New Aquabox for non-waterproof GPS units (Update)

[trucker66]

I was on the Ram Mounts web site trying to piece together a contraption that I am working on when I stumbled across this magnificent piece of ingenuity. I have seen these boxes before, but they weren't quite the correct size to house my Garmin Nuvi 360. Well our voice has been heard my friends. I am guessing that it will retail around $40-50 dollars.

Aqua Box 6 Internal Dimensions:
Width=4", Height=6", Depth=1.75" inches

Release Date: March 31st, 2008

http://www.ram-mount.com/index_files/ramholaq6_bb.jpg

Here is the link.
http://www.ram-mount.com/aqua_box_mount ... _mount.htm (http://www.ram-mount.com/aqua_box_mount/aquabox_mediumwide_mount.htm)

[Woot!]

I gots to get me one of them.

[crabwearer]

It's official. March 31st can't get here fast enough.

[trucker66]

Well the new size Aqua box has finally shipped on 23 May 2008. I will be using this box to keep my Nuvi 360 dry. I will post picture when I received it.

[WantaVTX2]

Do you guys lock this up to the bike? I know the box itself locks, but with a quick twist they can remove the whole box. Does anyone know how to lock the box to the bike?

[BillF]

How do you open the flip-up antenna inside or through back of the aquabox? I don't believe the Nuvi will work without the antenna being in open position.

[trucker66]

The box itself can be locked with a small padlock. Ram mounts makes and sells a locking knob. I really don't think the the whole setup is theft proof, but it will at least give you peace of mind.

Here is a link to the locking knob.

http://www.gpscity.com/ramknob3l

I will be using an external antenna, so no need to flip up the internal antenna.

Here is a link to the antenna.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1326

[BillF]

The box itself can be locked with a small padlock. Ram mounts makes and sells a locking knob. I really don't think the the whole setup is theft proof, but it will at least give you peace of mind.

Here is a link to the locking knob.

http://www.gpscity.com/ramknob3l

I will be using an external antenna, so no need to flip up the internal antenna.

Here is a link to the antenna.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1326

How / where does the antenna connect (on the Nuvi 360)?

[trucker66]

The box itself can be locked with a small padlock. Ram mounts makes and sells a locking knob. I really don't think the the whole setup is theft proof, but it will at least give you peace of mind.

Here is a link to the locking knob.

http://www.gpscity.com/ramknob3l

I will be using an external antenna, so no need to flip up the internal antenna.

Here is a link to the antenna.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1326

How / where does the antenna connect (on the Nuvi 360)?

Bill,

Take a look at the flip out antenna. There is a small jack on the antenna. I can slightly open the antenna, plug in the external antenna with enough clearance inside the box. This is all based on theory at this point.


Ed

[BillF]

The box itself can be locked with a small padlock. Ram mounts makes and sells a locking knob. I really don't think the the whole setup is theft proof, but it will at least give you peace of mind.

Here is a link to the locking knob.

http://www.gpscity.com/ramknob3l

I will be using an external antenna, so no need to flip up the internal antenna.

Here is a link to the antenna.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1326

How / where does the antenna connect (on the Nuvi 360)?

Bill,

Take a look at the flip out antenna. There is a small jack on the antenna. I can slightly open the antenna, plug in the external antenna with enough clearance inside the box. This is all based on theory at this point.


Ed

I see the connection - let me know how it works out.

[biod929]

I had wondered the same thing Bill, regarding the antenna.

[Cruz'N]

any one bought one yet ?
I wonder how hard it is to touch the screen thru the clear cover ?
I have a TomTom, I can't turn it off without opening the box and this could be a problem with some long stops.

Does it just sit in the box or is there some kind of mounting ?

any details would be appreciated.

[ISKIVT]

I have one. Cost was $38 for the box + $6 for the RAM ball, I already had every thing else. The membrane is not perfectly clear but my Magellan is still visible thru it.

[ISKIVT]

Post ride report. As long as the sun isn't directly shining on the face of the box, my gps was mare easily seen than without the box. The seal/membrane cut alot of glare from the unit screen. I had to use all 3 foam inserts to hold my Magellan Maestro 4250 high enough. Only thing is the design of the power plugs for the Magellan does not allow the unit to be centered in the box.

[trucker66]

I have good news to report. I ran a test with my Garmin Nuvi 360 inside of the new medium size Aqua Box. I would like to report the following:

The unit acquired satellites and maintained a lock throughout my trip of
approximately ten miles with the antenna partially opened.

The unit would not acquire satellites with the antenna closed.

My test was in my car, holding the Aqua Box/GPS with my hand resting on my leg.

The Nuvi must have an internal sensor/switch on the antenna which tells the unit if it should be in GPS mode. The reasoning behind this theory is based on a test I performed with the Nuvi in my hand out of the Aqua Box. The Nuvi would not pick up a satellite until I slightly opened the antenna.

Based on my test I would recommend using a small piece of foam between the antenna and the Nuvi to maintain an open position with the antenna. After you are satisfied with this modification; foam should be fitted inside the Aqua Box to accommodate the Nuvi, ensuring a snug fit against the plastic screen.

I was prepared to use an external antenna for my Nuvi, however because of the continuous questions from everyone on this forum, (Bill) I experimented. Thank you.

My next experiment with electronic devices will be an inline amplifier, used between a sirius satellite radio and an Autocom intercom system. Wish me luck.


Good luck,

Ed