Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

GPS Speedo Wiring

4K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  triumpt120rv 
#1 ·
Hoping to install a GPS Speedo to replace my cable speedo. The GPS Speedo Wiring comes with negative ground wiring diagram. What alterations (If any) need to be done when installing for Positive ground? See pic. Thanks.*
 

Attachments

See less See more
1
#2 ·
I think i would connect that as a separate unit from the bike wiring and make sure the unit was isolated from any frame parts. Put a switch in circuit so the ignition switch will not connect to it. Negative to number 4 through a small switch, 1 and 3 then go to the positive.Fit a fuse in line to protect the wiring. I have heard that these GPS speedos are often very unreliable regarding a signal and often, the aerial lead is very long. Fit it up and give an opinion wether it is worth fitting. It may be a lot more accurate than the old ones on the bike now.
 
#9 ·
Road tested. All seems good. The gps & backlight turns on with ignition. Initially I got a 60 second count while in the garage and then a zero. No error messages so I assumed I was receiving a signal while parked in the garage. On the road the Speedo seems fairly accurate. Under several short tunnels I did not seem to lose a signal or at least It was unnoticeable because the tunnels were short. On my short city ride I did manage to sneak the bike up to the "Canadian Ton" (aka 100 kmph). Clocked only 17 km this morning because I'm busy working on the house. Plus it's raining. Fastened the sensor to the back of the seat frame with some zip ties for now. Will work on tidying everything up this week but good enough for work this week.

I have heard that these GPS speedos are often very unreliable regarding a signal and often, the aerial lead is very long. Fit it up and give an opinion wether it is worth fitting. It may be a lot more accurate than the old ones on the bike now.
On my short 17 km ride I found no problems. We shall see. I really like it so far. I paid
About $65.00 CND for so it is definately worth it (only about twice the cost of a good speedo cable). I woulkd imagine the sky's the limit for units with many more features but this simple unit is all I really need. Yes, the cable is quite long. I will probably shorten when I have a moment. All in all, I think it is worth it. I am leaving my Speedo hub drive on for now as a spacer (lost the end piece months ago) but will probably replace with a s/s spacer when I change my rear tire (very soon).

The only thing might be that it would be on permenantly ?
You may be able to wire the switched power into one side
I like the red led light on permanent with ignition. You can't see it in daylight, only in tunnels or garage but is a nice glow on a cold morning startup. Good luck with the custom! Thanks, Dave.

I think it very unlikely that the electronics are connected in any way to the case...
Lots of great work-arounds with detailed explanations, Chris! Thanks!

Hi
1972 650 Pos ground Triumph, other years/models might have different wiring...
Peg
I followed your drawing and everything seems To be working great! Thanks, Peg!

The speedo case won’t have continuity to anything. Test it with a meter on ohms if you want, but isn’t it plastic?
Yes, I believe it is plastic. Thanks, TT.

P.S. Here is the one I bought:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/200KM-H-GPS-Speedometer-Digital-Gauge-Car-Motorcycle-Marine-Odometer-Waterproof/163772686516?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&redirect=mobile
 
#3 ·
Nothing- so long as the speedo is insulated from the frame.
Just wire it up directly to the battery as indicated

The only thing might be that it would be on permenantly ?
You may be able to wire the switched power into one side

I'm interested in the gps speedo as a project I have might be getting one although I would possibly change polarity given it is a custom
 
#4 ·
I think it very unlikely that the electronics are connected in any way to the case, but it is worth checking as Peg suggests.
In the unlikely event that the case and #4 are electrically connected, you will have to isolate the case from any contact with ground components for use with +ve ground.

Take the supply to #4 from the white wire side of the ignition switch.

#1 and #4 are simply the +ve and -ve connections for the main function.

#3 is the +ve connection for speedo illumination (it says "Blacklight" though I'm pretty sure it means "Backlight"). It shares the common -ve #4.
In the original design for a -ve ground installation this could best be provided by a feed from any of the lightswitch connections that are on when any of the lights are on (such as the original speedo light, or rear light).

However, this won't work with +ve ground.

The simplest way to deal with it would be to wire it as always on when the ignition is on, by joining #3 to #1. As its almost certainly LED backlight, the power consumption isn't worth thinking about, even a conventional bulb would be trivial.

The next simplest way would be to use a switch in the wire as shown in the diagram, in what will now be the ground wire for the speedo lamp. A bit of an untidy nuisance though, methinks.

The neatest solution would be to use a micro relay such as
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/646/12v-micro-relays
triggered by the original speedo lamp wire. This would then make the ground connection for #3 when the lights are on as usual with the original speedo.

To do this with the relay shown above, the speedo lamp wire connects to #85, #86 goes to +ve ground.
Speedo #3 then goes to relay #30, #87 goes to +ve ground.

The relay will easily fit in the headlamp shell, just ensure the terminals are all insulated from contact with metal.

I think the memory will be maintained by an internal battery and/or SSD chip.
 
#5 ·
Hi
1972 650 Pos ground Triumph, other years/models might have different wiring.

I think this will work for you and retain full function of the speedo and dial backlight.
You will need a 4 pole automotive relay (mini) and associated base.

regards
Peg
 

Attachments

#12 ·
This fits snuggly in my stock 72 rubber mounts. Whether it is waterproof or not I will be finding out soon enough. :dunno
The frost from winter riding will be the real test though.

Good tip T140V because my original speedo tanked, broke the needle which turns around permanently, slower with slower speeds, faster when I go faster.
Thought about buying magnetic copy, but this one is cheaper and even fits its rubber boot.
How long did you wait for it?
Not long. Faster than promised. Ordered Sept. 3. Arrived Sept. 13th.
 
#15 ·
So far looks good. No fogging. Sealed for dust so I wouldn't mess with that by poking a hole in it. Rated at IP67 so should withstand the cold too.

Operating temperature: -30°~75°
Storage temperature:-40°~85° C*
Levels of protection: IP67

IP67 Code Translated: Completeley sealed for dust and tested submerged in 1m of water.

We'll see what effect the legendary Triumph vibrations have on it over time.
 
#18 ·
The antenna cable (approx. 4 metres :eek:) is of course excessive for a motorcycle. I tucked it under the tank along the oif backbone, under the seat to the back of the frame where I had a tool kit mount I made from a Blackhawk Serpa quick disconnect handgun mount. The toolkit mount normally had a Triumph alternator cover on it when the toolkit bag was not mounted (I placed the cover back on top of the receiver in the pic below just to show you what I mean). I took the alternator cover off and screwed down the receiver box. I wrapped the 3 metres left over and zip tied it to the frame.

I looked up online on how to cut antenna cable and it looked fairly straight forward but didn't want to screw it up and effect the reception so I just left it wrapped and zip tied against the frame. It doesn't look pretty but eventually I'll come up with a better spot for the receiver box - something less cumbersome looking yet still functional - maybe mounted on the handlebars.
 

Attachments

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top