GPS errors only on S3????

Punkinwing · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006

I've been looking for a GPS that'll fit well on my S3.. I have a Lowrance IWay 500c on the Wing but wanted to have something smaller and battery powered for the Triple..
The natural choice was the IWay 350c, perfect fit and lots of featuress.. Went through two units before it occured to me that the S3 was the only place the unit would shut down every couple of miles.. The unit worked perfectly in both cars and on the Wing, but there was something about the S3 that was a prob.. Returned the unit..
I mounted the IWay 500c on the S3 tonight as a test and it lasted longer, but it rebooted!!! This unit is bulletproof with over 50k miles on it in the car and the Wing, never a hicupp!!
I'm thinking RFI from the FI or ignition system??? Anybody else had issues with electronics on an S3???
:???: :???: :???:

vinnyf · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006

Cheers, Punkinwing - all cool toys, the iways, the 'wing and the S3. However, both the iways you mention are based on hard drives, and they can be VERY unhappy with motorcycle vibration (your 'wing doesn't count - it doesn't vibrate...)

How do you have the GPS mounted? I know many people use a handlebar mount, but that may not be optimum for these units, at least not on our S3s.

You might check the gpspassion forum at http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/f...p?FORUM_ID=163
there are a couple of posters there who really know these units. Good luck!

Diego · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006

I doubt that it would have anything to do with either the ignition or FI. Interfering signals at L-band frequencies (a) are uncommon from electronics of this sort, and (b) shouldn't force a reboot anyway. It sounds to me like something far more prosaic...a momentary disruption of power from a bad connection somewhere.

[Vinny posted while I was still typing. Didn't realize those models use a hard drive! That could indeed make them more sensitive to vibration, as well as the kind of intermittent power interruptions I was mentioning.]

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2006-03-08 21:14 ]

Punkinwing · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006

Thanx for the feedback.. I'm kinda prone to suspect the vibration, but the conditions at which it was shutting down weren't really consistant (speed, road condition etc.. ) seemed to almost be engine RPM related but haven't had a chance to FULLY dive into it..
It is mounted on the left bar with a 2" arm, may try a mount closer to the center of the bar to decrease the inertia that could be experianced at the bar end.. (Grabbing at Physics straws here
:-D )

Wanted to keep the bike simple and naked, but the GPS is the one requirment for venturing off onto those wonderful unknown roads that lead to nowhere!! (Safety factor too, knowing the turns coming up!!

Joemomma · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006

I had some problems with my Garmin GPS V when it was mounted on my WR-250...stuffing some thin foam in the battery pack seemed to solve it. Some people suggested taping the batteries together & using dielectric grease on them to keep them from arcing, but just keeping the batteries from rattling seems to be the key.

Hope the S-3 vibrates a little less than a single turning 13,000rpm...