iPod RAM Mount

[Stub deToe]

I have received solutions on resolving the electrical connections, but find that my iPod suffers from vibration problems when out running and crrying it in my jacket pocket, apparently this can be minimized by using an arm mount. The Apple discussion site indicates it is also subject to sub-freezing and hot temps as that also causes lock-ups. This speaks to the best solution on the GS, where access is paramount to keep interference with the driving-task at the absolute minimum, no different to the rationale for using GPS on the bars. All the replies have spoken to their iPods being in the tank bag. Now the RAM mount is fairly new--so that may be the reason for the silence--but I am interested in any experience regarding the following:
1. skipping due to vibration on the handlebar via a RAM--is it an issue?; and
2. obviously extreme cold is not an issue on the bike (most of the time) but heat may be, does it work okay if out in the hot sun or is it best to keep it out of direct sun like in the tank bag.

The problem as I see it in the bag, is that in the bag you cannot adjust it, and if it is in the map window, the hothouse effect will be worse that out in the open in a RAM.

Ideas, experiences, suggestions?

Bill

 

[motozen]

Hey Bill,

I'll be doing the same thing. I just got an Ipod and I'm going to put it in a Pelican 1010 case, which is waterproof, then attach a RAM mount to it and hope for the best. I've been told by others who have done a similar setup, using the RAM Ipod specific mount that it works just fine, it's sold by cyclegadgets.com. Alternatively, a tank bag would be perfect, just add a wired remote.

I'm in Toronto.. maybe we could hook up sometime! Drop me a line. As far as bike gadgets go, you have to attend the BMW MOA national rally, it's a biker's christmas in July. This year it's in Lima, Ohio.

 

[nadeem]

Guys what's wrong with keeping it in your jacket???

 

[emjay]

My 1st generation 5GB iPod suffered from short battery time when used on my bike, even when in my jacket pocket, so much so that I wired it up to the bike battery using a Dr Pod car charger http://drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?code=0141-IPAA

I would think that the wind chill factor when using a Ram mount would reduce the battery time

BTW I recently installed a new battery in the iPod that has increased normal (off bike) battery life to 17 hours http://www.applemacparts.com/ipod.php haven't tried it on the bike yet

 

[Stub deToe]

Thanks for the insights, here is what Adam at Powerlet in Michigan pro-0offered as a solution:
Bill,
Thanks for the kind words. The Ipod is indeed a product that we have on our books. Ipod has a built in regulator for on the A/C power cable. We can garner the connectors no problem but without stepping the power down through a regulator, we would end up burning the units up. We are finalizing an adjustable regulator but it will not be to market for some time.

As for your situation, If you tend to ride like mostGS riders with a tankbag, might I recommend our PTB line of products. They are easy to install through the side walls of soft and hard sided luggage. Once installed, the ability to power the Ipod and Gerbings apparel and whatever else in the future, is right in front of you.

For starters, check out this link:
PAC-007 on this page to split the power off your one outlet: http://powerlet.net/products/cables.php
This way you can keep the GPS on the ram mount and have the power available just like you had it.
The tank bag products I'd recommend are here:
PTB-006 for the tankbag setup. http://powerlet.net/products/ptb.php
This will enable you to install the bulkhead into your bag and connect to the available outlet port you still have up front.
On the same page check out the PAC-026 or PAC-027. This will branch off inside the bag and provide enough connections for the Ipod and your Gerbings and again anything you wish in the future.
As for the final cable for your Gerbings, if you have the older style with the SAE, you can now connect right in the bag on the spare SAE port on the PAC-026. If you have the newer coax connector, you will need the PAC-027 and use Gerbings adapter cable with the BMW male or buy one from us.
PPC-005 located here: http://powerlet.net/products/power_cables.php

Hope this helps and I hope I have not confused you too much. We all ride with powered bags here and its very convenient. Especially when you need to park and get off your bike. One easy disconnection of the tankbag and you are good to go.
Let me know if you need any further help.
Ride Safe,

 

[RAM-man]

The iPod cradle RAM-HOL-AP1 has been around for over 12 months and is shown www.ram-mount-uk.com and available from GPS Warehouse (www.gpsw.co.uk). The AP1 fits most iPODS with one minor exception as detailed on the site.

The RAM ball & socket arm with a double socket arm is designed to take 50g shock (we won't) which is one key reason why many bikers not just GSer's use them for GPS and cameras, mobile phones etc . I suggest (from my experience) you look beyond the mount for vibration problems.

Phil Griffiths has the RAM-B-140ZA and RAM-HOL-AP1 fitted for his Russia trip so am waiting to hear the results.

RAM-man