Ram-Mount

Ram-Mount.com sells mounts for most if not all vehicles. Oddly, this version that uses your seat bolts to be held in place isn't listed as being available from them. If you serf the web you can find this version for sale by an on line seller but it won't be Ram-Mount. It'll be an on line company that sells Ram-Mount products. I bought mine from Ram-Mount two years ago and it was listed in their on line catalog at that time. Try down loading their catalog. It might be listed there.

Step 1: Get a mount that doesn't need any drilling.

This model uses the seat bolts so there is no need to drill holes in your car floor in order to attach the mount base.

Comments

[abadfart]

nice but i think id build a mouse on the searing wheal  and just get a laptop charger for the car

[billb]

Where on the steering wheel would you attach the mouse "Pad"?
I do use a laptop charger "in" the car. It keeps the battery topped up.

[abadfart]

well i was going to put a thumb stick in the place where the media controls go on a newer car and as for the charger i was thinking something like this that will put less of a draw on your battery 

[billb]

That charger looks like it would work just fine. As far as mounting the track ball or thumb stick or mouse at a fixed position would work well for a vehicle that isn't moving. However, being able to hold the trackball in your hand makes it easier to manipulate while you are driving. A thumb stick would look a lot cooler than a hand held trackball. If you live in a city with smooth streets then the fixed position thumb stick may work BUT if you live in city with EXTREMELY bad streets like me then keep an open mind about that hand held trackball. Trust me.

This project looks like I threw it together but its actually been evolving. I took the photos and created the Instructable after 2 years of trial and error.

Good luck with whatever you try.

[abadfart]

ya i live in farm country so i spend allot of my time on the highway where something on the wheal is plausible and as for the rest of it i just try to cut down on wires seeing as how i have to many loose in my car already 

[billb]

Wires can be a problem. The Delorme Street Atlas program can be purchased with a Blue Tooth GPS receiver. I'd still use the wired USB version though. With my luck the Blue Tooth GPS batteries would die at the wrong time.

I've been thinking about mounting the display on the dash board in front of me. The map images would then be projected (or reflected) into the lower part of the windshield. That way you wouldn't have to take your eyes off the road. I haven't worked out how to reverse the image thats reflected backwards into the windshield though.

To get an idea how that could work simply put a paper map on your dashboard.
It works better on overcast days but still looks doable on sunny days.

[abadfart]

you mean like a HUD on on newer cars? 

[billb]

Exactly. Fighter planes use HUD to fly (fight) better and Cadillac has an infrared HUD for night driving. When Cadillac did it I thought it might be plausible for daytime use.
Their are a lot of issues to work out. For example, not bright enough in the day, to bright at night and don't forget the reflected map will be backwards.

[abadfart]

my cousin has a 01 grand pix with a hud and it works day and night but and it shows radio info, low fuel light, speed, and turn signal 

[billb]

Someone makes a program for windows that displays your engine information on your PC. You run a USB cable to the diagnostic port in your car.
Most engine info is all ready on my dash so I would prefer a dedicated diagnostic meter. Its not as sexy looking as a Tach or Oil Pressure but its more useful.

Here are some links you might find interesting:
file:///Users/williambudde/Desktop/YouTube%20-%20Video%20captura%20OBDII%20Mazda%20Miata%20MX5%20NBII.webloc

file:///Users/williambudde/Desktop/YouTube%20-%20OBDII%20Scanner%20Working!.webloc

file:///Users/williambudde/Desktop/YouTube%20-%20DIY%20OBD-II%20Car%20Computer%20Interface%20with%20LCD%20and%20Microcontroller.webloc

[abadfart]

what programs did you use? and where can i get that  diagnostic program?

[billb]

I use two programs, Microsoft's "Streets and Trips" and Delorme "Street Atlas".
As far as the diagnostic programs, I don't use any. I use the gauges on my dash. I supplied those links to show you what others  have done. Go back too "You Tube" and drop those posters an eMail. I'm sure they can help you out.

[mayney93]

where can i get a trackball like that?

[billb]

Hi, I use track balls for everything. I hate mice!! A hand held track ball works extremely well in this circumstance, a mouse just wouldn't cut it in a car. I purchased this T.B. from Micro Center in Houston Texas. They no longer sell them and haven't for several years. If you Google HAND HELD TRACK BALL you'll get a plenty of hits. They sell anywhere from $9.95 plus shipping all the way too $79.95. I bet they are for the most part Identical. I bought one from the web about 2 years ago and spent $12.95 including shipping. It was identical to the original one I purchased from M.C. I purchased a third one about a year ago and guess what? You guessed it, it was the same. Three different retailers, three different brands, three similar but different prices and they were all identical. I went to Amazon.com and in the search box entered "track ball" and of coarse got many hits. Two hits were Hand Held Track Balls like mine for $15.95. Good luck and ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!

[mayney93]

k thanks im in the UK so a fiver for a mouse is sweeet

[tigersboyuk]

Just signed up to the site just to say thanks for this instructable. Well explained and illustrated. Very useful as I am an HGV driver and will use alot of the info given here. Good effort and thanks.

[billb]

WOW, you just signed up to thank me. Your very kind. I'm glad you could find something useful. That's why I did it. Instructables is a very cool sight and the people who visit are also very cool. By the way, please excuse my ignorance, whats a HGV driver? Just curious. Thanks again!

[xerxesx20]

HGV: Heavy Goods Vehicle.

Just found this: SATNAV-HGV

Poor guy, imagine explaining that!

[billb]

Thanks for the HGV update. This is in the UK. I bet the driver is from the US and isn't used to driving on the wrong side of the road. I'm guessing Americans and especially the french couldn't be wrong. Could they? Seriously, that looks like a really cool truck. It must be a fun job at times, though I bet the HGV driver isn't having much fun. Thanks again for the info!!!!!!!

[xerxesx20]

Aye, 'tis no problem. :-)

[CaseyCase]

I am a big fan of RAM mounts--infinitely adjustable, puts your gizmos right where you need 'em and they are rock solid. I had three in my old Jeep Wrangler and one on my mountain bike. Highly recommended!

[billb]

I couldn't agree with you more. They are expensive but extremely well made and will easily out last the vehicle. The other mounts I looked at weren't as well made or as sturdy but just as expensive. Ram-mount also has a monster size catalog filled with components. No one can touch them. The instructable spell checker wanted me to replace.....catalog......with........godlike. Go figure.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Great job! You might want to try a touchscreen in a future version

[billb]

Thanks!!!!!!! I've thought about a touch screen but they start around $300 and go up from there and I haven't seen a kit I liked. So I just use the track ball and silicone keyboard, both were very cheap and they work very well.