Reccomend me a low-profile GPS unit for in-dash mounting

[unusedusername]

I'm looking to mount a BCD536hp in a single-din slot in my dash, along with a GPS unit to allow it to follow me while I take road trips.

I got one of Uniden's suggested GPS units, and this thing is horrible for my intended use.

1) The GPS unit takes in 5v (not 12v) and has a bulky lighter cord attachment with a LED on it. I could hide the cord behind the dash, but the red light would show at night, and there really isn't enough room back there.
2) The serial connector is not exactly small. They make much smaller ones, but Uniden decided to get one the sticks out real far.

I understand that any GPS output can be used to drive the scanner as long as the format is correct (NEMA?).

What GPS units have been used successfully for a permanent in-dash mount? I'm looking for a very small, easy to hide unit that does not have a screen on it.

 

[phask]

I have a Garmin GPX 18, no LED , but it may be about the same size.

Mine is on the dash, at the far right side against the window pillar and I never notice it. Wire, for me, was small enough to route behind the panel between the dash ans windshield. Mine easily removed, wire in, and replaced.

It's wired into some under the dash, switched, cigarette lighter receptacles.

Description and photos GPS 18

I'm sure there are others.

 

[1075]

I have a Garmin GPX 18, no LED , but it may be about the same size.

Mine is on the dash, at the far right side against the window pillar and I never notice it. Wire, for me, was small enough to route behind the panel between the dash ans windshield. Mine easily removed, wire in, and replaced.

It's wired into some under the dash, switched, cigarette lighter receptacles.

Description and photos GPS 18

I'm sure there are others.

Forgive the rookie question, but this would work as a GPS connected to a BCD436HP without being connected to a laptop? I was looking at the info. in the link and it mentioned that the unit needed to be connected to a laptop. I am getting ready to purchase a 436 (hoping the price will drop a bit after Christmas) and may eventually want to get something like this for when I'm travelling.

 

[phask]

Forgive the rookie question, but this would work as a GPS connected to a BCD436HP without being connected to a laptop? I was looking at the info. in the link and it mentioned that the unit needed to be connected to a laptop. I am getting ready to purchase a 436 (hoping the price will drop a bit after Christmas) and may eventually want to get something like this for when I'm travelling.

sure does . It was designed for multiple uses, but mainly to drive a PC.

Need to add the proper cables - which elude me right now.

I used a handled Garmin for a couple years, same cables - etc. This is just a cleaner/

 

[1075]

sure does . It was designed for multiple uses, but mainly to drive a PC.

Need to add the proper cables - which elude me right now.

I used a handled Garmin for a couple years, same cables - etc. This is just a cleaner/

Great, thanks! I don't even have the scanner yet, but this looks like a great GPS setup option.

 

[ofd8001]

I have the Uniden GPS device for my truck and am quite happy with it. Rather than plugging it in a 12V power point, I ran a new circuit for its power. Just got a cigaretter light extension cable at the auto parts store and cut the male end off.

This concept should work for you, taking care to tape the male/female connection so it doesn't work itself loose.

You are correct - any GPS device doing the 4800 baud NEMA output works. But it too will require some power supply. Those I've seen also use the cigarette lighter style plug for vehicular use.

 

[dkf435]

There is not one GPS board module or unit that will be that small and not need an external regulator.

You can get the Global Sat BR355 (same company as what Uniden uses) GPS with the 6pin mini Din plug for $25- $45 on ebay and then get the mating connecter and a 4 pin Hirose connector and use an old 5v cell phone charger and get a smaller footprint then the factor power cord and DB9 to Hirose connector. The Rikaline 6010 module is similar.

There are also a lot of small GPS modules for drones or other robotic uses but they are only TTL 5v NEMA output and not RS-232 NEMA.

I have done mods to several of the Delorme Tripmate GPS units for plug and play use where you do the self start mod and put the 4 pin Hirose connector on the unit. You put 4 AA batteries in it and close it up and plug into radio.

David

 

[Voyager]

For the power, if it uses 5V and draws little, just use the USB connector as the power source (provided you're not using the dongle).

Plug in both connectors in the back of the scanner, and you're done.

I've long been wanting to modify a T/XT to provide power (simply run 5V to the correct pin) on the DB-9 so my GPS's DB-9 plugs in for a single-connector solution. no breakouts, and no connectors between the scanner and the GPS puck. This would apply to the Byonics GPS.

 

[unusedusername]

For the power, if it uses 5V and draws little, just use the USB connector as the power source (provided you're not using the dongle).

Plug in both connectors in the back of the scanner, and you're done.

I've long been wanting to modify a T/XT to provide power (simply run 5V to the correct pin) on the DB-9 so my GPS's DB-9 plugs in for a single-connector solution. no breakouts, and no connectors between the scanner and the GPS puck. This would apply to the Byonics GPS.

Hrm, I'll have to try the USB power... It's that the Uniden GPS that would work with?

 

[Voyager]

Hrm, I'll have to try the USB power... It's that the Uniden GPS that would work with?

Well, the Uniden GPS has a cigar lighter, so it depends on where you tap in and where the voltage regulator (if any) is located. I was talking about GPSs which run on 5V. The Uniden may do that, but I don't recall offhand. In the case of the Uniden, I just use the stock connections.