monicatomokc

Taking some ideas from c5eddiem's post several weeks ago when he posted this option for his Garmin, here's what I did for my TomTom XXL550M.

Found some scrap Bruce hardwood flooring I had laying around and glued 2 together, did a little cutting-to-fit, and painted flat black. Ordered a spare windshield mount and another USB cable on Ebay for a total of $8.00.

You need to ensure the entire unit is completely inside the storage area because when you go into reverse, the screen will raise automatically so you can use the back-up camera.

I included a pic of the satellite reception to show how good it was in the storage area AND I was in my garage too!!

Throw in the lifetime updates for maps and POIs, you can't beat going this route.

David A. Homoney

Nice job, though sad it was needed.

Mdm23

You know they offered nav as an option on the C7 right?..................

Bryan Wharton

Thanks for that!! Best idea yet for an Australian solution even though I have a 3LT.

C7Joy

I use my stock unit frequently, even sometimes when I know the general route. It helps to see your turns come up on the 3D map. No problems or complaints so far.

monicatomokc

Yes and maybe.... I'm just not into paying up to $199.00 for annual updates for something I'm getting for free with this portable Nav system I've had for 3 years now. Especially when it gets used so little. I've mentioned in another post that I could just stick it to the windshield like I do with a rental car when traveling, but I don't like the obstructed view and the power cord hanging down and getting in the way.

Just something I thought I'd pass along for anyone interested.

BlkGlass94

Great idea BUT it does not work with my Garmin! I do have the navigation on my C7 but do perfer my Garmin Nuvi 2595! It does fit behind the screen with no problems; but when plugged into the USB plug the Garmin shows a picture of the usb being attached to a computer and only charges no navigation functions at all! I guess I would have to change to TomTom? Thanks for the great idea I just wish it would work with Garmin?

ATX-C7

Great idea, and since the nav is basically $1795 in 2015, this is a much better alternative (especially how crappy GM Nav is).

VatorMan

You need a power only cable. I'll take a pic of my similar setup.

Mike Mercury

WOW; I already purchased a Yaesu FTM-400 for my '15 (ahead of time ) and was fearful about GPS reception. I'm planning on placing the radios control head in that same spot.



Looks like I'll be good with GPS reception; especially only needing 3 locked sats to get accurate data.

KenHorse

Utter nonsense.

The C7's NAV works just fine, has been entirely accurate and is quite easy to use. And being integrated with the car (HUD, digital display, etc) is a plus

Folks gots to bitch 'bout somethin' I guess.....

KenHorse

Dang... and I only have an FT-8900 installed in mine

(then again, I don't care about APRS nor DR-1.. well not yet anyway.....)

Mike Mercury

I enjoy APRS lately, operate a digipeater at my house; but can take or leave the digital modes.

Here's what I had in my C5:
http://tim-yvonne.com/mikemercury/hamradio.htm

KenHorse

Nice! I had my 8900 in both my C5Z and C6

In my C5Z:





In my C6:




In my C7:




Now, back to the C7 NAV

Mike Mercury

KH

monicatomokc

I see VatorMan told you about the "power cord only" for the Garmin, but for TomTom owners, when you plug into the USB port and turn it on, it asks if you want to connect to the computer; select "No" and you're Nav is up and running.

Chuck Mahnke

For getting power to the Garmin you can use a "3BR Powersports Garmin to miniUSB Power Cable" which comes in 9", 12" or 18" lengths and is available from www.gpscity.com or do a Google search for it. I'm using a Garmin Nuvi 50LM in the cubby hole and it works great there. The volume from the little gal in there giving directions is muffled though. I think she has claustrophobia being stuck in that small space.

c5eddiem

Nice Job!

I probably should have mentioned that for Garmin, a USB power-only wire is needed. Easy to get from sources referred to above. I made one up for my Garmin, and the unit works pretty well in there. Reception is not as good as up on dash, but the features and reliability far outweigh a short, occasional signal drop.

Kenhorse, go check out a Charger or Challenger with the Uconnect 8.4 system and you'll quickly see what a factory GPS should perform like. While you're at it, check out the rest of the Infotainment system, it really puts it all in perspective! Dodge had it right all the way back in 2011 when I had my Charger.

Ed

AFVETTE

The ingenuity and cleverness of our CF members never ceases to amaze me. Nice work and an elegant solution to a problem many new Stingray owners have been looking for.

Cheers

Vetteman Jack

Nicely done and a good way to keep using a trusted GPS unit.