Streetpilot 2730

[Brentbba]

Who else has one and where have you mounted the hockey puck style antenna? I know Alvaro just keeps his on his dash and has no reception issues. I had it there for awhile and didn't have problems either. I'm just looking for a more permanent solution.

I've currently run mine, using the supplied mini-usb extension out the DS grommet, thru the engine bay, DS door and up behind the gutter trim to the roof above the driver by the sun roof.

Problem I have with this location is that it's highly likely to get knocked off driving thru low hanging branches, brush, etc.

Seems like the only extensions are those offered by Garmin at anywhere from $16-19 depending on the site and are only 8ft IIRC. I'd really like to mount the 'puck' at the rear of the truck right in the middle as it would be protected there when I have the INTI roof rack mounted. Problem is that it would require probably 2 or 3 of these extensions.

Has anyone done this? Any USB guru's out there that could comment on the potential line loss from a run of 2 or 3 of these extensions?

TIA

 

[Dunbar]

I have the same unit and usually throw the puck on the hood and run the wire through the PS door by the A pillar. I just close the door on the cord and have not damaged it. It did not recieve good on the dash, especially when driving North.

I might get an extension and run it through the firewall and then up on the cowling behind the hood and in front of the windshield.

My problem is that I usually drive my convertible BMW and my wife drives the Cruiser, so I need to swap it back and forth at the drop of a beer cap. I even take it into the office and listen to XM on it through the computer speakers.

I have read that you do not want to run more than one extension but have not tried it. I use the sandbag mound in the Cruiser and have never had it jump off of the dash. In the BMW I use the sticky mounted pad and it has never come loose.

Check this forum on GPS Passion:

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=86

Lots of good info in there. I just updated to CM NT Version 8 and have the latest firmware. I love the unit but will need to get a battery operated unit at some point for out of vehicle ops.

Cheers,
Dunbar

 

[Brentbba]

Hmm,

I'll have to check out the forum. Stumbled accross one when doing research on these, but haven't been able to find it again. The thing that bugs me about having that puck on the roof, outside of it getting knocked off by branches, is that the replacement cost is about $235 and someone could just come along with a knife and swipe it - not that it would do them any good!!! Obviously it can't be unplugged as the connection is in the engine bay, but I suppose someone with really long arms and the knowledge of these things could figure it out.

I've seen a windshield suction cup mount platform for the antenna, but as you say, reception isn't quite as good sitting on the dash as outside the truck.

I may eventually have a commuter car and in that case, portability between cars will be nice - that or biting the bullet and purchasing an add'l antenna.

Front cowling is a good idea when offroading - thanks!