Suction Mounts

[skippydiesel]

I have a RAM mount for my Garmin handheld GPS.

 

The mount is great except for one small problem: The suction part seems to stick very well and for several weeks at a time (think this varies a little with ambient temperatures).

There is no indication of when the suction is about to fail. Secure one moment in your lap the next - can be a bit disconcerting, if happens at a high concentration section of the flight (on final).

Anyone got any Tried -& -True suggestion for longer stick? (please don't say make it a permeants mount) 

[pmccarthy]

Same problem with my Skyecho.

[sfGnome]

I could never get the sucker to suck consistently, so I ended up getting a RAM screw base and bolting it to the panel. 

[Deano747]

https://www.seasucker.com.au/114-mm-seasucker-black-vacuum-mount/

 

Little vacuum pump so you can see when suction is being lost.

[Blueadventures]

Anything with suction caps needs to have a securing method for when it lets go.  I had Skyecho and its suction mount let go and fall then become lodged between rudder pedal and frame; occurred before take off roll so no issue but if occurred during take-off roll or flight things could have been different (like Chinook helicopter that got ipad caught in rudder pedals).  I know fit a rigid mount and will never have suction cap mount in cabin area.

[Area-51]

Two things required;

 

1) Clean, Smooth, and "flat" surfaces.

 

2) Wet suction cup before attaching prior to each session and push down as you spin the slide lock. (Remove mount at end of session to avoid surface distortion)

 

Expect the mount to fall off during flight so when it does happen you will not be distracted from flying the aircraft straight and level. My RAM mount is great and rarely falls off. When it does it falls toward the ground. (There is nowhere it can go and jam controls). My initial response is to start crying but then the training kicks in and with the aircraft stabilised I reach down grab the RAM by its horns and stick it firmly back in its spot. Eventually one day it will go straight into the bin or projected into scrubland beside the manoeuvring area, however I am not satisfied it has exhausted its commensurate level of monetary value yet.

[spacesailor]

Has anyone tried a smear of Lanolin or Vaseline. On the cup .

Just the tiniest smear would seal it .then of course the plastic

cracks up & it still falls . LoL

spacesailor

PS : I have to try. & epoxy one , of many , to get it mended .

[BrendAn]

4 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

I have a RAM mount for my Garmin handheld GPS.

 

The mount is great except for one small problem: The suction part seems to stick very well and for several weeks at a time (think this varies a little with ambient temperatures).

There is no indication of when the suction is about to fail. Secure one moment in your lap the next - can be a bit disconcerting, if happens at a high concentration section of the flight (on final).

Anyone got any Tried -& -True suggestion for longer stick? (please don't say make it a permeants mount) 

velcro ?.    in the truck i use the magnetic phone mounts with success.

[BurnieM]

Temperature cycling of the surface it is stuck to causes this. It will fall off more quickly in summer.

 

Take it off each time and replace it before flight.

Wet the cup with a small amount of water/saliva as well.

 

A suction cup is not designed to be used as a permanent mount.

Putting it on and expecting it to still be there when you return in a week is possible but outside its design parameters.

 

I used to sell RAM mounts.

 

Edited June 26 by BurnieM

[skippydiesel]

13 hours ago, Deano747 said:

https://www.seasucker.com.au/114-mm-seasucker-black-vacuum-mount/

 

Little vacuum pump so you can see when suction is being lost.

Cost as much as the RAM mount but neat idea (if it actually works). 

[skippydiesel]

11 hours ago, BrendAn said:

velcro ?.    in the truck i use the magnetic phone mounts with success.

Yeah! I use Velcro elsewhere - The RAMS good it's just so unpredictable in its "release" timing.

 

Not sure about magnets in the cockpit - probably old school but I would be concerned about having a magnetic field anywhere near navigation systems.

[skippydiesel]

3 hours ago, BurnieM said:

Temperature cycling of the surface it is stuck to causes this. It will fall off more quickly in summer.

 

Take it off each time and replace it before flight. Naah! I set it up in just the right position to see and adjust the Garmin - take way too long to do before each flight.

 

Wet the cup with a small amount of water/saliva as well. Yes I do this - prefere water to saliva, which tends to leave a mark

 

A suction cup is not designed to be used as a permanent mount. Can't be true 😁

 

Putting it on and expecting it to still be there when you return in a week is possible but outside its design parameters. Lasts a lot longer than a week. Haven't actually taken ,note,  I recon 1-2 months is possible

 

I used to sell RAM mounts. Inside information Burnie????😈

 

Inside information Burnie

[Deano747]

1 hour ago, skippydiesel said:

Cost as much as the RAM mount but neat idea (if it actually works). 

Works a treat for marine pilot boats that see some pretty heavy seas.

[BrendAn]

1 hour ago, skippydiesel said:

Yeah! I use Velcro elsewhere - The RAMS good it's just so unpredictable in its "release" timing.

 

Not sure about magnets in the cockpit - probably old school but I would be concerned about having a magnetic field anywhere near navigation systems.

pretty sure there are already magnetic fields in your cockpit.

[skippydiesel]

25 minutes ago, BrendAn said:

pretty sure there are already magnetic fields in your cockpit.

Yeah! but already accounted /accommodated for within systems - probably OK to fit another but taking a chance never the less.

[skippydiesel]

1 hour ago, Deano747 said:

Works a treat for marine pilot boats that see some pretty heavy seas.

Looked a bit further - Have written to company regarding difference between Industrial 114mm V  regular 114 mm Both $ 84.

 

Note: Another RAM ball will be needed to use with existing set up + $18-$30

 

Assume delivery + $10-$15

 

Total cost around $112-$129. Getting a bit steep for a suction mount . Have to think about it😈

[Area-51]

Cheapest and quickest fix is a roofing screw straight through the suction cup into the support surface... The rubber washer on the roofing screw will prevent loss of suction, and the screw will prevent dislodging of the RAM mount when suction is lost...