Mounting:
When installing a GPS on the dash of a snowmobile first place
the unit on the mounting bracket and then place it in the location
you want to mount it. Make sure there is room to accommodate the power and antenna
plugs behind the unit and enough room to tilt the GPS up and down for
proper viewing. Also make sure you can drill holes in that location without
disturbing anything under the hood. Once you have the location you want mark the holes
to be drilled. I recommend you use 4 of the outer most mounting holes on the bracket.
Place rubber grommets between the bracket and the dash and also between
the washers and dash underneath. This will let you get a good level mount
on a curved dash and also help absorb some vibration and shock.
Do not over tighten and use self locking nuts under the dash.
Electrical:
If you have a battery on your sled I recommend that you connect your power cable directly
to it. Make sure you install an in-line fuse, no more than 3 amps, as close to
the battery's (+) positive terminal as possible. This will protect the unit and the
power cable if a short should occur. If your sled does not have a battery
you can use the head lamp, tail lamp or hand warmer wiring but you must install
a rectifier bridge circuit
if your GPS will not handle AC current. I also recommend you use a two lead
shielded cable. This will help eliminate any interference from other electrical
components and the engine. Run the power cable so it follows the sleds
wire harness to the front and up the hood to the dash. Make sure it is
secure and has enough slack to open and close the hood. Dill a hole in the hood
behind the unit to run your power cable up. Make the hole big enough to use
a grommet. You do not want any sharp edges for the wire to rub on.
If you do not have shielded cable available use a length of 14 gauge two wire
power cord from the hardware store. This gives you a protective
layer over the two wires you are using for power and is less likely to
rub through and cause problems. If you are using shielded cable ground the shield
at one end only, the end closest to the power source. I use the engine, aluminum frame or tunnel.
Antenna:
If your unit has a built in antenna you can skip this part.
If you do you can mount the antenna on the dash behind the unit.
What I do is attach velcro to the bottom of the antenna and a strip on the dash.
This way I can remove the whole GPS system quickly and stick it on the
dash of my truck or ATV. To make the bottom of the antenna a nice flat surface
I first cut and glue a piece of rubber or vinyl to the bottom. I found
that Marine Goop works very well for this. Then I attach a small piece of hook velcro
to the bottom of the antenna and a larger piece
of loop to the dash. The smaller size on the antenna
will keep you from pulling the dash piece loose when it's removed. Now your ready
to plug in the power cord and antenna and put the GPS on the mount.
Tips for use
The one problem to over come is the cold temps in which you operate the GPS.
The LCD screens will not function in freezing temps. The way to beat this is to
always have your unit on. They will produce enough heat on their own to keep
the screen operating in the coldest temps. I used the Global Map 2400
in 30 below last January.
Keep the screen cover on during short stops and bring the unit inside for
any prolonged stops. Even if you forget and the screen quits it will come
back after it has warmed up. If you are carrying a hand held keep it in a
pocket inside your jacket to keep it warm.
Do not rely on GPS alone. If you are in unfamiliar territory and it quits
you could be lost. I carry a hand held and compass for back up.
Carry a map and check out where you are from time to time in case of a malfunction.
Pull over if your going to adjust the unit or take a good look at the screen
to see where you are. Paying to much attention to the screen while you are moving
could get you trouble. It's easy to get involved with the GPS and forget
about watching the trail. This is one point I really need to stress.
Pay complete attention to the trail at all times and pull over to check your
position.
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GPS Mounting Bracket
Battery Connection
Lowrance Globalmap 2400
