[toronto_nic]

hello,

i've been reading pages of posts, but im not sure if i'm any further !

I want to install my Garmin 60csx on my 08 Vee. I think i've settled for a ram mount that goes over the brake fluid container.

I'm somewhat confused about the recommendations for wiring. I'd like to "hard cable" it and avoid the cigarette lighter thing.

However, I'm planning on eventually adding a socket for a heated vest, and likely adding additional lights, maybe heated grips, and changing the horn.

1- anyone have bad/good experiences with the ram mount and the 60csx?
2- do i need to install a PC-8 Fuse Panel ?
3- where can i find a "how to" with pictures on how to start doing some of this cabling work?

 

[greywolf]

GPS models with a cigarette lighter plug almost always have a 12V-5V converter in the plug. Most don't do well cutting off the plug. Check with Garmin. A fuse block is a good idea if several devices are planned. The Eastern Beaver site has good info as does .: Distribution Block / Powered Relay | Canyon Chasers Motorcycle Sport Touring :.
The latter site has clickable pictures for larger views.

 

[jokermtb]

Here's another option - I have the same GPS60csx unit [I use rechargeable batteries], and I use Garmin's bicycle handlebar mount - if you have the real estate on your bar, this may be something of interest. There is a carrier for the GPS that snaps onto the GPS60csx, and that carrier slides into a small clamp on handlebar mount. You can either un-clip the GPS from the carrier, or slide the whole assembly off the clamp-on mount. It's designed so if you want to hard wire it, the power/data port is accessible while on the bicycle carrier/mount. I've got a clamp-on mount on my Mountain Bike, and another on my Strom. It's very effective, and inexpensive - and the quick release allows you to easily take the GPS with you when you stop in and walk about off-bike [don't want that spendy device to get stolen!]

The mount holds strong on the roughest trails I've mountain biked [Upper and Lower Porcupine Rim], and is also fine for flying down washboard roads and rough freeways on the Strom. $20 - that's it!

Below: shows GPS carrier attached to clamp on bar mount [hidden below] - the GPS is not mounted in the carrier.

 

[Yak]

You can purchase dedicated hardwire cables that include the necessary circuitry to reduce the voltage to safe levels for the GPS unit. Way more convenient than the cig lighter or batteries. some sort of power distribution block would be useful for what you have planned. I have the PC 8 and really like it.

 

[Mud Puddle]

+1 for Eastern Beaver. Check his site he has good install directions with pictures.

Also you could go with Richland Ricks GPS mounting bracket. It mounts the GPS up under the wind screen.

Here's a good link
http://www.stromtrooper.com/techy-world-gps-electronics-etc/44550-zumo-660-w-richland-ricks-gps-mount.html

Here's a pic of mine (modified to allow mounting 2 devices)

 

[PTRider]

And, you don't need the fuse block. Once you decide how you'll connect the GPS to power, you can run wires to the battery positive and negative terminals with a suitable sized fuse in the positive line.

Greywolf has an easy way to install a cigarette lighter socket--he velcro'ed one to the inside of his tank extension left side--look down by the upper part of the left fork for the spot. It is also easy to put a cig socket inside the wire loop the throttle cables pass through.

Decide how you'll do it and you can get more detailed info here.

 

[Yak]

"socket for a heated vest, and likely adding additional lights, maybe heated grips, and changing the horn"
With what the OP has planned (including the hardwired GPS) that is a lot of ring terminals stacked on the battery posts. A fuse block or some sort of distribution plate would be a good idea.

 

[CHIA]

RAM mount on handlebar, right in the middle for me.

Forget power cords, the 60CSx has extraordinary battery life, almost 2 full
days of riding, with 2 AA Enaloop rechargeables.

That's the sweet part about the 60csx, no need for cumbersome cords, and compromising it's waterproof shell.

I have a Zumo now, so listed my GPSMAP today, super little units.

 

[rfulcher]

I have a 60csx and at high RPMs or on rough roads the internal battery connection was occasionally intermittent. Also on battery power at night the unit burns thru batteries faster if you use the backlight full time.

The 60csx can use 12 volt power directly from the bike.

I used a wiring harness from Eastern Beaver to install both a cigarette lighter socket and a Powerlet socket. I prefer the Powerlet connections and just use the cigarette lighter plug for devices like tire pumps.

Powerlet.com sells cables to fit your 60csx and almost any type of connector. Between Eastern Beaver and Powerlet you can put together about anything.

 

[toronto_nic]

thanks for all the feedback, im working out a few options and will likely follow up with additional questions.

 

[toronto_nic]

Hi,

So I finally received my bare cable to connect my 60Csx.

here's the question:

Garmin states the red cable is for power and the black cable is ground.

1-where do I connect my ground to?
2-once I receive my PC8 box, how do i change the connection?

 

[CanadianFZ6]

Hi,

So I finally received my bare cable to connect my 60Csx.

here's the question:

Garmin states the red cable is for power and the black cable is ground.

1-where do I connect my ground to?
2-once I receive my PC8 box, how do i change the connection?

You connect the ground straight to the battery negative terminal. (i would never use the frame as a ground connection).. Unless you have the PC8 (which I know you just ordered)... In that case the PC8 has the outputs for the + and - wires of you Garmin cable and 7 more for other electical gadgets you may want to install... Remember, on the PC8... terminals 7 and 8 are unswitched (meaning connected directly to the battery)... anything connected to those outputs will drain the battery if left plugged in while the bike is off...

 

[toronto_nic]

many thanks!