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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
 Posted - 03 janv. 2008 : 02:11:31
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Hi!
After reading different reviews, and asking fellow motorcycle riders about their GPS preferences, I took the plunge and have ordered a Lowrance Iway 600C. Note: I have never used a GPS, but do a lot of riding.
I have read numerous posts on this board and would like to ask a few questions.
1. Anti-vibration bushings:
I would like to fabricate a mount with anti-vibration bushings (similar to the ones used by St-Bob). Are these computer vibration control bushings? Where could I purchase these?
2. Antenna:
I will be ordering an antenna to be used in my car. Is it recommended to use one on our motorcycles also?
3. 1/8-inch stereo jack:
The 600C has a stereo jack that can be connected to a car stereo. Can this be connected to earphones? I’d like to use earphones inside my helmet while riding.
Thanks in advance! This site is awesome!
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
Posted - 03 janv. 2008 : 03:44:56
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1. I got my anti-vibration mount hardware out of old line-printers. One good place to find hardware like this is McMaster-Carr. In the search box, enter "page 1314"
Look down the page for style 2, 8/32 thread, material neoprene, item number 9376K141 and order 4 or 5 per mount (an extra or two can't hurt as they're easy to damage). This isn't an exact match but appears to be as close as McMaster-Carr comes to them. I can't tell you who the original manufacturer of mine is because it's not marked. The company that made the printers wouldn't tell me the manufacturer or part number.
2. I happen to use the 28 dB Gilsson antenna on my bike, but it works OK (if not great) without it. The signal strength is much better with the external antenna but it might perform fine for you without it.
3. Earphones - probably they'll work fine, though it's hard to get to the volume control in a hurry unless you customize a skin so the volume is on the map page. Helmet speakers, no way - not without an amplifier and easily reached volume control. |
Bob Peloquin - Moderator-Lowrance iWay forum
Massachusetts, USA
Various Iways, nüvi 750 |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 03 janv. 2008 : 04:26:17
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3. Earphones - probably they'll work fine, though it's hard to get to the volume control in a hurry unless you customize a skin so the volume is on the map page. Helmet speakers, no way - not without an amplifier and easily reached volume control.
Since I don't listen to music on my motorcycle, I'm not familiar with the technology. My bike has a fair rumble and I wear a full face helmet. I therefore tend to believe that I will need to use earphones. However I'm looking at a dark hole LOL! I guess I'll need to speak to a few audio techies ... unless someone here has a suggestion, etc.
Thank you Bob! Your insight is very appreciated!  |
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
Posted - 03 janv. 2008 : 04:38:13
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A bit off-topic, but this is so important that I don't care if it's off-topic or not.
Motorcycles are noisy. Wind noise at highway speeds is much noisier. Any time you ride the bike over 30 MPH you should be wearing good earplugs to prevent cumulative damage to your hearing. Motorcyclists represent one of the larger groups suffering from acute hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing anomalies caused by long-term exposure to moderate-to-high levels of noise.
I never ride either of my bikes without first putting in 29 dB reduction tapered foam earplugs. I do, however, listen to XM radio, the GPS, radar detector, and MP3 music while riding the ST1100. Haven't figured out a system for the little dual-sport yet. With J&M headset speakers and mic in my helmet, it takes a lot of power to hear the music through earplugs but a lot less than you'd expect in reality. The earplugs damp out the engine and wind noise, allowing the music and GPS directions to be easily heard through the earplugs.
If I ever forget to put the earplugs in, I feel absolutely naked. I am compelled to stop and put them in before continuing. It just feels wrong somehow to ride without them. This is the voice of experience with 11+ years and over 100,000 miles on various motorcycles. You only have one set of ears - don't ruin them by exposing them to long-term wind noise. |
Bob Peloquin - Moderator-Lowrance iWay forum
Massachusetts, USA
Various Iways, nüvi 750 |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 03 janv. 2008 : 04:57:03
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That is not out in left field. It is very good info!
On short rides around the city, I don't wear my ear plugs. On long rides, I do (custom fitted to my ears at Americade a few years ago).
I'm still intrigued by the voice instructions received from the GPS. I don't know how I'm going to set this up LOL! That is why I thought of earphones. I'll Google J&M headset speakers and see if I can see the light with this sound issue.
BTW I'm a 1945 model who has been riding since 1963. I'm "old school" and all of this is "new school".
Thanks for your patience! It is very appreciated!  |
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
Posted - 03 janv. 2008 : 05:44:59
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For headset speakers to work, you'll need at least a couple of watts of amplification. I used to make amplifiers out of computer speakers, robbing the amplifier board and trashing the rest. Once I got the J&M CB2003 I didn't need the separate amplifier anymore.
Trying to hear the audio without amplification and an easily reached volume control can be frustrating. I don't think the 600c is designed to send much power through its audio output and relies on your car radio or the cigarette lighter plug's amplified speaker to get the required volume. You may have to try something like the Boosteroo amplifier but I've heard they don't really have much power either.
Whatever you do, we're here to help you. Several forum members are motorcyclists and I'm sure they'll be happy to share their experiences and knowledge. |
Bob Peloquin - Moderator-Lowrance iWay forum
Massachusetts, USA
Various Iways, nüvi 750 |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 04 janv. 2008 : 02:28:51
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2. I happen to use the 28 dB Gilsson antenna on my bike, but it works OK (if not great) without it. The signal strength is much better with the external antenna but it might perform fine for you without it.
There are 9 different models of 28 dB Gilsson antennas available at Fisher.
http://www.fis4her.com/store-categories-External-GPS-Antennas--28dB-Gain_2788721.html
Did you choose one of these?
Thanks! |
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
Posted - 04 janv. 2008 : 02:49:25
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Get the one with the right connector, SMB-F. The straight cable one in the 28 dB gain model is P/N SMB1F09B180 and the one with a 90 degree connector (which is all they had when I bought mine) is SMB1F09B090.
Personally, I think the 180 degree (straight) connector will be easier to use. Both of mine have the 90 degree connector and it's a pain to remove since it's jammed up tight against the back of the unit. Too bad the 180 degree model wasn't available in 2005 when I got mine.
You might want to look at their other models while you're at it. They have a newer model with even higher gain and a slightly smaller, sleeker design. And it's less expensive (go figure)
http://www.fis4her.com/store-categories-External-GPS-Antennas---55dB-Gain_2788720.html
Once again, look for SMB-F with either 180 degree or 90 degree connectors. |
Bob Peloquin - Moderator-Lowrance iWay forum
Massachusetts, USA
Various Iways, nüvi 750 |
Edited by - ST-Bob on 04 janv. 2008 03:10:19 |
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
Posted - 04 janv. 2008 : 03:09:43
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| P.S. I added this question to the FAQ indicating the type of antenna connector for each model of iWay. |
Bob Peloquin - Moderator-Lowrance iWay forum
Massachusetts, USA
Various Iways, nüvi 750 |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 04 janv. 2008 : 04:22:51
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| Thanks Bob! I guess that this antenna would also fit the bill in my mini van. |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 06 janv. 2008 : 18:00:21
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I got my anti-vibration mount hardware out of old line-printers.
Hi Bob!
How long ago (time and milleage) have you done this mod? Are you still satisfied with the results? Thanks! |
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
Posted - 06 janv. 2008 : 18:06:02
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I ran a couple of seasons (5,000-10,000 miles) with it on my 500c then soaked it over Labor Day weekend, ruining the 500c. Lowrance replaced it with a new 600c (thank you extended warranty). I haven't used the 600c on the bike yet since it's the dead of winter here, but it should work as well I'd imagine.
The isolators I pointed you to might be too stiff - I just don't know for sure. The ones I used were blue synthetic material of some type. Maybe neoprene or silicone. Mcmaster-Carr doesn't stock the smaller sized silicone isolators for some reason. Oh well. Any isolation is better than none. |
Bob Peloquin - Moderator-Lowrance iWay forum
Massachusetts, USA
Various Iways, nüvi 750 |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 06 janv. 2008 : 18:36:02
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then soaked it over Labor Day weekend, ruining the 500c.
Soaked it as in "got it wet" or "it fried itself"?
it's the dead of winter here
I hear you! We are buried in snow up here!
The isolators I pointed you to might be too stiff - I just don't know for sure. The ones I used were blue synthetic material of some type. Maybe neoprene or silicone.
I was thinking the same thing and have been looking at a few silicon gel mounting studs at http://www.vibrationmounts.com/RFQ/VM01036.htm
I might give these a try.
Thanks!
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ST-Bob
USA
3654 Posts |
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quexpress
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 06 janv. 2008 : 19:30:31
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| I'll check them out. Thanks! |
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singinchicken
23 Posts |
Posted - 15 janv. 2008 : 22:22:05
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I'm using the 500C on my Goldwing. The only time I use my headset is when the wife is on the back. The audio quality just isn't that good. I did wear earplugs all the time, too, until I stumbled on to the JVC MArshmallow earbuds...
http://av.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027847&pathId=98&page=1
They offer the same noise reduction as the foam plugs that you roll up and stick in your ears. I never ride without them, now.
As far as the isolators go, I built a mount of Bob's design with his advice and mounts that I bought from him. I have over 20K trouble free miles. Best gizmo I ever built. BTW...The mount that Bob linked to above is the correct one. I bought a handful as backups. The other ones mentioned a few posts above are meant to be used in compression only. |
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Newbie with Lowrance Iway 600C and GPS Units
