Figure 15: The Biggest Mount of all Time?

The 12v cigarette lighter power adapter is also integrated into the mount. There's also an external GPS antenna connector (SMA-type connector).

Figure 16: Blackbird Windshield Mount

The Alpine Blackbird ships with the biggest mount I've ever seen. Unfortunately, bigger doesn't mean better; in my testing there was considerable vibration in the mount while driving (more on this later).

Figure 17: Blackbird Windshield Mount, Front

Figure 18: Blackbird Windshield Mount, Side

Figure 19: Included AC Adapter

The included AC adapter connects to the cradle connector on the bottom of the Blackbird.

4. Mounting the Blackbird in the Car

Figure 20: Blackbird Windshield Mount, Mounted in Car

Mounting the Blackbird in the car is straight forward: stick the suction cup mount against the windshield, then turn the knob to lock the vacuum into the locked position.

Figure 21: Windshield Mount, Installed

Once the suction mount is locked into position, you loosen the manual thumbscrews so you can articulate the arm into the correct position to hold the Blackbird.

Figure 22: Alpine Blackbird, Docked on the Windshield Mount

To dock the Blackbird, flip out the patch antenna (you can't get the Blackbird into the docking cradle unless the antenna is open), and slide the Blackbird into the cradle until it clicks into place.

To remove the unit, press and hold the eject button on the cradle, hold the Blackbird behind the antenna and slide the unit up out of the cradle.

I was really disappointed with the Blackbird's windshield mount. First, it's somewhat difficult to dock and undock the Blackbird from the cradle. It requires considerable force to get the unit in or out of the dock, and I had the distinct feeling that over time this could damage the unit and/or mount. Second, like most mounts that support the GPS from the bottom of the unit rather than the back, the mount vibrates considerably while driving, causing the Blackbird unit to shake.

The workaround for this is to mount the Blackbird in such a way that the bottom of the cradle is making contact with the dashboard, but the vibration is a major issue with the mount and something Alpine needs to work on.

5. Powering on the Blackbird

Figure 23: Alpine Blackbird, Mounted and Powered On

To power on the Blackbird, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds.

Figure 24: Alpine to Consumers: Please Don't Sue Us...

Every time you power on the Blackbird you are presented with the legal disclaimer shown above. I wish there was some way to disable this, but I suppose Alpine's lawyers know something I don't... Tap "I Accept" and you'll be taken to the default map view.

Figure 25: Default Map Screen

This is the page that is displayed after the Blackbird is powered on and you've accepted the legal disclaimer. The last-known location is displayed on the map. Once the unit has acquired a strong enough GPS signal, your current location is displayed.

I liked the map view. Alpine has done a good job on the map screen. The colors are pleasing to the eye, and a lot of information is displayed without looking cluttered.