My Cheap GPS Mount + Power Outlet
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
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From: Clarksburg, PA
My Cheap GPS Mount + Power Outlet
Just wanted to share a simple GPS mount I made along with my power outlet mounting.
For the GPS, I bought the cheap Arkon bike mount for $20:
Well, you get what you pay for with this and although the bag part is decent, the mount was crap. I could not get the ball part to tighten enough that it would not move.
I picked up two 1" shaft collars which fit the crossbar on my bike. The same could be done with just one collar I'm sure...as long as you keep it from swiveling somehow.
I basically drilled and tapped the collars, then took a flat plate and sandwiched the bag between the plate and the mounts.
There are several foam pieces that you use to build up the height for the GPS to sit flush with the screen so the GPS doesn not rub the metal.
I need to straighten out the GPS since I just threw it in there for the pic, but it sits in there tight and the whole setup is rock solid. This is a small screen, but I want to get a new, larger one. You can still use the touch screen.
For the GPS, I bought the cheap Arkon bike mount for $20:
Well, you get what you pay for with this and although the bag part is decent, the mount was crap. I could not get the ball part to tighten enough that it would not move.
I picked up two 1" shaft collars which fit the crossbar on my bike. The same could be done with just one collar I'm sure...as long as you keep it from swiveling somehow.
I basically drilled and tapped the collars, then took a flat plate and sandwiched the bag between the plate and the mounts.
There are several foam pieces that you use to build up the height for the GPS to sit flush with the screen so the GPS doesn not rub the metal.
I need to straighten out the GPS since I just threw it in there for the pic, but it sits in there tight and the whole setup is rock solid. This is a small screen, but I want to get a new, larger one. You can still use the touch screen.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
For the power outlet I just used the Casco one with the spring loaded door. This is actually a nice feature in that it puts pressure against the GPS plug to make it even more secure.
I soldered in an inline fuse and just went straight to the battery with it. I may install a power switch or even tie it into a relay that is switched on when needed. For now, as long as I remember to unplug the GPS, or phone charger with the USB adapter, then I am fine.
It looks "in your face" here, but is pretty inconspicuous overall. Just used 3M tape and a couple of zipties for security. Ran the wires under the tank.
Cheap and easy! We took a 100 mile ride yesterday with no issues other than the glare of the sun made it hard to read the screen at timnes, but I would think that would be an issue no matter what.
I soldered in an inline fuse and just went straight to the battery with it. I may install a power switch or even tie it into a relay that is switched on when needed. For now, as long as I remember to unplug the GPS, or phone charger with the USB adapter, then I am fine.
It looks "in your face" here, but is pretty inconspicuous overall. Just used 3M tape and a couple of zipties for security. Ran the wires under the tank.
Cheap and easy! We took a 100 mile ride yesterday with no issues other than the glare of the sun made it hard to read the screen at timnes, but I would think that would be an issue no matter what.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
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From: Clarksburg, PA
I'm pretty sure I can get my phone in the bag so I may try that.
I was just wanting to show an easy way to make some mounts by using shaft collars...you can use them for frame mounts also. I cn see them being used for a small bag for phones or keys, etc.
Seems like everyone would rather just buy something already made up though than actually make something.
I was just wanting to show an easy way to make some mounts by using shaft collars...you can use them for frame mounts also. I cn see them being used for a small bag for phones or keys, etc.
Seems like everyone would rather just buy something already made up though than actually make something.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
I've got the same mount for my GPS. (I prefer my GPS to the phone by the way.) I know it's a little late but I spun mine and it tightened up for me. By the way, it held up just fine in the rain, pretty good amount of it too.
Need to steal your idea for the outlet by the way.....
Need to steal your idea for the outlet by the way.....
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
I've got the same mount for my GPS. (I prefer my GPS to the phone by the way.) I know it's a little late but I spun mine and it tightened up for me. By the way, it held up just fine in the rain, pretty good amount of it too.
Need to steal your idea for the outlet by the way.....
Need to steal your idea for the outlet by the way.....
I want to wire my outlet to a relay that is switched when the bike is running or at the least I need to wire a switch in.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Clarksburg, PA
Tractor supply should have them or possibly Lowes.
I got mine from work. You want the the kind that the bolt heads are on the same side...unless you put the shaft collar on and then bolt to it.
To protect my bars I just ran some electrical tape around them.
I got mine from work. You want the the kind that the bolt heads are on the same side...unless you put the shaft collar on and then bolt to it.
To protect my bars I just ran some electrical tape around them.