4. Mounting the nuvi 780 in the Car

Figure 21: Garmin nuvi 780, Mounted in the Car

Like other Garmin GPS units, mounting the nuvi 780 in the car is a simple matter that doesn't require any professional installation. Simply attach the windshield mount to the glass, dock the GPS, and connect the power to the cigarette lighter.

Figure 22: Windshield Mount, Attached to the Windshield

The secret to Garmin's highly effective mount is its simplicity: simple, lightweight and very few moving parts makes for a reliable, solid connection that holds-up well to normal wear and tear.

Locate the area on the windshield where you want to mount the GPS, then press the suction cup mount against the glass and lower the locking lever into place to secure the mount to the windshield.

Figure 23: Connecting the MSN Direct enabled 12v Adapter

The nuvi 780's 12v adapter is also the MSN Direct receiver, used for receiving real-time traffic data, movie listings, gas pump pricing, weather, news, and more, and has its own internal rechargeable battery.

MSN Direct data is only available when the 12v adapter is connected to the nuvi 780 and is in a coverage area for MSN Direct.

Figure 24: GDB 50 MSN Direct Adapter

Depending on your vehicle setup, the L-shaped angle of the GDB 50 power/MSN Direct adapter may make for a snug fit; in my car's main 12v cigarette lighter adapter, Garmin's plus just barely cleared the ash tray.

Figure 25: Connecting the 12v Adapter to the Cradle

The 12v adapter connects to the cradle instead of the nuvi unit directly, making it that much simpler to dock/undock the nuvi 780 from the windshield mount.

Once the 12V power adapter is connected to the cradle, it's ready to be snapped onto the tip of the windshield mount.

Figure 26: Attaching the Cradle to the Mount

to connect the cradle to the mount, you simply press the cradle onto the mount until you hear it "click" onto the ball of the mount. Together, the two pieces (cradle and mount) form a socket and ball type joint that can easily be angled into the desired viewing angle.

There are no screws to loosen, or levers to unlock - adjusting the nuvi is simply a matter of applying slight force and adjusting the cradle.

Figure 27 Windshield Mount, Ready for the Nuvi

All hooked up and ready to receive the nuvi.

Figure 28: Docking the nuvi 780

With the windshield mount, 12v power, and cradle assembled, we're ready to mount the nuvi 780.

Fit the bottom of the nuvi 780 into the cradle and tilt the nuvi back (towards the windshield glass) until it snaps into place, as shown above in figure 28.

Figure 29: Undocking the nuvi 780

To release the nuvi 780 from the cradle, press the release button located on the underside of the cradle, and tilt the nuvi away from the mount.

Docking and undocking the nuvi is extremely simple, and even easier than previous Garmin nuvi models, thanks to the improved windshield mount/cradle design.

Figure 30: Garmin nuvi 780, Mounted in the Windshield

The nuvi 780 is a handsome looking GPS. With just one wire (12v power cable) visible, the 780 is a sleek, modern looking GPS that doesn't clutter up the dashboard with lots of wires or oversized mounting hardware.

Garmin's windshield mount is excellent, holding the nuvi securely in place, even when driving at highway speeds. Adjusting the viewing angle of the mount was easy (even with one hand), thanks to the innovative mount design that doesn't require any knobs or levers when making adjustments.