Cig lighter GPS plug in base?

[Trodo]

Okay, now I've seen some units for the IPOD that mount and plug into the cig-lighter for power and support mounting, so you don't have to run a cord or mount to the windsheild. And I feel down, out of the way on our lighter-jacks would also be a good place to keep out of sight and the sun.

Are there any mounts/power or complete systems for GPS systems out there that do that?

 

[Corwyyn]

I have my Garmin GPS V mounted on the dash and run it off of the accessory plug. I ran the power cord up thru the dash and used my hot-air gun to make a small opening for it - took the trim piece that is just under the window off and heated the edge until it was soft, then used an extension for my 3/8" sockets to mold a nice clean curve so it wouldn't pinch the cord. I'll post pics later this week when I get some spare time.

 

[Se7enLC]

Okay, now I've seen some units for the IPOD that mount and plug into the cig-lighter for power and support mounting, so you don't have to run a cord or mount to the windsheild. And I feel down, out of the way on our lighter-jacks would also be a good place to keep out of sight and the sun.

Are there any mounts/power or complete systems for GPS systems out there that do that?

no, and there's a reason. GPS units need to have a view of the sky to operate, so if you keep it low and out of sun+sight, it won't work. If by "GPS systems" you mean something with an external antenna like one of those PDA systems, then sure, you can use a PDA mount to keep the display nice and low. You'll still need to run a wire from there up to the headliner or at least the dash to mount the antenna, though, unless it's a bluetooth GPS antenna.

 

[Trodo]

Okay, now I've seen some units for the IPOD that mount and plug into the cig-lighter for power and support mounting, so you don't have to run a cord or mount to the windsheild. And I feel down, out of the way on our lighter-jacks would also be a good place to keep out of sight and the sun.

Are there any mounts/power or complete systems for GPS systems out there that do that?

no, and there's a reason. GPS units need to have a view of the sky to operate, so if you keep it low and out of sun+sight, it won't work. If by "GPS systems" you mean something with an external antenna like one of those PDA systems, then sure, you can use a PDA mount to keep the display nice and low. You'll still need to run a wire from there up to the headliner or at least the dash to mount the antenna, though, unless it's a bluetooth GPS antenna.

Oh okay. Thanks for the quick lesson on that one.

 

[Corwyyn]

GPS units need to have a view of the sky to operate, so if you keep it low and out of sun+sight, it won't work.

Plus you want to have the GPS display up near the windshield/top of dash area so it doesn't take too long to check your location. Having it mounted low and away from the window is just an invitation to an accident...

Here are some pics of my install:
This shows the power cord coming out of the dash (note that wonderful Arizona dust in the seams)

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This shows the GPS mounted and ready to navigate

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