I used a laptop mount from Ram Mounts to install my Panasonic CF 51 Semi-rugged laptop with National Geographic TOPO software so that I could automatically track my position with my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. The TOPO software has a feature where you can track your current position from a GPS unit plugged in through the USB. So far this set up has been pretty good other than limited front passenger room, although there still is some room and the laptop can be positioned facing the passenger for easy access and viewing. I did get a quick disconnect for the mount for times when I will not be needing the laptop to navigate. This has been a really cool way to explore some of the "Jeep Trails" that you can find on the USGS Topographic maps!

 

Have you upgraded your alternator yet?

Wow.
That's a lot of juice pulling from it.

 

Thanks for bringing that up. I haven't even thought about it. The ham radio and CB are hardwired to the battery but the laptop is plugged into a power converter that's plugged into power outlet in the main console. The GPS unit when plugged into the USB port runs off of the laptops power but when unplugged runs off of two AA batteries. Would that really strain the alternator?

 

You will be fine, I used to run my laptop all the time through the inverter and powering my Garmin 60c, You could drain you battery if you left it all on overnight without the engine running but while driving, th most you would pull is about 6amps ( ex: one headlight pulls about 4 amps)
Just a side note, you should try Delorme Topo 7.0 it is way cooler than the Nat'nl Geo stuff, I have both and don't ever go back to the NG maps.

 

Curious, what do you like better about the Delorme Topo software vs Nat Geo? Does it use the actual 1:24k scale seemless topos at it's most zoomed in extent? (Pictures do wonders!) A friend of mine gave me the AZ set for Nat Geo and then I found an upgrade to version 4.2.8 for $20. I then moved to NV and found a set for the state at a used bookstore for $10. So overall it cost me around $30 to have all of Arizona and Nevada.

 

Very nice setup! I'm running the same ram laptop mount! I love it! I just changed my poles so mine sits a bit lower and added a quick release! Good product if you ask me.

 

Looks like you won't get lost anytime soon...LOL

 

Damn, pkess3
I'm following you.!

KB9QBF...out

chuck

 

Here's a better angle from the passenger side. It does kind of get in the way of the passenger's left leg but for the most part is out of the way. Depending on how you position it, it could get in the way of the passenger side airbag. You can see the quick disconnect pin at the bottom.

 

Yes That is a good deal, if you can find them.
The Options Delorme gives you is amazing, The maps sets that come with the program are enhanced USGS Topo maps , "Comprised of USGS Digital Topographic Data and Elevation Models blended with the latest Delorme Street and Trail Network. This vector system enables many of the intelligent software features while providing customers with an innovative map database offering the best of all worlds" You can also buy
* » USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps
* » B&W DOQQ Aerial Imagery
* » Sat-10 Color Satellite Imagery
* » NOAA Nautical Charts
* » High-Resolution Color Aerial Imagery
, You can view in 3-D with Split screen, and you can draw routable roads and trails and make them part of the map. You can buy Data sets from Sat images to Aerial Photos,
I have the most fun planning routes on the Delorme Topo 7.0 , It does have a learning curve but once you get a hang of it it really is hard to beat.
The first photo is a screen shot with some trails I ride behind my house, Red/magenta tracks are my gps tracks