RAM X-Grip on Stella

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 1:29 am

I resisted doing this for some time but finally gave in due to the need to have GPS when we do group rides and the new turn-by-turn on the iPhone. SO…

Here's what I got: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006X3 ... 00_s00_i00

The base used in the photos below is actually an older one I got to use as a camera mount. The newer one is going on my LX.

I originally tried to mount it to the mirror stem, but it was too thin. I added some rubber as a shim, but tightened down all the way, it still bounced and moved too much.

Tested it out riding yesterday and it's very stable. Still, I'm thinking of getting a case with a hook or loop for a carabiner and tethering the phone to the scooter. I've already seen these going for cheaper online.

alexandercase · Post by **alexandercase** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 2:48 am

I did something very very similar, i'll take pictures tomorrow and post, so far has been amazing and a life saver.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 3:18 am

I've ordered an extra connector and may add a small arm that I have to get a little more length and flexibility.

Also considering adding USB port for power. I added a 12v outlet to my LX but I think USB (only) user the headset might be cool and will take up less space. Or I may put the outlet in the glovebox and just run a cable through the headset, easy peasy.

JBenjimin · Post by **JBenjimin** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:49 pm

I used the same mount and mounted it on the windshield upright, it was a perfect fit with the adapter for 1/2" bars (it think it is 1/2").

Just the mount

The phone with it's battery case, mounted up.

I've got the X-grip for nice weather and a weatherproof box for when it isn't so nice out. I don't have any pics of the box. Next time I'm head out with phone mounted, I am gonna try it with the arm more horizontal and see where that puts the phone in relation to the speedo.

Just and FYI for anyone who doesn't want to/can't upgrade to iOS6 Waze is a free turn by turn navigation app, that you can tell to avoid highways. I use it for my scooting. I have a paid app for long car trips.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 10:09 pm

The iOS Mapquest app can avoid highways as well. And the good thing about no more Google Maps app on iOS is that their mobile site can use the "Avoid Highways" function and you can load your customized maps by sending yourself the link.

Anyone know of a GPS app that will handle custom, pre-made routes? That's kind of my Holy Grail!

JBenjimin · Post by **JBenjimin** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 10:54 pm

ericalm wrote:Anyone know of a GPS app that will handle custom, pre-made routes? That's kind of my Holy Grail!

I know that the Garmin Montana will, it's not specifically an automotive GPS, but it will work just like one. You can create routes in the Garmin software and upload them the to GPS. The downsides are the unit itself is expensive, and then you have to buy the road maps for it. On the plus side it's water proof like to 1 or 2 meters for a set amount of time, and there is a marine rugged mount that will accept a RAM diamond plate, so you can power it in a wet environment(scooter in the rain). It's the GPS I would get if I I could afford one, It's great for geocacheing and routing your car to the trail head as well.

Take a look at bicycle touring websites. The people that cross the country by bicycle share routes in GPS ready formats.

Sorry to hi-jack your RAM mount thread.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:57 am

JBenjimin wrote:Sorry to hi-jack your RAM mount thread.

Not at all! It all goes hand-in-hand.

alexandercase · Post by **alexandercase** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 4:37 am

on android it has turn by turn google maps that of course can avoid highways, it is what i have been using and is near flawless. google maps caches maps to work offline which is convenient and dims in between turns to save battery etc.

alexandercase · Post by **alexandercase** » Thu Oct 25, 2012 2:05 am

I went a very similar route with my set up. The main difference is the mounting system i used. I originally ordered the same part but changed to this option ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012T ... 02_s00_i00 ). I used one of the two mounting bolts for the rear view mirror bracket. It keeps it nice and snug especially for vibration purposes.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012T ... 02_s00_i01 this is the arm piece it extends just up past the cluster area.

The setup definitely dampens vibration very well, most of it has to do with the x-grip system of course, but the mounting has a bit to do with it.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Irh8stSyWAs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And also as you can tell, there is very little chance that even while going over bumps or at high speeds your Phone or GPS will slip out, which was a concern to me considering mine is usually a $500 phone. This thing holds it super super well.

It has been amazing so far, using google maps and choosing to avoid highways works great, and with this mounting system it brings the device into perfect view of the cluster area without getting in the way of the handlebar area or the view.