GPS Option for 996

[kimike]

I have seen a few posts on after market GPS systems and thought I would give folks an option that does not require any installation. I purchased a Magellan 4050 from Costo for $499. This GPS includes birds-eye view, bluetooth and voice recognition. Utlizing the cup holder in my 996, a 2 inch diameter piece of PVC with inset cap and heavy duty velcro I was able to create a portable and easy to read solution that doesn't require mounting on the windshield. Both the GPS and PVC holder fit in the center console. See attached picture for the end result.

[Izzy]

Ooohh, Mike that is good thinking. I got the unit for Christmas last year, and placed it on the lower left side of the windshield, nearest the driver. But I like this better, I don't use the GPS that often and your idea makes for an easy removal. How much does it block the second cup holder? That would the only concern, since I use the GPS on long trips, same trips I would have a water bottle there.

I am going to try it, and look for black PVC or paint it black. You know matching colors make the car can go faster.

[kimike]

I was wondering why my car was not performing at its peak, I should have gone with black PVC...LOL

Regarding your question on the water bottle, I presume so. I have attached a picture with a travel mug and also a side view of the PVC for your reference (note, that if the PVC is too long the GPS will teeter...it needs to be just long enough to rest in the cup hold base, but sit flush on top).

Best of luck.

Mike

[Westcoaster]

Nifty idea! I don't have a 996 but rather a 987, but I will now take a closer look at the cup holders in that car.

I don't have a dedicated GPS but rather a UMPC made by ASUS the R2hv-A1, it is a bit bigger then your GPS modules: Dimension & Weight 1.83lbs 5" x 5.6" x 0.7"

[Izzy]

Kimike, check this out

http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/sr33-roadmate3000t.htm

it actually fits a cupholder and attaches to the Roadmate. I am ordering now. If I could only figure out how to make the Magellan Roadmate into a lap timing device....... Must be a way for software jockeys out there to do it.

[kimike]

Izzy, thanks for the link! I should have patented the idea while I had the chance ;-)

Did you end up buying one? If so does it work well?

[contact781]

I have seen a few posts on after market GPS systems and thought I would give folks an option that does not require any installation. I purchased a Magellan 4050 from Costo for $499. This GPS includes birds-eye view, bluetooth and voice recognition. Utlizing the cup holder in my 996, a 2 inch diameter piece of PVC with inset cap and heavy duty velcro I was able to create a portable and easy to read solution that doesn't require mounting on the windshield. Both the GPS and PVC holder fit in the center console. See attached picture for the end result.

Nice install BUT does'nt the GPS unit need to be pointed stright ahead? If at an angle it would assume your pointed in a different direction.

[Izzy]

I did buy the one that goes on the cup holder and the arm that attaches to the floorboard or the seat bolt. The cupholder one works great, and the lower part has a small cam that adjusts open-close the diameter of the "cup", so it fits very tight.

The flexible arm would be better, but I am looking for a place to bolt it in the center console, passenger side. I could bolt it to the seat bold easy enough, just not sure if I want to leave it there.

If I could find out how to make the Magellan GPS into a lap timing device, it would be bolted to the floor. It has to be possible by software jockeys, as other GPS timing devices like Performancebox can do it. Still searching that one......

[kimike]

I have seen a few posts on after market GPS systems and thought I would give folks an option that does not require any installation. I purchased a Magellan 4050 from Costo for $499. This GPS includes birds-eye view, bluetooth and voice recognition. Utlizing the cup holder in my 996, a 2 inch diameter piece of PVC with inset cap and heavy duty velcro I was able to create a portable and easy to read solution that doesn't require mounting on the windshield. Both the GPS and PVC holder fit in the center console. See attached picture for the end result.

Nice install BUT does'nt the GPS unit need to be pointed stright ahead? If at an angle it would assume your pointed in a different direction.

It hasn't been an issue so far both speed and navigation are accurate. Izzy's option seems better in that you can snuggly fit it into the cup holder.

[Westcoaster]

I have seen a few posts on after market GPS systems and thought I would give folks an option that does not require any installation. I purchased a Magellan 4050 from Costco for $499. This GPS includes birds-eye view, bluetooth and voice recognition. Utlizing the cup holder in my 996, a 2 inch diameter piece of PVC with inset cap and heavy duty velcro I was able to create a portable and easy to read solution that doesn't require mounting on the windshield. Both the GPS and PVC holder fit in the center console. See attached picture for the end result.

Nice install BUT does'nt the GPS unit need to be pointed stright ahead? If at an angle it would assume your pointed in a different direction.

Positioning of the GPS unit is irrelevant.

GPS units determine the direction you are heading by the change in it's position relative to the satellites not the orientation of the physical unit.

This is why most units replace the 'arrow' with a circle or similar icon when you stop moving.

Edited October 2, 2007 by Westcoaster