3. Mounting the nüvi 885T in the Car

Figure 23: Garmin nüvi 885T, Mounted in the Car

Like other Garmin nüvi GPS devices, mounting the nüvi 885T in the car is a simple matter that doesn't require any professional installation. Simply attach the windshield mount to the glass, connect the power cable, dock the GPS, and (optionally) mount the remote control on the steering wheel.

Figure 24: Connecting the MSN Direct enabled 12v Adapter

The nüvi 885T's 12v adapter contains an internal MSN Direct receiver, and provides power to the GPS as well as real-time traffic data, movie listings, gas pump pricing, weather, news, and more.

MSN Direct data is only available when the 12v adapter is connected to the nüvi 885T, and are you in an MSN Direct coverage area.

Figure 25: Connecting the Power Cable to the Cradle

The power cable connects to the right side of the cradle rather than the GPS unit itself -- a nice feature that makes docking and undocking the nüvi 885T from the dashboard quick and easy; you don't have to hook up any cables -- just snap the GPS into the cradle and you're ready to navigate.

Figure 26: Remove the Protective Backing From the Windshield Mount

Remove the protective plastic from the suction cup windshield mount's rubber backing.

Figure 27: Attaching the Windshield Mount & Cradle to the Glass

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 28: Nüvi 885T's Windshield Mount, Attached to the Glass

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.

Figure 29: Docking the nüvi 885T

With the windshield mount, docking cradle, and power cable connected, we're ready to mount the nüvi 885T.

Fit the bottom of the nüvi 885T into the cradle and tilt the nüvi back (towards the windshield glass) until it snaps into place, as shown above in figure 31.

Figure 30: Docking & Undocking the nüvi 885T

To release the nüvi 885T from the cradle, press the release button located on the underside of the cradle, and tilt the nüvi away from the mount.

Figure 31: Mounting the Remote Control to the Steering Wheel

The remote feels wells made and blends nicely into the steering wheel. Garmin's documentation suggests mounting the remote at 12-o'clock on the steering wheel, so as not to interfere while driving (though in theory you could put the remote anywhere in the vehicle you want).

Figure 32: Garmin nüvi 885T, Mounted in the Car

The nüvi 885T looks good mounted in the car. With only a single cable connecting the GPS to the vehicle, the 885T looks sleek and blends nicely into the vehicle's interior. The bright, sunlight-readable display can easily be seen from the driver's seat, and the 885T can be docked or undocked with one hand in a matter of seconds.