2730 XM Antenna Mount?

[Berzins]

Hey Guys.

Just curious of what people have been doing in regards to mounting their 2730 XM antenna? I know some have tried the brake fluid top to mount it to. How has that worked? My concern would be the farther north you go (being in Canada), when you turn north your body might be in the way.

Is there anything on the market yet to mount it?

Comments?

Dave...

[Earache]

I just sent a mount out to BeBeep that I made. Mounted above the brake fluid cup.

If you dont use a top box, I could easily make one that would mount where others have mounted their CB antennas.

I 'll attach a couple of pics for you. The round XM mount was powdercoated black after this pic was taken.

Eric

[cnewman]

After reading that the antenna was picking up a signal under a couple of layers of plastic ( Charlie's test, I believe), I went ahead and mounted mine under the black cover under the windshield. All I did was use a piece of double face tape to mount it on top of the cluster.

Seems to be working fine.

[Louie Louie]

Eric, what is the sticker on the back? Autocom's?

[Earache]

Eric, what is the sticker on the back? Autocom's?


Not my bike - it belongs to Tricky Micky who lives in the UK. I made the mount and shipped it to him.
I believe it's a sticky from the firm that he works for and/or trains with.
http://www.advanced-motorcycle-training.co.uk/

Eric

[Berzins]

After reading that the antenna was picking up a signal under a couple of layers of plastic ( Charlie's test, I believe), I went ahead and mounted mine under the black cover under the windshield. All I did was use a piece of double face tape to mount it on top of the cluster.

Seems to be working fine.


Hmm, ok I would not think that would work. Not because of the plastic but one would think it would be blocked while heading north or south depending on where you are. Like I said in my original post, this may not be an issue at all unless you live far north (Canada), or real South (Mexico). Not sure really.

Dave...

[Rob Hephner]

Here's what I did.

I know it is a 376, but same antenna. I used the metal part from the included white antenna mount in the box, attached it to a ram plate and used Ram parts.

http://www.southwestrides.com/swr_extras/376.jpg

[jeffmiller]

How does it do on the end to end movement of the handlebars? No bumping against the dash?

Can you provide parts numbers of what you needed to get this done?

Thanks!

[Rob Hephner]

No bump at all, if fact nowhere near the dash.

Not sure of the exact RAM parts, but this should help.

First, I used the double ball mount (You could use a single) that attaches to the brake mount.

Then I had a ramb101ua, I did not use the bottom part. http://www.ram-mount.com/ramwebcompthumb/ramb101ua.jpg

In the box with the antenna for the 376 there is a Marine mount. http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10617%2D01

I took the black part off of the mount and the bought a couple bolts with tapered heads (Ace Hardware) to sit flush at the top and then added a couple nylock bolts.

The black part actually has two screws that attach to the antenna holding it in place.

That might be confusing, but once you get all the parts it makes sense and is dead solid on the bike.

[Berzins]

Here's what I did.

I know it is a 376, but same antenna. I used the metal part from the included white antenna mount in the box, attached it to a ram plate and used Ram parts.

http://www.southwestrides.com/swr_extras/376.jpg


Hey Rob.

Would it be possible to put the bike ont he center stand and then take apicture from the side? If it's too much of a pain then don't worry about it.

Dave...

[Kempo-STer]

Rob,
Does it interfere with your vision of the right mirror?
I am thinking of this GPS but the size of the aentenna does mke me hesitate..

I could mount on top of my helmet or my top box and I could be the first ST AWACS motorcycle.:D

[Rob Hephner]

From the photos (including the first one) you will notice it is behind, above and inside of the brake master cylimder, thus is blocks nothing except maybe the letter ST1300 on the right of the plastic dash piece. Since in is a RAM mount it is adjustable, so you could even move it to see that.

Zero issue with any mirror blockage. :)

I show it here from the side, right full lock, left full lock and from riding position. Yes you can still see the lights on the right side of the dash. :)

Keep in mind it could always be put on the other side as well, that is if yo uare worried about the lights on the right side.

[sttourer]

I mounted my XM antenna (along with my Star-Traxx unit) in the top case. A bracket fashioned from aluminum stock suspends both units as high as possible still allowing lid closure.

Pat

[AZST]

Rob, would you mind taking a few extra shots of that blond in hot pants hanging out in your garage. Any angle will do !!! :D

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Rob Hephner]

Who? Pam?? :)

Or my girl Garnett??

[Tim4255]

Rob,

Is that the less than 2" RAM arm or the 3" RAM arm? Are you planning on leaving it on the bike all the time or removing it when not in your garage?

I am thinking of getting a locking ram arm so that I don't have to remove it all the time (yes I know if someone wants it bad enough it will come off).

Tim :03biker:

[STLarry]

Hi Dave -

I am using a mount from Cycle Gadgets (www.cyclegadgets.com).. It is called the Cycle Solutions Roady Holder. It mounts to the brake resevoir cover (I mounted to the left hand one) and it works great.. Cost $31.00 plus shipping.. It includes spacers that keeps the mount from coming in direct contact with the resevoir cover..

One note however - I did have to slightly bend the bracket that the antenna sits on to prevent it from coming in contact with the dash when I turned the handlebars all the way to the right..

It mounts the radio, all of the antenna wire and the antenna in a very nice looking package and makes it very easy to mount / dismount the radio and antenna when needed. I really like mine..

Best,

Larry Fitch
Melbourne, FL :04biker:

[Rob Hephner]

Tim,

It is the shortest arm that they have. I leave it on all the time, but I could remove it for an overnite somewhere. I actually set it up so I can use it on my ULY as well.

[Berzins]

I mounted my XM antenna (along with my Star-Traxx unit) in the top case. A bracket fashioned from aluminum stock suspends both units as high as possible still allowing lid closure.

Pat

Hi Pat.

No issues at all going through the plastic of the top box I assume then?

Dave...

[sttourer]

Hi Pat.

No issues at all going through the plastic of the top box I assume then?

Dave...

Hi Dave,

None whatsoever. My PikePass is even velcroed in the top of the lid and it reads every time.

Pat

[tricky_micky]

Eric, what is the sticker on the back? Autocom's?

Hey Louie

It is the company I own, UK Advanced Ltd. You want a couple of the stickies, just PM your ad and I will send you some.

Mick

[Biddyman]

Anybody mounted the antenna under the inner screen cowl(behind the dash)?

[Berzins]

I've heard someone has done that (Curt maybe?), but I think it really depends on where you live. For me, the satellites would be lower on the horizon and I am pretty sure it would be blocked when travelling north. I don't have my 2730 yet so I am still debating the installation. I'll be taking all the plastic off in the next week or so to get some wiring done as well as install an Audiovox cruise control so I guess we will see then.

Dave...

[Biddyman]

I need to rethink that, I was getting tired last night when I thought about that. Then this morning driving to work, I asked myself what about quick removal to put in car. I'll probably just do the R.A.M. mount thing.

[Biddyman]

All day at work I was thinking about making a steel plate and RAM mounting the antenna that way I could take it off for the car. So, when I got home today I got on my bike and sat there looking at how I would want to mount things. I then realized just how comfortable the Alaska leather felt. Yeah, I was pondering for a bit. Then it hit me, why not just put a mat down and stick it on the front part of the tank centered. Can anybody see a problem as far as reception or even harmful to the bike?

[BeBeep]

I had mine stuck to the tank until recently and it worked just fine. I only moved it because I received my awesome custom mount from Eric. I will attach a photo so you can check it out.

[WarER4X]

I had mine stuck to the tank until recently and it worked just fine. I only moved it because I received my awesome custom mount from Eric. I will attach a photo so you can check it out.

Wow! That is quite elegant. If I had the equipment to powder coat, I think I'd do it myself (Krylon never holds up as well). What is he charging for that?

-SR-

[Rob Hephner]

That does look good.

I trade mine between the ST and my Uly, so that's why I have what I have. ;)

[BeBeep]

Wow! That is quite elegant. If I had the equipment to powder coat, I think I'd do it myself (Krylon never holds up as well). What is he charging for that?

-SR-

Eric (Earache on the board) made it for me and would not charge me a dime. I owe him and one day I will meet up with him and buy him many beers. You may want to PM him and see if he can hook you up.

[nunns]

The mount is made from stock aluminum (1-1/2" angle, 1/8" thick) that I got at the local Lowe's home improvement center. Aluminum "angle iron" is nice to use because it doesn't rust, is plenty strong and stiff, but is soft enough to work using common woodworking tools. I cut mine with a bandsaw and did the final shaping with a bench grinder and handfile. You can even put a nice brushed finish on it by using a wire brush in a Dremel tool. The antenna is attached with 3mm bolts (8mm long) that go into the existing threaded holes on the bottom of the antenna. Simple, semi-elegant, and functional. Cheers!
Nunns

[nunns]

Sorry, I messed up the picture attachments. Here they are.
Nunns

[dduelin]

I have ordered a 2730 for my bike so I read this thread with great interest. GPSCITY is back ordered on it so I have at least a week or two to think about my options. I hope it's just a week or two! In earlier threads I noted the need for good electrical connections (don't ground directly to battery negative post in particular) in order to prevent RF noise on installed audio systems. I had planned to power the 2730 with a 12 volt power point socket with the ground of this taken to some other point on the frame far from the battery. Will I have to take other measures to prevent RF noise finding its way into the XM receiver? I plan to make some sort of stand-off mount off the passenger grabrail for the antenna.

[nunns]

....In earlier threads I noted the need for good electrical connections (don't ground directly to battery negative post in particular) in order to prevent RF noise on installed audio systems. ..... I plan to make some sort of stand-off mount off the passenger grabrail for the antenna.
My antenna is grounded directly to the bike (see my pictures in the previous post) and my power source is grounded directly to the battery (via a fuse block) and I have had no RF noise problems whatsoever. Before you jump through too many hoops, I'd recommend you do a simple hookup and see if you have problems. Good luck - the 2730 is a really nice piece of equipment!
Nunns

[WarER4X]

I have ordered a 2730 for my bike so I read this thread with great interest. GPSCITY is back ordered on it so I have at least a week or two to think about my options. I hope it's just a week or two! In earlier threads I noted the need for good electrical connections (don't ground directly to battery negative post in particular) in order to prevent RF noise on installed audio systems. I had planned to power the 2730 with a 12 volt power point socket with the ground of this taken to some other point on the frame far from the battery. Will I have to take other measures to prevent RF noise finding its way into the XM receiver? I plan to make some sort of stand-off mount off the passenger grabrail for the antenna.

With my current config (XM Roady 2 plugging into a JM CB2003), I had to install a ground loop isolator into audio cable. It prevents ground loops (which can happen any time to plug two devices together that each have their own power feed) and also wipes out engine noise.

-SR-

[jeffmiller]

I have the 2730 direct to battery, as it is nice to have the GPS run when the bike is off rather than on switched. I have a radio shack audio extension cable running from the Touratech mount where it is cable tied and under the tank to between the tank and seat. Comes up right where my Gerbing plug is.

I just pop in the audio connector to my helmet and away I go...no buzz, hum, noise, nada. Just music and audio....

Jeff

[Rob Hephner]

Dave,

If this will be your only audio device and you will not add other devices through something like an Autocom you can get away with with grounding at the battery.

Probably the best place to tap in for power would be the Aux harness.

[BeBeep]

FWIW I connected mine to the Quartet Harness. I connected it so that it is always powered so I can use it when the bike is off.

[Louie Louie]

Hey Louie

It is the company I own, UK Advanced Ltd. You want a couple of the stickies, just PM your ad and I will send you some.

Mick

ABSOLUTELY! Will PM...

[jeffmiller]

I copied Nunns bracket, and although it is nowhere near as pretty, it works very well. Any concerns on the bolt that we are using now to secure the right side handlebar equipment now that we have an additional piece of metal between it and where it used to go? Do I need a longer bolt now?

Jeff

[dduelin]

I got my 2730 yesterday and within an hour was listening to XM in my car and navigating home from work. This is the 4th Garmin GPS since 1996 for a car, bike, or boat so I am familar with the use of use and setup of mapping GPS units. Garmin has spent alot of time reducing the complexity of the manual and operation of the unit and it shows.

Today I fabricated a mount for the antenna out of flat stock aluminum. I found the GM30's cable was too short to mount it off the passenger grab bar so it will mount on the front brake reservoir. Unlike other mounts seen here I determined to mount a round flat plate directly to the reservoir top with 3M 5200. It bonds tenaciously metal to metal. The mount is the same diameter of the antenna and has two countersunk screw holes for the screws that will hold the GM30 to the plate. The antenna will be tilted a little from horizontal but it doesn't make any difference in reception. By removing the two screws from the underside the GM30 will lift off the plate that stays behind on the bike. I want the portability to use the 2730 in my daily driver which is a Crown Victoria. I have an extra reservoir top left over from my VTX 1300 so if I want to replace the glued on mount with an OEM top I can do that.

By the way - I experimented with the XM antenna location in my Crown Vic. The XM signal remained 2 out of 3 bars even with the antenna held up against roof of the car from the interior - the signal had to pass thru the thin metal roof of the car! I then placed it on the floor of the car under the dashboard on the transmission hump. The signal remained 1 to 2 bars and reception was clear except when passing under some tree canopy. Even then it was good but with a little static.

[dduelin]

Screwing and unscrewing the GMX-30 to the mount won't work. With the plate on the reservoir there isn't enough room to come at the screws. I would not be able to remove the antenna once the 5200 cured. I guess I will use velcro.

[WarER4X]

After I remove my Roady 2 from the right handlebar, the steel mounting plate will still be there, so I'll probably try to use that as a magnetic mount for the 2730 XM antenna, at least for now. If it works well enough, then I won't bother to change it unless I feel really motivated... which will happen eventually.

-SR-