BMW ate my Garmin! (GPS crashes)

[Suz]

I have a Garmin 176 mounted on my new BMW F650GS. The GPS runs for about a minute then switches itself off as the bike speeds up. I disconnected the power cable and ran the GPS on batteries - same result. GPS runs fine in my boat and car - so @££$@£$@!!!???

BUT - on pulling the side cover off the 'gas tank' on the GS I find the ignition coil is directly under the bars about three inches from the GPS. (The real gas tank is under the seat on this bike)

So if you have an F650GS and a GPS on the handlebars, you may find the GPS doesn't operate for very long. A pity because the Touratech mount cost a fortune!

Suz

[mmaarten]

Hi Suz,

Maybe you can shield the coils with some alu-tape (normaly used for exhaust repair) ?
Make sure it's connected to ground.

Hope it helps,

Maarten


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- www.maartensworld.tmfweb.nl -

[RichLees]

Are you sure its down to magnetic interference and not vibration? I've heard of Garmin's shutting down due to harsh vibration at particular frequencies and poor connections. eg Maybe the batteries need taping together end to end. As daft as it sounds, loose batteries could also cause problems when running on the power cord as the GPS doesn't know what to make of the changing power source. Good luck.
Richard

[Suz]

Originally posted by RichLees:
Are you sure its down to magnetic interference and not vibration?

No, but the diesel engined boat in a rough sea produces a lot more vibration and thumps - albeit of a different kind. I''ve also held the GPS an inch above the 'tank ' with the same results. It crashes!!

Doh!!!!!

Suz

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 30 July 2002).]

[Grant Johnson]

I'd try Maartens suggestion - shielding is probably the solution. Start with a big sheet held over the tank and see if the Garmin works or not, then if so start tidying up.

If not, contact Garmin and ask them if they have an answer.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[Luke]

Hi I'm currently faced with a similar pb at work; client fussing about ElectroMagnetic interference. The bad news is that only metals with a ferrous base work as EM shields so aluminium and all but the exotic stainless are out. However if you cut up an old mild steel bike tank and used it to replace the "pseudo-tank" skin on yours you should get somewhere, as mentioned before, make sure it's grounded.
Basically if it rusts or if a magnet sticks to it, it will shield.
Good luck
Luke