Heeelp: 60Csx+power+mounts+maps
 

I currently have a Garmin 60Csx, which I'm comfortable with in the applications I've used it for (military and hiking), but I'd like to use it for my upcoming trip from the States through Central and into South America and back so I have some questions:

1) What is the best way to power it? I have the new F650GS twin with the BMW power supply socket. I've found BMW power sockets made for the 60Csx, but I'd have to order it from the UK, is that the best or a good option? Or should I be looking at hardwiring the unit?

2) Maps, I see Garmin has a World Map with somewhat sufficient coverage, but is there something else that would be better? Some third party software? How well does 3rd party map software/data work with Garmins/Mapsource? Where should I find other mapsources?

3) What is the best mount? I see a RAM straight handlebar mount and a bigger RAM mount on swivels and whatnot, are those the best option? Is there anything lockable?

Anything else in the world of GPS I should consider with my upcoming trip?

Thanks, I appreciate any assistance.

Actually, I think I answered a couple of my questions, I see Touratech has both a locking mount and a BMW connector (but holy pricey!!! 150 for a locking mount and 78 for the power adapter?!)

So besides the age old question of "what is the best map(s) for central and south america;
Is the Touratech mount good? And will I be happy with the cigarette style plug or would I prefer to hardwire it?
Thanks!

You may find 'SmellyBikers' 'Wanderlust' world map better in that area than Garmins 'World Map'. Smellybiker's Wanderlust Worldmap • Index page
Note that Wanderlust will work with mapsource 6.13 and under .. but not 6.14, 6.15 yet. Also Wanderlust is currently version 1.6 .. 2.0 is due out 'soon'.... don't hold your breath :)

There are individual country maps from various people .. usually locxal effort buy local residents joining their traclks together..

The BMW plugs are used on tractors too .. so you can get them there .. use a standard Garmin car type supply cord - cut the car end off and put the bmw end on .. you now have a power cord for your bike to GPS. :)

Read older postings, all these topics about maps are extensively covered in the past.

There is also RAM mount that is cheaper, however it is not that long lasting if you drive on bad roads (I had rubber ball fracture in heat plus also plastic holder's "finger" fractured).

I have wired mine to bike electrics so that GPS is powered when ignition is on. Use Garmin original power cable for tight connection, some cheaper alternatives are reported to be of poor quality.

Much appreciated, I went ahead and paid the pain of 150 to TT for the locking mount and picked up the RAM handlebar mount, pretty slick setup, people are happy with it.... Likely going to take another wallet hit and get the hugely overpriced CANbus power cord for the Garmin. TT loves the price gouge. I sent them an email asking if the thing would dance and sing and do my dishes for being an 80 dollar cable that costs 5 dollars to manufacture.

I'll check out that wanderlust mapset... and see if I can find people who have used it in the region to get a good thumbs up before purchase.

Thanks again!

Hello guys,

why allways buying that expensive stuff for mounting the GPS. Look my homemade version:

http://img421.imageshack.us/img421/10/garminrad85ao.jpg

its made out of an alloy-profile for mayby no money. In the moment its mounted on my mountainbike, but also possible at all other bikes.

http://img421.imageshack.us/img421/1...auteile5nd.jpg

http://http://img418.imageshack.us/i...adunten8fq.jpg

who want's to build it: Here the PDF-download with all technical-drawings, material-list and pictures.

Kfz-, Motorrad-, Fahrrad-Halterung Garmin GPSmap 60 (C, CS) 396 KB -------->http://www.desert-info.ch/download/pdf/Icons/PDF.jpg

Sorry, it's in German.

Have fun with it.

Regards

Ulrich

Sadly, I didn't so bought the Touratech version and added a RAM mount. Rubber mountings reduced damaging vibrations.
Powered via fused accessory socket.

Hardwire directly into the battery (with a fuse) and you don't need a Canbus cable.

Agreed. It's much more convenient to have power when your bike isn't running. I have two of the TT locking holders, i'm happy with them. You can buy the power cable directly from Garmin which fits into the TT holder for half the price. cut it, add a fuse and connect it directly to your battery. I think the fused socket may be rated too high for the GPS, you have to check the numbers.

My power socket is hard wired and fused-
and I have made this arrangement with the DIN plug (see above pic) up as it gives me flexibility, portability and and does away with canbus issues.

Does the TT cradle include a bar mount or do you have to buy one seperately?

I assumed it included a mount, so why the RAM mount?

Todderz

Yes, the TT mount includes a crossbar bracket- If you look at the picture to the right, you will see I replaced the bracket with the 'ball' part of the RAM mount.

Why the RAM mount?
Because I already have a 278C bracket mounted across the bars and also want the flexibility of moving the GPS as I said before - I also use the RAM mount as a tarp mount and a brolly mount

Cool, thanks.

Now if only the euro wasn't so expensive.....

Garmin cables are very expensive, but you can make your own for next to nothing: pfranc.com: Cables and connectors for Garmin GPS, and more!