Lowrance 540C GPS Installation

[robert j. yates]

....for my 98 Jeep TJ.

A big GPS and a little TJ with a soft top presented a couple of issues but nothing that couldn't be overcome. First off I want to thank one of the moderators here...Andrew Walcker, for the RAM mount. That actually made the difference for me having an easy install. I've attached a few quick phone pix of what I got done yesterday over the MLK holiday to get this GPS into my rig.

Essentially, the pictures tell the tale. The RAM mount was attached to my OR Fab sport cage and the 540C was mounted to the RAM. Given that the 98 TJ has pigtales from the fusebox already in place behind the glovebox means that the power lead was easily obtained. I currently have it run through the switched pigtale but I am thinking I am going to change that. The Lowrance instructions were way to confusing on that issue and they spoke to the potential of electrolosis and the need for switched power. I'm not seeing it and having the GPS switched to the ignitionis a PITA. If anyone has any experience with this particular issue, I'd be all over it.

The antenna was a bit of an issue and if I had a hardtop, it would have been a no brainer but since I have a soft top and run without it on occassion, I needed another location. Luckily, Jeeps have flat fender tops and while it really ganks up the look of my rig, it seemed to be the most logical point of install.

Lastly, I wired everything up so that the GPS could be easily removed from the RAM. Given that I only intend to use the GPS when I head out into the desert, I wanted to make sure that it stuck around.

 

[ox4mag]

Very cool to hear the RAM mount worked well for you.

Out of curiosity, what is your impression of the functionality of the Lowrance unit? I ask because I recently tested a Lowrance XOG crossover GPS and was not impressed. I've been curious about this product though, as well as the Baja series, so any further input is greatly appreciated.

Congrats on the install. Looks like you're a-go to head out into Neverland and find your way home.

 

[robert j. yates]

I'm a GPS novice...or at least a *smart* GPS novice. My previous instrument from 10 years ago was a non-programable Garmin that was basically good for telling you where you are and to follow your breadcrumbs home.

The Lowrance has far more functionality than I think I might ever need and frankly, I am still trying to figure it all out. Its only been installed since about 4:30 last night. I do need to add mapping software to my arsenal to supplement the existing basemap that comes factory loaded.

I can say though that the ability to adjust screen brightness and the size of the screen were 2 issues that I needed and these operate exactly to my needs. My mounting location means that I can see the buttons and along with the units' screen resolution, means I can manipulate the unit without having to take my glasses off (biiiig plus).

The zoom in/out feature is very handy and the ability to exit the menu or screen and immediately go back to the map is also nice to have. Beyond that...I am still reading the instructions LOL.

 

[madizell]

If the fender mount for the antenna doesn't work out for you, try attaching a mounting tab to your roll bar as high and out of the way as you can find, but with the antenna just under the fabric. The antenna needs an unobstructed view of all horizons to work best. As mounted, it will have only half, roughly, of the available view because of the proximity of the hood. The soft top fabric will be invisible to the GPS, so if you mount it under the top it should not pose a reception issue. Try what you have and see if you have adequate satellite reception. If not, try relocating high under the top.

 

[Steve Curren]

I attached my Lowrance to the spreader bars on the Or Fab cage, easy on and off and I can see it even with bios. I find the Lowrance accurate off road but in the city some of the streets are off from where I am. All in all I really like it for many reasons mostly it has a good sized screen and I can read it quickly.
I mounted my antenna in the back of the Jeep and it's moveable so if I want to put it outside I can, I have both tops and it works equally well with either one.

 

[robert j. yates]

I couldn't decide on whether to mount it (antenna) under the fabric or not and I did not want interference with the bows. My commute is 40 miles each way in several different orientations and it did not appear to be problematical this am on my drive in. I guess we'll see.....thanx.

 

[adventureduo]

Robert, we mounted ours with a Ram-mount as well. They work great and you'll love that GPS unit too. Looking good.

Jeff McRae says hello back to ya!

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Looking good! How is the Ram Mount holding the unit? Im a bit nervous the 1" ball is too small. I have a 2" ball if you need more gripping power. What about mounting the antenna on the same spreader bar as the GPS unit, just a thought? Might be able to have a decent shot at the satelites though the windshield?

Are you able to adjust the GPS unit out of your field of view?

 

[robert j. yates]

Dave, Andrew......I think the RAM I have is up to the task. There is a small bit of vibration on rough road but I do not think that is relational to ball size but rather the leverage from a not so small GPS unit. At any rate, the vibration is not so much that I cannot read the unit. Washboard might be a different story though and FWIW, I can adjust it out of my field of view. At any rate, I do not expect that this GPS will be a day to day resident of my Jeep and will only be installed when I head out on a trip.

Speaking of which.....Andrew...thanx again for the RAM mount. If we are on for this weekend, I'll bring the steaks

PS: Dave...tell that old curmudgeon McRae that I said to say Hi back.

 

[Andrew Walcker]

yyyyyyyuuuuuummmm.....steaks............... :cow: :chowtime:

 

[robert j. yates]

Hey Dave.....I *lost* the PM that you sent with the map set PN that you have for your 540. Care to post up the PN again for me? Thanx

Andrew...nice smileys LOL. I take it we are a go for saturday AM?

 

[adventureduo]

hahahha i'll tell McRae.

yeah we run the big 2" ball also. Let us know how your unit does on washboards.

The part number for the maps is Freedom Maps F104EX-W and i bought it from AdventureGPS.

Make sure to have your firmware updated to the latest version too.

 

[robert j. yates]

Thanx Dave :beer: and yah, me and McRae go back a long ways LOL.

 

[John90XJ]

I've got an Eagle Intellimap mounted in my XJ and it's identical in appearance and weight to the Lowrance Baja. I was using the 1" ball size RAM mount and broke it while coming down a washboard road. I was concerned it might be too small and went up a size to the 1.5" ball. The change in size for the casting between the ball and the mount is considerable and should alleviate any problems with it breaking in the future (fingers crossed).

As for RAM, their customer service is impeccable. I sent them a photo of the broken piece and a few days later a replacement was in my mailbox.

As for the antenna, I found the cowl between the windshield and hood has worked well. It's away from branches and has a full view of the sky. You can route the short section of cable from the antenna inside the cowl so you can disconnect the antenna easily as well. With the antenna selling in the $230 range, being able to quickly remove it is nice using the quick disconnect base you should have received with your unit..

 

[robert j. yates]

I had thought about the cowl area for the antenna and its still a possibility. At this point, I do not seem to have an acquisition issue with the current location so I'll probably leave it for the time being.