.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:15:53 PM »

Be careful with that zip tie holding the brake hose. It needs to move freely and zip ties might cause it to hang up. From setup my brake hose was secured only by the rubber ties along the bar risers but free lower than that. When you move the bars you can see how it needs to move about.

The Norge has so many cables and hoses from the handle bars I wish they'd clean that up with a simpler harness. Some kind of a hold all sheath so there wasn't such a hodge podge of dangling strings.

kidsmoke · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:21:17 PM »

ayuh, you stick a ram ball just about anywhere..

...wait. that may have come out wrong.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:22:15 PM »

Quote from: Triple Jim on July 15, 2015, 02:13:36 PM

After a fairly bad crash when I was 21, caused by letting my attention get drawn away from the road, that large, colorful GPS display in the rider's view makes me cringe. I keep my GPS receiver in my tail bag, and stop to look at it as needed.

It isn't in the riders view. That's just the frame of the picture. You actually need to look below the gauges to see it, it barely catches your eye if you are looking straight ahead.

I think it depends on what you want to look at. I don't really bother with it except when parked. It was just a hobby time thing, make something just because. The power comes in handy because I do run a bike cam which captures the view ahead but also the tach and speedo views.

I hardly look at the gauges but modified my behavior after running out of fuel the 2nd time. I shift by the feel of the engine and all that so the tach is just there too.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:24:41 PM »

Quote from: kidsmoke on July 15, 2015, 02:21:17 PM

ayuh, you stick a ram ball just about anywhere..

...wait. that may have come out wrong.

If it comes out wrong, stick it back in and try again.

kirb · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:24:50 PM »

I like a more fixed mount with a lockable cradle...what I did on the Stelvio:
http://stelviontx.blogspot.com/2013/10/revised-cross-bar-for-enduro.html

jovato · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:21:57 PM »

So MG charges $125 for a mounting option that Ram sells for under $10? Wow. I actually prefer to ride without GPS or my phone most of the time. However, it is a complete pain when I have to ride somewhere in downtown Seattle that I haven't been before. I wanted a clean quick way to pop my cel phone on when navigating somewhere new or to somebody's house. When road tripping I figured I would pop on a dedicated GPS. I never thought of a tablet. Do you think the stock connector under the tank would provide enough current to power a 10 inch tablet?

kirb · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:47:05 PM »

Quote from: jovato on July 15, 2015, 03:21:57 PM

Do you think the stock connector under the tank would provide enough current to power a 10 inch tablet?

No problem...I'd be more worried about the 12V to 5V converter being used. I suggest at least 2A converter like these: http://burnsmoto.com/
Convert the ciggy sockets to Powerlets if you want anything to stay in them: http://www.powerlet.com/

kidsmoke · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2015, 04:15:34 PM »

Quote from: kirb on July 15, 2015, 03:47:05 PM

No problem...I'd be more worried about the 12V to 5V converter being used. I suggest at least 2A converter like these: http://burnsmoto.com/

The red jackal above has the dual USB found on that burns moto page mounted on the dash. You can see it there between the ram ball and the neutral light. Works well on my droid, iphone and full size Ipad.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2015, 05:15:39 PM »

Quote from: jovato on July 15, 2015, 03:21:57 PM

So MG charges $125 for a mounting option that Ram sells for under $10? Wow. I actually prefer to ride without GPS or my phone most of the time. However, it is a complete pain when I have to ride somewhere in downtown Seattle that I haven't been before. I wanted a clean quick way to pop my cel phone on when navigating somewhere new or to somebody's house. When road tripping I figured I would pop on a dedicated GPS. I never thought of a tablet. Do you think the stock connector under the tank would provide enough current to power a 10 inch tablet?

Nope. Many tablets run 2.5 amps or better and who knows where that thin wire MG put there for the GPS draws from, I don't trust it. I just ran the dual DC sockets up front that can run 10 amps each although I fused for 10 amps total. You could run a single and just put in one of those 3.1 amp x 2 or x3 power socket USB adapters. They fit nearly flush to the SC socket so they are low profile. Then you have plenty of power to run just about anything you want (running new wire from under the seat of course).

I have so say that the tablet is way overkill for GPS, it can't do anything a phone can't also do but in a smaller package. I like the idea of a larger display because it is easy to read just with a glance or use with gloved hands at stops.

If your USB can't put out at least 2.1 amps, the tablets battery can get slowly damaged, just like any under charging system with a battery. Different tablets have different requirements like phones but you get the idea.

My preference is to use a DC socket and a USB adapter because you get flexibility in case you want to power something else or reverse charge your bikes battery.

If you use the marine grade DC sockets, things will stay in there and you don't have to find a powerlet end point, almost anything will work. Big fan of marine grade stuff for things like this, they work and accept standard accessory charge points.

I ran 10 gauge wire but you could run 12. While the tank is off, high temp sheath the wire and attend to any cleanup while you're at it. Pulling the tank off is only a bugger the first time.

On the Norge you have the DC power socket under the seat. You can connect your wire there and since that will be fused you are good to go. The obsessed among us will fuse closer to the load which I do to but two fuses are of no benefit. What is nice is that you don't have to connect anything to your battery directly. Beware though, that DC socket under the seat is hot all the time so if you want to control the power to anything in front, put in a switch or relay it to something else energized when the ignition or engine is on.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:15:23 PM »

Quote from: Norge Pilot on July 15, 2015, 05:15:39 PM

Nope. Many tablets run 2.5 amps or better and who knows where that thin wire MG put there for the GPS draws from,

That's what schematics are for
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzi007/schematics/2007_Norge_ABS.gif

I assume you are referring to the Navigator Connector item (7), it's fed from switched fuse A
The non ABS bike doesn't show one but it wouldn't surprise me if it has the same.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2015, 08:11:17 PM »

I stand corrected and thank you for that schematic.

From what I can see in that schematic (need stronger readers now) it is fused for 15 amps and also has some lights in that circuit.

So that means there is actually enough current available and 18 gauge wire could carry enough amps to power a tablet and a phone if both had a draw of 2.1 amps each. I'm estimating a total wire run of not more than 10'. It could take more but that should be plenty.

I do like the idea of running dedicated wire of a heavier gauge just because I am known to experiment and the radar collision avoidance system does use quite a bit of current.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2015, 12:44:55 AM »

The power outlet (27) is almost directly on the battery but it's not switched. That would be good for your tablet while parked.

ITSec · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2015, 01:09:20 AM »

Placing a GPS as MG designed and as Norge Pilot described will work for many - but not if you use a tank bag. It also will not provide adequate spacing of devices if you use both a GPS and a SPOT satellite tracking device, as they need to be 12-18 inches minimum apart from each other to prevent interference.

Two locations that work well for RAM ball mount points are:

Using the hinge screw for the windshield and placing the GPS above the instruments in the center bottom of the windshield
Using the RAM mounts that attach above either the brake or clutch reservoirs

I use the second choice, with the GPS at left (just to the right of the left-hand mirror) and my SPOT on the right side,

Zoom Zoom · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2015, 05:40:29 AM »

Yep, that is how I mounted mine when I had a Norge as well. I used a 1/4 20 bolt from the bottom and trapped it with a nut. Once the cover was reinstalled, (with the appropriate hole), the RAM ball was screwed onto the protruding threads. I had located somewhere out on the web that had so many RAM bits, I was able to build what I wanted. Very clean install that way.

John Henry

canuguzzi · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2015, 10:53:22 AM »

Quote from: ITSec on July 16, 2015, 01:09:20 AM

Placing a GPS as MG designed and as Norge Pilot described will work for many - but not if you use a tank bag. It also will not provide adequate spacing of devices if you use both a GPS and a SPOT satellite tracking device, as they need to be 12-18 inches minimum apart from each other to prevent interference.

Two locations that work well for RAM ball mount points are:
[list type=deciminterferes sing the hinge screw for the windshield and placing the GPS above the instruments in the center bottom of the windshield[/li]
[li]Using the RAM mounts that attach above either the brake or clutch reservoirs[/li]
[/list]
I use the second choice, with the GPS at left (just to the right of the left-hand mirror) and my SPOT on the right side,

If a tank bag interferes with the way my mount works just how would you steer the Norge anyway? The tablet does not come back any father than the brake and clutch master cylinders.

If you r tank bag goes into that space you can't ride your bike.

PJPR01 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:00:42 AM »

Using a RAM mounted onto the brake reservoir screws is in my humble opinion a better place to mount the GPS/radar detector/SPOT devices. It's much higher and therefore doesn't require looking down or taking your eyes off the road as much as having the GPS mounted below on the plate (besides being a bit hidden behind the tank bag), which leads to safer riding. A quick slightly downward glance is all that is needed, and in the event you want to input on the fly, or zoom in/out, also the RAM mounted location has the added benefit of having to reach much less further than if mounted on the center plate. Hard wire it in and you're good to go!

not-fishing · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:04:20 AM »

The Norge panel reminds me of:

Here's my "GPS" and I have to stop on the side of the road to use it - just like my phone.

I guess my problem is;

Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #22 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:13:35 AM »

3 amp
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321477673334?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Even at 3 amps, 5 volts, is 15 watts. Just barely over 1 amp on the 12 volt side. Manageable by wimpy wires.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #23 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:14:26 AM »

Quote from: PJPR01 on July 16, 2015, 11:00:42 AM

Using a RAM mounted onto the brake reservoir screws is in my humble opinion a better place to mount the GPS/radar detector/SPOT devices. It's much higher and therefore doesn't require looking down or taking your eyes off the road as much as having the GPS mounted below on the plate (besides being a bit hidden behind the tank bag), which leads to safer riding. A quick slightly downward glance is all that is needed, and in the event you want to input on the fly, or zoom in/out, also the RAM mounted location has the added benefit of having to reach much less further than if mounted on the center plate. Hard wire it in and you're good to go!

Isn't that in your field of view? I think there is a reason why many state vehicle codes require any device be mounted below or above the driver or riders field of view of the road.

Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #24 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:23:15 AM »

Quote from: Norge Pilot on July 16, 2015, 11:14:26 AM

Isn't that in your field of view? I think there is a reason why many state vehicle codes require any device be mounted below or above the driver or riders field of view of the road.

I have my phone/GPS near the left mirror. Below my line of site, but easy to glance at.

PJPR01 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:33:14 AM »

Exactly like Wayne says...it's below the field of view just off to the left...well below the top of my Cal Sci Shorty windscreen...by about 5 inches. I can shoot you a pic, or let me see if I can get it loaded here shortly.

Cheers!

canuguzzi · « **Reply #26 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:35:02 AM »

Agreed, the gizmo dash is way to much for the Norge, or any bike.

By the time you get done fiddling with it, many hours have passed and then you end up going back and re-doing this and that.

Would I want to do it again? Not a chance. Will I? Probably, because tinkering is a hobby and sooner or later it will rain here and its something to do.

Since I don't use what I made very often, other than it is there, just an exercise to see if it could be done. Until I see another Norge, it will be likewise one of a kind.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #27 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:36:59 AM »

Quote from: PJPR01 on July 16, 2015, 11:33:14 AM

Exactly like Wayne says...it's below the field of view just off to the left...well below the top of my Cal Sci Shorty windscreen...by about 5 inches. I can shoot you a pic, or let me see if I can get it loaded here shortly.

Cheers!

It is like where the tire pressure monitor is mounted in the pics above? That makes sense. I had an image of the GPS blocking the view between the mirror stalk and fairing windshield.

PJPR01 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 16, 2015, 11:53:18 AM »

Side view:

Front view:

I like the TomTom Rider a lot...some folks don't but it's works perfectly for me. Touch screen is fast, glove friendly and route finding is very quick. Hard-wired in and works great.

On the RHS, I have another RAM mount with the Escort Battery powered (non wired) Radar detector...also could be strap on my SPOT device on top of the detector...

Windshield is the Cal-Sci Tinted Shorty, so you can see the GPS is nicely below and to the left of the screen...

canuguzzi · « **Reply #29 on:** July 16, 2015, 12:17:37 PM »

Looks really nice.

Now, where did you get the tank bra?

News:

Author Topic: Great way to mount GPS on Norge... (Read 13821 times)

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