Garmin 276cx GPS Install

[Ground_zero298]

Best all around gps imo. List of features is impressive. Very simple solution for back tracking and coordinates in case of emergency. Has weather, timers, trip computers and logs, can add way points, poi’s, and routes Garmin has a mess of maps that can be bought or downloaded for it. It does come with a learning curve.

This type of gps does not care about WiFi, cell service, or location. All it cares about is 5 volts and Satelite signal. This one is also capable of running US and Russian satellites at the same time for increased performance.

Gps is not touch screen. For this reason it will be mounted out of the way but still within arms reach. Selected spot is above the drivers visor. Gps is waterproof rated and has a internal battery for hiking or boating and such. Just not a stand alone unit for the bronco.

Parts list
Garmin 276cx $616
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M0JTC2O?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Dongar mirror power adapter $32.99
https://www.amazon.com/Dongar-Technologies-Adapter-16-pin-Vehicles/dp/B088P4VFQ7/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=1RIBXHVM9YEDD&keywords=dongar+dash+cam+adapter&qid=1670182434&sprefix=donglar,aps,90&sr=8-2

1.5’ usb to usb c cord 3 pack
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07G8ZTMYB?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

usb c to mini usb 2.0 adapter $6.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07TLBTXXJ?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

3 short screws.

Bracket is going to be mounted here above the visor. Will be using 3 short screws. The hole pattern is a triangle. The tip of it will be pointing down. Bracket will be mounted with the knob facing the right. This is to allow the connections on the left. The center thumb screw goes into a lock nut. Make sure to tighten this properly. I used a rag for extra grip. Do not shove it all the way up into the roof. Leave a little space, screws will go in under the runner seal

For mirrors with the wire harness we can use the dongar adapter to pull our 5 volts off of. It just a go between. Each wire only fits one way.

Now we’re stripping the cradle of the hardwire pins. This will require a t6 to remove the 2 screws and pull the piece out.

With this out we will now add the gps antenna. This does increase performance. After sometime testing I’ve concluded the external on top of the bracket is 1 foot less accurate than with it in the roof and is the same with it on the dash. So for a clean look and best performance this seems to be the best location. I simply glued (or 3m tape) it in the position shown. Then wrap the wire around the mount as shown. Then zip tie both bundles on the back.

We can plug the power and antenna into the gps now. Should be able to get one more wrap off the loose end to hide the wire on the antenna.

Then put the gps on the bracket and tighten. Visor should hit the bottom to help steady from vibrations.

With it wired in the mirror it will turn off and on with the truck. With the battery inside it can be used while the truck is off or taken out and carried with you. Will charge while it has external power.

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[Ground_zero298]

Forgot the garmin external antenna $31.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CZ4TNXW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Nice writeup!

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Well done. I dig the whole not dependent on phones/cars/Bluetooth approach. I she not enjoyed restarting OnX and Gaia to get it cooperate with CarPlay reliably. Half the reason I want to get up to date on Sync is hopefully to fix some of those things.

My solution so far is to run those apps on an iPad instead, but the GPs reception on those is Meh.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Can that model take advantage of InReach subscriptions/messaging/SOS services?

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