» Just bought a Go 930, need a good mount. Options

[geocab]

Hi there,


For those who haven't read my other recent thread, I just received a Go 930 today, but I already hate the supplied mount. I had a RAM mount for my last unit, the Go 700, which I was extremely happy with, but the two were stolen a couple of weeks ago. The things I really liked about the RAM mount was the superb suction cup assembly that stuck to everything, and the very sturdy construction.

Before I bought the 930 I was concerned with having a passive mount, but after using it, albiet for one day, I'm not too sure I'm really going to mind plugging in the charger cable everytime. So, passive/active, it doesn't matter. I just need something that's not going to fall off my window!

I'd like a solution that can be used on either the windshield, or on the dash. I'm actually leaning a little more toward the dashboard solution because of some of the States having laws (not mine yet though) and it puts the unit closer to me. I don't really want to use the adhesive disk with a dash solution because I don't want any evidence of having a GPS left in the open. (Although I didn't last time and was still ripped off, from now on my 930 goes with me.)

Here are some of the ones I'm interested in:

Easyport Mount

What I like about this is the praise it's been getting in the thread in this forum, and I like how it folds up where it doesn't take up much space to tuck it away somewhere. I'd probably get a separate weighted dash thing with this.

One thing I can't tell from the photos in that thread, does it allow you to tilt the TT at all, for when the dash is at an angle?

RAM Mount

This one is just like the one I had for my 700 so I know it'll hold fantastically. However, I'm not sure I want to go the bulky route this time out.

A RAM dashboard solution

(I'm assuming the x20 series is the same as the x30 series physically, is that correct.)

I like the dash option because as I said earlier it brings the unit closer to me since I have a deep window, and taking this from car to car would be very easy. One thing I don't know though, the dash base won't slide because of the rubber surface it has, but should I worry about it tipping and rolling off? It seems to mount the Tomtom a little high.

An Arkon solution: The TTGO112 package.

This is another one that comes with a weighted dashboard thingy. The whole assembly looks less bulky that the RAM mount, but it doesn't look like it'll tilt. I think my dash is fairly level anyway, but I don't like being limited. I like that it comes with a hook that prevents the mount from coming off the dash. But, the fact that it comes with a hook makes me a little skeptical about the whole weighted dashboard thing (any of them, not just this specific one).

This is a video of one that I really like from Buybits. But...

...I can't find the product on their site anywhere! The video is only a few months old. It's a low profile dash mount, and it has a ball head so I can tilt to my heart's desire, and it doesn't mount as high as the RAM option. Does anyone know who this is made by and can I get it in the US? Although I'm not against importing. Or can you find it on Buybits.com?
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Am I overlooking anything?

I welcome all opinions on either of the options I have linked to, or any suggestions of other products I should look into. Are you familiar with any of the options I listed? Any pro/cons you'd care to share?

Any pro/cons to the dashboard solution in the first place that I should be aware of?

Because of this site, I've purchased a great replacement for my TTGO 700 in the GO 930, I bought a nice case, and an SDHC card. Let's seal the deal by getting me the perfect mounting solution!

Thanks in advance everyone!
George

[Wyvern46]

I have a RAM set up on a TT cushion base. It does look a little top-heavy, but in use it has been no problem - probably the most rigid set up I've ever used, and I've tried four other dashboard arrangements. With the ram/TT cushion, I've not even found the need to use the additional security hook they provide.

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 22 2010, 11:20)

[geocab]

I have a RAM set up on a TT cushion base. It does look a little top-heavy, but in use it has been no problem - probably the most rigid set up I've ever used, and I've tried four other dashboard arrangements. With the ram/TT cushion, I've not even found the need to use the additional security hook they provide.

Since you've used different arrangements, what have you found to be the biggest factor to add to the sturdiness? The cushion itself, the mount, or is it simply the combination?

Have you tried any of the other options I linked to besides the RAM mount?

It's good to know that the RAM solution isn't top heavy, but does it block your view and all? Or is it the same as when you hang it from the windshield?

Thanks for you help.

[Wyvern46]

Geocab, not very good with capturing images, so go to this UK site: http://www.buybits.com/Catalogue.aspx?cid=36

I've bought for the 530 version so check that category, there should be equivalent items for the 930:

I have tried the cut away cushion [SKU 5027], the TT cushion [SKU 5530], the doughnut shaped cushion [SKU 3122], and the cushion with arm and holder [SKU 3424].

Mounts: compact windscreen/dash [SKU 3301], Arkon windscreen mount [SKU 3274]. RAM ratchet/pivot suction [SKU 4030].

I've always gone for a mount with 360 degree adjustment, I'm ocd about having it level.

SKU 3424 has the most vibration as the joint between the arm and cushion is not that tight.
SKU 4030 + SKU 5530 is the best I've tried, it is heavy and stable, and the cushion is the only one that comfortably holds this particular large sucker size. The next best is SKU 3274 + SKU 3122, very heavy cushion, good size sucker, never any problem, but a bit more vibration when driving than the RAM set up, but only marginally.

SKU 5027 is OK but a comparatively light base to the others, so not quite as stable. SKU 3301 has a small sucker, it has never detached but I think the small base again leads to more vibration.

Never had visibility problems, but I'm 6' 2" and weigh 16 stone, so I have in theory good clearance, but also compress the seat!! So make your own guess.....

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 22 2010, 21:28)

[geocab]

I'm also OCD about it being level which is why I've been looking for something with a swivel. Did you see the video I posted the link for? That mount seems like what I'm looking for because it's smaller and easier to tuck away, and has a swivel. However, I cannot find it anywhere on the Buybits site.

The RAM and TT cushion combo seems like a close second, only because of the bulky size of the mount. I can't believe it's this difficult to pick out a mounting solution.

Did you see the Arkon cushion? It looks the same as the TT one. I wonder if it is, because it's cheaper. Lots of different combos, I can see why you've been through 4 of them.

[Wyvern46]

I've said before I'm a sick man. Your video link reminded me I have one of those as well. Fine for a windscreen, not so good for a cushion mount as the arm overhangs a long way in one direction [unstable] or interferes with the sucker lever in the other. I can't find it on the Buybits site, which is where I got it from, but it was quite common on a number of sites.

The difference between the Arkon cushion and TT cushion is that the Arkon just has a circular mounting disc, the TT has an 'apron' style flat surface. The apron gives that bit more room when using a mount with the largest sized suckers, which the RAM mount has.

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 22 2010, 23:30)

[geocab]

They must have changed their design, or the Arkon photos are incorrect, take a look at SKU 6214, they have the Apron thing you're talking about. In fact, at Arkon's site, I can get the weighted thing, along with their mini-windshield mount for the same price as the TT mat. (The link I posted above for reference - TTGO112.)

So you did have that mount from the video? Maybe that design flaw of it interfering with the suction switch if used as a dash mount is why they don't sell it anymore.

[geocab]

Youtube vid of the Arkon weighted dashboard base.

On Arkon's site, if you click on the User Manual, it has the round disc you referred to in the photos, but in this video, it has the full apron like the TT base. I wonder if the mount in the BuyBits vid I'm looking for is the Arkon mount with a new design that has a swivel head?

I'll tell you if I ever own a business, I'll be keeping up-to-date with my website photos and literature, way too frustrating when it's all mixed up like this.

[Wyvern46]

Yup, you're right. The Arkon cushion has an apron shaped mounting area. It used to be just circular. So I think the new Arkon cushion will do the job.

What we're up against is the mounting solution TT chose for the x30 series. It always seems to have a slight play between the device and the mounting plate, which only the RAM cradle solves absolutely, but it is comparatively 'massive' engineering. I've not tried any mount with an 'oversize' mounting plate, which may be an improvement on the standard 'square' shape plate.

Here are the measurements of the Arkon arm [360 adjustment] SKU 3274: diameter of sucker 81 mm, base of sucker to top of upright 84 mm, arm+mounting plate 60 mm. So it is a lot smaller than the RAM, very stable large sucker.

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 23 2010, 12:27)

[geocab]

Thanks for the measurements, it's easier to take a ruler out than looking at the photos.

I finally found a list on Arkon's site and they used to make the mini windshield mount with a swivel head, but that is discontinued, leaving only the one with lateral movement. So, for a swivel to get that last bit of adjustment to make the 930 level appears to only be available with the RAM solution.

I think I've eliminated the Easy Mount design because it doesn't look like, when using it in the dash position, I can pull it forward enough to position the 930 perpendicular to the dash, leaving it tilted too far upward. I was looking at the photos in that thread and it just seems like it lays back too much for my liking.

Do you take your TT out of the RAM cradle when you're not using it? Has the cradle scratched the sides at all where the wheels run against it and hold it in?

[Wyvern46]

The RAM cradle wheels are quite soft, but it is a snug fit, have found myself juggling it when trying to get it out of the cradle. No marking so far after 12 months use. I usually take it out of the cradle at the end of the day. I've replaced the standard diamond ball fitting with the quick release fittings, much more useful for setting up and dismantling. Also if you attach the 'female' part to the cradle, you can carry it around, still in the cradle much easier than having the ball protruding from the back.

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 23 2010, 18:52)

[geocab]

That's cool about not marking up the TomTom. I haven't seen the quick release fittings anywhere, did you get those from Buybits? I'm hoping to find a store in the States if I can just to save a couple of $$$. But, I'll import if I have to. The case I bought has a little extra room, so I might be able to leave it in the cradle with the "female" conviguration you're talking about if I go with the RAM mount.

I know it's supposed to be nice to have choices, but I'm finding deciding on a mount isn't easy.

[Wyvern46]

Yes, that's why I've go so many - always looking for the ultimate mount. Yes got the quick releases from Buybits - see The RAM Mount section, not the TT section.

You can either attach the male plate to the cradle and have the female + ball mount, or the female plate attached to the cradle and the male plate with the ball attachment. The male plate attached to the cradle will take up less room. But I've got the female attached to the cradle for ease of setting up. Also Buybits has labeled both its female connectors as having balls [nudge, nudge], but SKU 3886 was the passive fitting w/out the ball.

I have a friend in the US who used to think we should set up a business importing Clarks shoes. Beginning to wonder about a RAM mount business?

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 23 2010, 20:33)

[geocab]

Here are my options right now:

1.) RAM dashboard option I linked to in my original post. After doing some research on it, it has the shorter arm and I can lower it down so it's not so high like in the photo. But, the base isn't the TT look-alike.

$48 shipped.

2.) The Arkon solution I linked in my original post, it has the TT look-alike base, but can't swivel like a RAM solution will.

$38 shipped.

3.) Buy the RAM mount without the base, and then buy the Arkon TT look-alike base.

$56 shipped.

With choice 1, I'm concerned because the base looks like Buybits SKU 5027 which you only said is OK. However I found a look-alike on Amazon made by Trek that had a crapload of good reviews. But, none of them mentioned a RAM mount, does the RAM mount add too much weight or change the center of gravity too much? Something I have to figure out. Not sure I want to spend this much.

Choice 2 has your favorite base, but the Arkon mount that is bundled with it won't allow the tilting adjustment and you were talking about vibration being slightly more than your RAM combo. The price isn't too bad if I end up being happy.

Choice 3 is the best of both worlds but I'd have to order from two different places which equals to paying for shipping twice, pricing this kind of high for my liking.

If choice 1 was $38 shipped, I'd buy it and call it a day. And then maybe later on buy the other base. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[geocab]

Timeout!!! Hold the phone!!! The plot thickens!!!

I found a store where I can get both the RAM mount and the Arkon base for $42 shipped! That includes a 5% off coupon code.

With a 10% coupon code I can get choice 1 for $44 shipped. Choose a different shipping method and it's $43.

Choice 2 is at Amazon for $25 shipped!

So, do I pay almost $20 more for a RAM mount? I like their quality and it'll let me maneuver the 930 in any direction. But $20 seems significant.

The difference between choices 1 and 3 come down to which base would be best. 6 great reviews of the RAM and base package at the site that sells it. The base itself at Amazon has 25 reviews with most positive, the two lowest are 3 stars, but they complain about the factory TT mount so that's a mute point for me. Looking at the reviews of the Arkon base is just as favorable. (Also, there are some really ignorant consumers out there. Lots of complaints about the GPS sliding off. Well duh, you have to use the suction cup too! Unbelieveable.)

Another couple of things to consider, both the images of the Arkon base at Amazon (choice 2) and at Semson's (choice 3) show the version with the round disk instead of the whole Apron. They could be old stock photos, or they might still be shipping the old version. Will it even matter since the RAM mount I'm looking at has the smaller cup? Wieght-wise from the specs I could find, both bases weigh about the same. The round base takes up a smaller footprint, not sure if that will affect performance at all.

I'm leaning toward option 3 at the moment, but keep wavering toward 2. Plus, work has been slow for awhile and the $20 savings looks good. Again, I end this post with GRRRRRRRRRR!

[Wyvern46]

Glad my advice is making it easier for you.

I have this RAM mount: http://www.buybits.com/product/sku_4030.aspx

I have found that the sucker size on this is larger than the circular plates offered by most cushion mounts, but it fits on an apron shaped plate. Also the twist lock sucker action means the apron style gives you more room to operate it.

SKU 5027 has the cut away section, and is about 200g lighter than the full donut shaped mount - so offers lesser counterbalance. Have not tried to weigh the apron type mount.

Yes RAMs are expensive. With other mounts I've tended to buy an additional back-up mount plate just in case of accidents. When I looked at the RAM website I found they come with lifetime guarantees. So felt that was a justification for the extra amount.

The arkon arm [SKU 3274] has a 360 degree adjustment, but it is not based on a ball adjustment, it is side to side mount plate + rotating arm. It is excellent with the donut. You only have to tolerate the slight vibration inherent in the connection between the device and mount plate, which I assume you'll get with every x30 mount using the slot in the device.

I think the arkon apron base will be fine with a RAM. Any other mount will be OK with a donut [[SKU 3122]. Unless you want to use the mount included in the box, in which case it is so low, you'll need an apron plate, or the cut away cushion.

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 24 2010, 13:38)

[geocab]

Would the vibration using the slot be any different than the original TT mount? I don't notice any real problems right now, unless being on the dash would somehow cause more vibration than the windshield.

I don't see that SKU 3274 anywhere but Buybits and things would be cheaper if I didn't have to import. I didn't know the arm rotated, nice design.

Totally OT, but Zoe from the Buybits videos is pretty cute.

[Wyvern46]

Well it's only an opinion, but probably the dash does have a bit more flex than the windscreen. The slight play between the mount plate and device must be common to all mounts, though as I said not sure about the ones with oversized plates. Can't believe the arkon mount is so rare, do you have a retailer you could approach to ask if it can be obtained?

Opinion on Buybits not influenced by cuteness of Zoe, though undeniable. I've probably put most of their kids through university.

Have looked at Arkon site and googled, but no sign of the mount I've got anywhere other than BB. The arkon site has a windscreen mount CM017-KST-2SH which looks identical to mine except it has the 360 degree ball mounting plate - that may be as close as you can get?

http://www.arkon.com/Windshield_Mount.php

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 24 2010, 17:32)

[geocab]

Sigh, you keep adding possibilities!!!!! So much for finding a solution soon than later. ;)

Nice find, I'll have to see what kind of package I can put together with that one now. I wonder if Arkon will substitute the CM017 for the CM014 in their package? I won't be able to ask them until tomorrow.

[Wyvern46]

Almost there. Just for accuracy need to say have had the RAM mount for 6 months, not 12 months.

So it looks like CM017 plus either the arkon apron or the donut? Or is it definitely the apron? On the link above the arkon cushion definitely shows an apron, but text refers to a disc!! Either apron or donut is fine. If I did not have a RAM set up, I'd take that as my next choice with no hesitation - it was what I used pre-RAM.

Hope work picks up for you - worrying times for finances.

Have enjoyed this conversation. Wish you many years of happy navigating.

   Post has been edited by Wyvern46 (Jan 24 2010, 23:41)