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[Chris [Stockport]]

I've happily used mine in my pocket, running on its own battery, and just relying on the plug-in earphones. Obviously that does depend on how far you're going as the internal battery runs out eventually. Anyway, it got me through Liverpool ok.

[sofiaspin]

I went to some expense and time to fit a tom tom to a Bonneville for a trip to sicily and back. First day off ferry it took us into the backwoods of Holland and we had to flog our way to den bosch railway station. To be fair it had been set to scenic routes and being a satnav virgin I should have asked for a tutorial from someone. Anyway my two mates used paper maps and the satnav was never used again. It is also in my view dangerous as you keep looking at a tiny screen and a multitude of things on it when reading a paper map requires you to generally stop, or at least if on the move the map stays still ie no moving images.

[ed.lazda]

I never (if I can avoid it) let any machine plan the route for me. It does its best, but hasn't got the brain for it. I plan my route out on the computer and download it to whatever machine I'm using so it can just help me follow it.

[Bertie the Bullet]

Dont give up on it Wilf, Mount the ciggy socket in the near side tool box on a bracket (mine is home made from a steel bracket from Wickes), that keeps it water proof, slice a cross in the blanking off plug at the front of the tool box to pass the charging wire through, and store the satnav in the clear map pocket of your tank bag, if the charger unplugs itself with the vibration the built in battery on the Tomtom will kick in until you plug it back in again.

[wilf]

Nice one Bertie, I'll give it ago. Is it OK to wire the socket direct to the battery+via a fuse and make sure bracket well earthed?

[Leon Novello]

Hi Wilf: Get a local metal machine shop to bend a piece of stainless steel and cut a couple of holes to take the cigarette lighter and another to fit over the front seat locating stud, then that will be the grounding site, the wire from the lighter can go to the junction box live side under the seat with a 15amp fuse in-line. I use a wine cork to seal the lighter from any moisture, unlike in the photo.
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[wilf]

Thanks to all, especially Bertie and Leon.Sounds like it's worth doing.I'll keep you posted.