Roadpilot Microgo installed in a hidden way...

[nico651]

Hi all,

Today I hardwired the Roadpilot Microgo I bought last week. I installed it in such a way it's hard to see from the outside so I don't need to remove the device every time I leave the car alone.
For those of you who are reluctant from cutting and soldering some wires please check the other topic of FHW here: Instal RoadPilot MicroGo without cutting any wires
I disassembled the cigarette lighter plug and took out the transformer circuit. I rewired the circuit board and it's now connected on the right side bulb of the front interior light unit. I tucked the spiralcable away under the roof so the only piece that comes out is about 20 cm of cable with the power connector. As you can see there's a some sort of empty compartment in the back of the unit so there's enough free space to stash the circuit board away.
Of course I had to remove the bulb because the switch needs to stay in the on position for the RP to work. I'm alone in the car 99% of the time so I don't need the light for the passenger side. With the center button I disable the lights so they don't come on when the doors are open.
Only drawback is that the RP stays on even after I locked the car but I don't think it will do much harm to the battery. I can always switch it off with the right button if I want to.
As you can see in the pictures the RP holds itself in place because it's pinched between the mirror and the roofline. I can turn the display towards me and the antenna is in an ideal position to ensure optimal gps reception.
It's almost invisible from the outside, besides the blue display lighting in the dark and it's easy to remove when I need to connect it to my pc to perform an update of the internal database.
Maybe the warranty is void on my device but that doesn't bother me. If it's broken I'll simply buy a new one... Bye

[FWH]

Neat installation!

Does the light around the button not bother you at night?
I find it quite bright, and was wondering how disturbing it is in that postion?

At least you will not get any reflections in the windscreen which I get with my position.

[Pottsy]

That's quite neat. Personally, I'd run an ignition-switched cable up there (would take a few seconds to poke it into the lining).

Is it easy to remove the RP for updating?

[FWH]

Connection on the back is a mini-usb so that easy very easy to remove, but is it just jammed above the mirror, or how is it fixed in place? I velcro:d mine.

[nico651]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

That's quite neat. Personally, I'd run an ignition-switched cable up there (would take a few seconds to poke it into the lining).

Is it easy to remove the RP for updating?

I also wanted it to be ignition-switched but to draw a cable from under the dash to the device means you have to stash it away along the A style. I would do so if the Civic wasn't equipped with side curtain airbags. I looked it up (in the one and only workshop manual...) and to take the covers off you'll have to break some clamps that must to be replaced when you put them back on.
And yes, it's very easy to remove for updating. You just have to slide the RP to the right and disconnect the powercable.
The powercable has the same usb plug as the cable you use to connect it with the pc. In fact, it's the same usb socket you use for power and updating...

[nico651]

Originally Posted by FWH

Connection on the back is a mini-usb so that easy very easy to remove, but is it just jammed above the mirror, or how is it fixed in place? I velcro:d mine.

No velcro or what's however. You can try it with yours. Just slide it in and it holds itself in place.
Tonight it did a testdrive and the powerled doesn't bother me at all.

[WoolyCiv]

I have used a combination of all of the suggested methods of installation for my micro go.

1. Installed above the mirror using velcro to secure it.
2. Powered from the boot accessory socket using the original supply unit.
3. Routed a 3 metre mini usb extension cable over the roof lining exiting at the mirror and in the boot.

Thanks for all the ideas - This is still the number one Civic site

[mindstorm]

Where did you manage to find the mini USB extension cable? I'd though about extending a TomTom.

[WoolyCiv]

Originally Posted by mindstorm

Where did you manage to find the mini USB extension cable? I'd though about extending a TomTom.

I found it after a lot of searching on the German Ebay site. This gave me some problems as I don't speak or read German! Babelfish came to the rescue though. The cost was 15 euros including P&P. The item is Mini-USB Verlängerung 3m f. KAMERA,HANDY,PS3,P-SP,NAVI and the seller is kabelbaron who appears to be better at English than I am at German.

[mindstorm]

Thanks - been looking for those

[nathanjfox]

Is there any way to do this without taking out the bulb? i.e. wiring it elsewhere?

Also if you take the transformer circuit out, does that mean that it won't work anymore?

if so - are these difficult to build from scratch?