Clock / GPS Mod, suggestions or opinions?

[hatpix]

I thought it might be a nice mod to have an in-dash GPS in my 85 Carrera (I like a nice mix of hi-tech and low-tech). So here's my idea, Tuck a Garmin i# GPS unit inside a VDO guage and plug it into the clock position on the dash. Nice upgrade, no permanent damage to the car.

There's already a 12v powersupply for the clock, and I can use that to power the GPS. Since the built in antenna will be obscured by the dash, I can run an external antenna from under the dash and place it somewhere unobtrusive.

The Garmin is really tiny, much smaller than the clock, but it looks like it will have to be taken out of its case. Between the donor GPS ($200 eBay) and the rest of the goods, I think I can come in under $300.

Any thoughts, comments, ideas are appreciated.

Here's the stock view.

Here's a photoshop illustration of an optimal install

And the donor unit:

[rlh930]

Looks like a very clever idea. Is there room for the unmodified orignal Garmin case inside the clock housing? If not, it looks like fabricating a new faceplate that would adequately locate and support the scroll wheel might be a challenge. If you take the Garmin case apart, you're making a $300 bet on your fabrication skills.

[Eric-325I]

I say go for it, great idea...

Eric

[hatpix]

It looks like the corners on the Garmin are going to have to be ground down, but the sides and top/bottom will fit inside the clock tube. I want to keep a 100% stok look otherwise I would just have it peeking out of the opening (no mod needed for that just a mounting bracket) with no clock bezel.

[rlh930]

Please post pics when you're done; this will be cool if it works!

[Kroggers]

Cool, post pics when you are done. I like the idea....

[rs6er]

H-ll of a lot more useful than a clock but must look OEM to be successful. Besides, your radio probably tells the time.

[tj willy]

Great idea. Be sure and take some progress pics - make that many progress pics.

[Vin-barrett]

cool idea.
subscribed to thread

[cgarr]

with weather would really be koo!

[MattAlpha]

With an XM satellite subscription you can add traffic and weather to certain Garmin GPS units and use the XM antenna for you receiver. Neat, but the Garmin unit runs about double what hatpix has already purchased.

Great idea!
-Matt

[madmmac]

You might try running the unit inside the hole without going the whole nine yards to see if your signal strength is going to be sufficient. Drive around and see if you lose the signal often.

These things were designed I think to be mounted near a windshield not under/in the dash...Could be wrong though and won't be the first or last time on that one........

[tj willy]

Originally posted by madmmac
You might try running the unit inside the hole without going the whole nine yards to see if your signal strength is going to be sufficient. Drive around and see if you lose the signal often.

These things were designed I think to be mounted near a windshield not under/in the dash...Could be wrong though and won't be the first or last time on that one........

He mentions using an external antenna.

FWIW, I know some antennas (external) are made to be mounted under the dash. You may try to locate one for your garmin project just to keep the entire thing concealed away.

[Motorhead-45]

GPS is going to require that you have clear antenna line-of-site for it to work. You won't be able to get away with mounting it under the dash as you would a radio antenna. The GPS signal is way to fragile to work with a concealed antenna.

[tj willy]

Originally posted by Motorhead-45
GPS is going to require that you have clear antenna line-of-site for it to work. You won't be able to get away with mounting it under the dash as you would a radio antenna. The GPS signal is way to fragile to work with a concealed antenna.

Some antennas mount under the dash. I installed an RB1 Nav system from Chrysler into my 04 Jeep Wrangler. The antenna was designed to mount under the dash as per the instructions. And it worked great after I installed it -- barring the normal "downtown" tall building and tunnel effect. In which no matter the antenna, you won't get a signal at times.

I know they make them. It is just a matter of whether there is such an external antenna for a garmin unit of that make.

[hatpix]

I think the under/over dash antenna dilemma will play itself out when I actually get to the install stage. If it works under the dash, all the better, if not, I may try to hide it behind the rear view mirror (assuming it doesn't require a horizontal orientation for proper use).

[Motorhead-45]

I would argue that the RB1 Jeep Cherokee GPS antenna isn't really installed "under the dash" but rather above all the sheet metal, wiring, and other electronics that make up the dash. The shelf gives you a place to mount the antenna above all those potential interferers on that shelf under the plastic fascia that covers the dash components. In addition it looks as if the RB1 system uses sensors not unlike an aircraft Inertial Navigation System to augment the positioning. The scenario would be different if you mounted it under the dash of your Porsche. I'd be willing to wager a beer or two that you would never "acquire" the necessary satellites for the system to work if you place it under the dash somewhere. External GPS antennas are readily available from the aftermarket for a nominal ($20-$50) cost. Most are pretty small at about 1-1.5" square and can be easily "concealed" out in the open without becoming an eyesore on the dash. To get a consistent GPS signal they will need a clear view of the sky. They do not necessarily need to be mounted in the horizontal plane to function properly. If you mounted it on the back of the rear-view mirror you will have some signal degradation but not enough to be noticed.

[MAS956]

Hey, the Porsche experience is all about the journey, not the destination. Keep the clock, use the suction cups. It stays portable that way.

YMMV

[Emission]

I have run GPS in my 930 (a suction-mounted Garmin unit). I like your idea, but the placement is poor for visibility reasons (driver, not just acquiring satellites!). It will take you far too long to focus your eyes down there (behind the wheel) and then back to the road surface.

Again, great idea... just a bad place for the screen.

Oh, an external antennae will work just fine sitting on your dash - it has to have a CLEAR VIEW of the sky (it cannot go through even a sheet of paper).

[tj willy]

Motor, this is ridiculous. Whatever man, I have seen the pics and I installed the unit in my Wrangler. It worked. Not a WJ as you have supplied pics to but similar install. It was just a suggestion.

I have been involved with gps since way before Selective Availability was turned off and I even have the oldest active Geocache in Louisiana. So I know where you are coming from with traditional thinking.

I could pick apart: "clear antenna line-of-site" but frankly, I don't care that much. I give you the final word.


Hatpix - either way, great idea and a very clever use of space. I can't wait to see your finished product. ...and here is a bump for your great idea