We recently uncovered some pretty funny videos released by TomTom. Not sure who the intended audience was, but take a few minutes to watch these videos. Then take a look at some cool mounts for your TomTom.
November 24, 2010
May 31, 2010
Garmin TomTom & Magellan GPS Charger and Power Cable Options
We get a lot of questions regarding this topic so figured it was time for a MountGuys Blog posting on the topic.
First, the easy ones. TomTom and Magellan. All of their GPS units made in the past few years use a USB charger.
TomTom Charger
TomTom Hardwire Cable
Now, the difficult one. Garmin. It all depends upon which on you guys. The Garmin Nuvi 600, 700 and 800 series all use a proprietary ending that plugs into their cradle. Can you use the USB type directly into the GPS? Garmin does not recommend it but we have found no material effects with doing that. It’s always good to pay attention to the manufacturer though. So we suggest that if you can do it, use the flat charger with the cradle. A few pictures are presented for the Garmin Nuvi 600 700 and 800 series. By the way, the same charging end is used for the Zumo using the car cradle.
Hardwire option for your Nuvi
What about the rest of the Garmin Nuvi family? They use cables that are USB as well but with proprietary pin settings. Be sure that the cable you purchase is made for a GPS otherwise you risk going into the dreaded PC mode. Another important tip: many of the cables made for GPS units with traffic can integrate the traffic receiver with the cable itself, so be sure that the cable you buy is rated for traffic if you choose to retain that feature.
Nuvi USB Car Charger
Nuvi USB Hardwire
Last one. Magellan. They use USB cables with proprietary pin settings too. Ask us any questions you might have about powering up your GPS at customerservice@mountguys.com.
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February 22, 2010
TomTom Ease and Start GPS Mounting Options
With all the low priced options coming in from Asia, TomTom is trying to compete at the low end. Recently announced models are aimed to the entry level market. Lower priced without a lot of bells and whistles, these are easy to find at less than $100. The Ease is sold in North America and the Start is sold in Europe and Australia. You will find the Start Europe, Start UK, Start Australia and several deviations throughout the world.
The Ease and Start both use a deviation to TomTom’s Easyport mounting system. There is a round attachment on the back and the mount fitting will snap in place around the GPS.
The mounting options for the Ease and Start are almost limitless.
TomTom Ease or Start Vent Mount
TomTom Ease or Start Suction Mount
TomTom Waterproof Motorcycle Mount for Ease or Start
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February 14, 2010
Waterproof Garmin TomTom iPhone Motorcycle Mounts Part II
Since we wrote our last blog post about waterproof GPS and iPhone mounts, we have discovered other vaiations that have proven very popular with our customers. As you know, we carry the RAM line of motorcycle mounts and they make an excellent array of weatherproof mounts called the Aquabox (RAM-B-149Z-AQ6U). These are excellent mounts but the price in some cases begins to approach what a lower priced GPS costs.
We recently began to carry a lower priced model. It’s a completely different type of mount. The case is made of a weatherproof neoprene type of material and deploys a weatherproof zipper for a tight water resistant seal. The mount fits bars to 1.5 inches and is a heavy duty plastic. These fit the majority of TomTom, Garmin, Mio, Magellan and Nextar GPS models. Generally speaking anything that is 4.3 or 3.5 inch diagonal will fit well (that’s 98% of the GPS market).
The excellent feature (besides the price) is that the human touch can be felt through the transparent window. This means you can interface with your iPhone. We find this difficult with the RAM Aquabox line. Our new waterproof mount line overcomes this restriction at a very competitive price.
RAM makes a great mount, but if you would like a lower priced option, take a look at our WaterBike line of mounts.
Our WaterBike Mount from the side
Our Waterproof motorcycle mount with a Garmin Nuvi 855
Protecting your GPS with Cases and Screen Protectors
You spent a lot of money on your GPS. These devices are easily scratched so don’t just throw it in your gym bag, purse or glove compartment when not in use. Consider adding a carry case or pouch. We always wondered why the manufacturers do not include one, going back to when GPS units first came into fashion, the manufacturers would include a pouch in the box. Well, suppose times are tough now, so the consumer is faced with purchasing a carry case for their GPS. There are plenty to choose from for your Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, Mio, Nextar or whatever brand you have. They are even available for Golf GPS units like SkyCaddie (those cost more than fully blown GPS units these days).
First we start with cases. There are many types, and depending upon the size of your GPS and if you would like to also store the mount, many sizes to choose from.
Carry case for your GPS, mount and power
Somewhat smaller, these mid-sized cases can fit the GPS and charger
There are smaller cases too. If your GPS is a standard 4.3 or 3.5 inch, there are many smaller cases on the market that will accommodate your GPS and charger, but if you would like to also include your mount, then the larger ones above are the only way to go. There are cases made by the manufacturer too, often in the form of pouches to fit your GPS. However, we think the ones that are aftermarket are a better value and you can generally fit more stuff in there.
Garmin manufactured case for their 4.3 inch family including the 660, 750, etc
Next item up for consideration are screen protectors. Originally made for PDAs back in the 1990s, some like to add these to GPS units. They come precut for the 3.5 and 4.3 inch units. Easy to apply and remove, they generally do not leave any residue on your GPS. They do need to be replaced roughly every 3-6 months.
Easy to apply and remove screen protectors
November 22, 2009
TomTom GPS Car and Motorcycle Mount Guide
TomTom has been a major player in the GPS field in Europe for a long time. Over the past several years they have also become a top seller in the US and Canada. Unlike other manufacturers, TomTom has used some strange naming standards. They also have used some strange mounting methods. This blog post discusses the types and offers some advice for the lost TomTom souls out there.
TomTom’s flagship branding is the TomTom One, TomTom XL and TomTom GO. One might think there could only be one type of mount for each. We wish that was the case. In fact, there are several within each line. Let’s review the options.
The TomTom One line has a few variants. The TomTom One 125 130 130S 140 140S GPS. The TomTom One IQ and Europe. All use a circular attachment on the back of the GPS.
Vent Mount with EZPort Attachment fit TomTom XXL too!
Round EZPort Adapter
The TomTom XL line has these models: TomTom XL 330 330S 340 340S and now they have the XXL 530S and 540S GPS. TomTom also has introduced the XXL IQ to Europe. Hope you aren’t too confused yet, as we aren’t done yet. The TomTom XL and TomTom XXL uses a similar circular attachment to the TomTom One series that’s listed above.
TomTom XL and XXL Motorcycle Mount
TomTom XL and XXL GPS flexible gooseneck suction mount in action. These can be used on any smooth surface (not just the windshield)
The TomTom One line has an older cousin – the TomTom One (note absence of any number after the “One”). You may also hear this called the TomTom One 3rd Edition. This GPS uses a half moon shaped notch on the back to attach to a mount. This is the GPS TomTom used to break into the market in North America and they stole a lot of low end business from Garmin. The TomTom One XL and XL-S uses a similar mount – but it’s wider (XL means eXtra Large).
TomTom One Third Edition back mounting point
TomTom One heavy dash friction mount.
Can there be more you might be asking? You bet. The TomTom GO series. There are three types. The most popular by far is the TomTom 20 and 30 series. This includes the TomTom GO 930T 920T 920 730 720 630 530 520 GPS. These use a strangely shaped attachment that I don’t think there is an English name for.
TomTom GO 930 920 730 720 630 530 520 Mounting Attachment
TomTom 930 Dash Mount Action Shot. These can also be used ont he windshield.
October 6, 2009
RAM Mounts for the Common Man (or Woman)
RAM makes killer mounts. Excellent quality with hundreds of customizable options (they have custom cradles for Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and many UMPCs). But their selection can sometimes be confusing. We wrote this post to help explain how their numbering (and lettering) system works. Some of of this information can be found on their web site if you know where to find it. But as a large reseller of their mounts, we thought it would be helpful to provide a brief explanation.
RAM’s system is a simple ball and socket design. You need to make sure the ball size matches the socket. The majority of RAM mounts sold for GPS, satellite radio, HAM radio are one-inch balls (RAM-B or RAP-B). Most use the the metal (the M in RAM-B) but to save a few dollars, some will opt for the plastic (the P in RAP-B).
Arms typically come in several sizes too. Again most common is the one inch ball, and there are three arm sizes (1.75, 3 and 6 inch sizes). Most of our mount listings have an option to choose an arm size.
Here is RAM’s high level numbering system and arm sizes in detail:
A size ball = .56″ diameter (seldom used)
B size ball = 1″ diameter (by far the most common)
C size ball = 1.5″ diameter (used for heavier items like marine electronics)
D size ball = 2.25″ diameter (very seldom used)
E size ball = 3.38″ diameter (very rarely used)
RAM-B-202u using a 1-inch ball
RAM-202 using a 1.5 inch ball
September 10, 2009
Waterproof GPS and iPhone Mounts for Motorcycles
Looking for a sealed waterproof enclosure for your device on a motorcycle? There’s not a lot of choices out there. One excellent choice is to select the waterproof Garmin Zumo GPS series. These are excellent GPS units, but let’s face it, $700 is a lot for a GPS. The functionality of a Zumo is on par with many GPS models from Garmin, TomTom and Magellan in the $150 range.
Why worry about waterproof? This is important for those that wish to leave the GPS attached to the bike overnight, or ride in the rain. If you don’t do any of this, read a different post on our blog (we have lots of good information).
But what if you don’t feel like spending $700 on the waterproof models? Consider a waterproof bike mount. These combine a standard mount with a weatherproof case. RAM Mount makes an excellent high quality line of waterproof cases called the Aqua Box.
RAM Mount Aqua Boxes provides excellent waterproof protection. Featuring a clear, touch through screen so that you may view your electronics as well as use their function keys while in place. There is even a place for a small lock to serve as a theft deterrent. Ideally suited to Motorcycles and ATVs, these keep your portable devices safe, dry, and accessible.
There are multiple sizes available. Most popular are the Medium Wide models (RAM-HOL-AQ6u) suitable for most GPS models made by Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and Navigon. A very popular size is the Medium model (RAM-HOL-AQ2u) which suits the Apple iPod, iPhone, Microsoft Zune, Dell DJ and many other MP3 players. Each case comes with padding within to ensure that slim units sit flush against the lens. The rear of each box has a punch-out to provide access for cables and wires.
Both of these cases are available coupled with a motorcycle mount, windshield mount and marine mount. These combinations provide the best value if you need a mount as well as the case. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty on their products.
Cell Phone and MP3 Player Aquabox Medium Case
Aquabox Medium Wide Case for GPS Units up to 5" Diag Screen
August 30, 2009
The Sun and the GPS Live Happily Together with Anti Glare Shields
We receive a lot of questions about glare on GPS units. Especially when used on the windshield or motorcycle. While we aren’t aware of any GPS units that use an anti glare surface, we wonder why they don’t. For some reason it seems like the glare on TomTom GPS units are the worst. At least, that’s what our sales tell us as we sell more glare shields for that brand than any other. Garmin also has a similar issue. Magellan GPS units seems to be the best at preventing glare. Not sure if that’s by design.
There are two different types of GPS anti glare shields. One clips on the unit. It surrounds the display (not the entire GPS, just the display). The second uses velcro to attach to your GPS and a fabric hood surrounds the entire GPS.
Which one do we recommend? Well that’s up to you. The clip-on is a cleaner look, and when removed, there’s no velcro left on your GPS. However, the fabric type gives better coverage as it surrounds the GPS including the sides and gives superior glare control. We seem to sell more of the first type (if that helps).
These are available for most GPS units. 95% of all GPS units sold are either 3.5 or 4.3 inch screens and we have anti glare shields for both. We also carry anti glare shields for Fishfinders as well.
The fabric GPS glare shield surrounds the sides and provides excellent protection.
The clip-on GPS glare shield. Note these surround the display only (not the entire GPS). These attach and remove easily.
