Garmin eTrex GPS mod

c0nv3r9 · 05-21-2003

Anyone with experience or good linkage for modifying an eTrex? I'm ready to crack my units open, but would rather getting some insight first

What I want to do is modify the power switches for both my units so that I can mount them on my roof and remotely turn them on/off from inside my car. Already have some ideas, but external thoughts are highly welcome

Madhadder · 05-21-2003

It would be much easier to solder on a connector fo an Ext.
Antt. I take it you put the GPS on the Roof for better reception?
Well using an Ext. Antt. would be much easier.

To move the On/Off button your GPS would nolonger be
waterproof. There may also be a problem with the cable being
too long and the GPS not haveing enough power to work the
button at such a distance.

c0nv3r9 · 05-21-2003

Yeah, the external antenna route was my first thought, but I was preferring to rig something up with what I already have. Definately a good point about the seal though.. I forgot the unit was water resistant to begin with

c0nv3r9 · 05-23-2003

Backtracking on the thought of opening the receiver up, I pursued some other thoughts.

A little bit of background first. My overall goal was to make a stumbling kit entirely rack-mountable (without tools) to my Yakima load bars. The reason: a little more smooth looking than my previous rig, and still easily removeable. Considerations were cable lengths, wind, water.. blah. I accomplished this with a little bit of modification to the Yakima fairing brackets and antennas.

The trick was GPS. For anyone looking to do something as retarded as I have, here is a little description of how I accomplished this. My sealed tupperware idea was growing more stale as time passed. What I did was buy a couple $8 plastic cell phone mounts (with the suction cup) and rigged the Yakima fairing brackets to them. Then I added some velcro to strap things in a little more securely.

But then I was back at the point of remotely powering my GPS unit on and off. Playing with the receiver a bit, I noticed that power would not turn off if I kept the power switch depressed for any duration of time. The plastic holders I chose are designed to grip the cellphones on its side with two padded adjustable 'wings'.... lets not let the mind wander here. Using a small square of electrical tape, I taped a screw to the power switch (head first). When I place the GPS into its holder and snug up the sides, the screw guarantees that the power switch is always active, which allows for power to be controlled inside my car via the power strip / inverter.

By leaving the suction cup attachment on with the rack bracket, I can easily datach it should I fear rain, and then suction it to the window inside my car without much effort at all.

http://wardrive.lostboxen.net/2003-setup/

05-21-2003	#1 (permalink)
c0nv3r9 Church of WiFi Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: not behind you, or am I? Posts: 290	Garmin eTrex GPS mod Anyone with experience or good linkage for modifying an eTrex? I'm ready to crack my units open, but would rather getting some insight first What I want to do is modify the power switches for both my units so that I can mount them on my roof and remotely turn them on/off from inside my car. Already have some ideas, but external thoughts are highly welcome __________________ He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. -- Nahum 2:5, The Holy Bible, KJV

05-21-2003	#3 (permalink)
c0nv3r9 Church of WiFi Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: not behind you, or am I? Posts: 290	Yeah, the external antenna route was my first thought, but I was preferring to rig something up with what I already have. Definately a good point about the seal though.. I forgot the unit was water resistant to begin with __________________ He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. -- Nahum 2:5, The Holy Bible, KJV

05-23-2003	#4 (permalink)
c0nv3r9 Church of WiFi Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: not behind you, or am I? Posts: 290	Backtracking on the thought of opening the receiver up, I pursued some other thoughts. A little bit of background first. My overall goal was to make a stumbling kit entirely rack-mountable (without tools) to my Yakima load bars. The reason: a little more smooth looking than my previous rig, and still easily removeable. Considerations were cable lengths, wind, water.. blah. I accomplished this with a little bit of modification to the Yakima fairing brackets and antennas. The trick was GPS. For anyone looking to do something as retarded as I have, here is a little description of how I accomplished this. My sealed tupperware idea was growing more stale as time passed. What I did was buy a couple $8 plastic cell phone mounts (with the suction cup) and rigged the Yakima fairing brackets to them. Then I added some velcro to strap things in a little more securely. But then I was back at the point of remotely powering my GPS unit on and off. Playing with the receiver a bit, I noticed that power would not turn off if I kept the power switch depressed for any duration of time. The plastic holders I chose are designed to grip the cellphones on its side with two padded adjustable 'wings'.... lets not let the mind wander here. Using a small square of electrical tape, I taped a screw to the power switch (head first). When I place the GPS into its holder and snug up the sides, the screw guarantees that the power switch is always active, which allows for power to be controlled inside my car via the power strip / inverter. By leaving the suction cup attachment on with the rack bracket, I can easily datach it should I fear rain, and then suction it to the window inside my car without much effort at all. http://wardrive.lostboxen.net/2003-setup/ __________________ He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. -- Nahum 2:5, The Holy Bible, KJV Last edited by c0nv3r9 : 05-27-2003 at 10:06 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

05-21-2003	#2 (permalink)
Madhadder General "Noob Basher" Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Munich, Germany Posts: 1,620	It would be much easier to solder on a connector fo an Ext. Antt. I take it you put the GPS on the Roof for better reception? Well using an Ext. Antt. would be much easier. To move the On/Off button your GPS would nolonger be waterproof. There may also be a problem with the cable being too long and the GPS not haveing enough power to work the button at such a distance.