Garmin GPS-35


The Complete "Mini" Tracker!
Since we first released our TigerTrak TM-1 and TM-1+, we have had a lot of requests for a TigerTrak model that includes a "built-in" GPS receiver. Currently most tracker installations are a nightmarish maze of boxes and cables! We agree that a more fully "integrated" package would certainly be desirable! The more integrated the solution, the more reliable and "user friendly" it becomes. While we could easily offer a GPS receiver inside the TM-1, we do not because it's really not the best solution. We have developed what we believe to be a far better answer to the "stand-alone" tracker problem. It's the combination of a Garmin GPS-35 and a TigerTrak. While the GPS-35 looks like an ordinary GPS antenna, it is actually a complete 12 channel GPS receiver/antenna combination, packaged inside a tiny (1" x 2.2" x 3.8") waterproof module. In addition to its attractive package, you'll find the GPS-35 to be a "top notch" performer. It features a high performance twelve channel receiver with extremely fast "lockup" times. Eliminating the feed line by having the receiver at the antenna, makes it exceptionally sensitive.

In terms of cost, the GPS-35 is also very attractive. The "street" price for this unit generally runs between $180 and $200. Let's compare that to one of the most popular alternatives, the GPS-25. For price comparisons, we are going to use the prices we found on the TAPR web site just last week. TAPR has some of the best pricing around because they are "nonprofit" and make bulk purchases from Garmin. On their web site you will find the price of the GPS-25 to be just $150. What a deal! That's the "good" news. But... In addition to the GPS PC board, you're going to need a few more things! First, you will need a GA-27 antenna ($75). You will also need the special Data Cable ($15). If you would like to have the antenna easily detachable from the back of your tracker you will need to get an antenna with a BNC connector (not available from TAPR) and you will need to buy the special MCX cable for the GPS-25 ($15). You will also need to buy a special BNC bulkhead connector that can handle the tiny MCX cable or you will have nothing to plug your antenna into! At this point you are well over $250 and what you have is just a pile of parts - NOT a packaged tracker! With this in mind, the GPS-35 should be sounding pretty good!


Selecting The Right GPS-35 Model

The GPS-35 is available in several different models. For the average user, we recommend the Model GPS-35HVx. This is the "high voltage" model (6 to 40 VDC) that can be powered directly from the TM-1's Data/Control port. Note that the low voltage models of the GPS-35 can also be used with the TM-1, but you will need to provide an external voltage regulator circuit for power (inconvenient & messy!). If your application is in a marine environment, there is a special "mast mounted" marine version of the GPS-35 designated the GPS-36. It is functionally identical to the GPS-35.

In response to customer requests, Tigertronics is now offering the GPS-35 complete with a pre-wired DB-9 connector ready to plug into the TM-1. If you order a GPS-35 from any source other than Tigertronics, be sure you specify the model that comes WITHOUT a DB-9 connector. You will then need to install a connector yourself with the correct pin-out for the TigerTrak. The DB-9 version from Garmin has a connector with the wrong sex and is wired to plug into a computer serial port, rather than a tracker. The correct DB-9 wiring to plug directly into a TigerTrak is shown below.




Mounting Options

Several mounting options are available from Garmin for the GPS-35. The most popular is the Magnetic Mount. This mount is offered as an option when you purchase the unit from Tigertronics. If you need a permanent mount and are willing to bend a little sheet metal and drill a few holes, it is also very easy to fabricate a mount yourself. Garmin offers the following mounting kits:

Configuring The TigerTrak

To power the GPS-35 directly from the TigerTrak, you will need to install jumper JP-1 inside the TM-1. This jumper enables power to pin #9 of the Data/Control connector. We recommend using the TM-1+ with the GPS-35 because it has built-in solid state power switching for GPS power. So if you are using the TM-1+ , the power to your GPS-35 will be automatically turned ON and OFF by the power button on the front of the TigerTrak! If you are using the less expensive TM-1 model, power switching is not available and you will want to wire the TM-1 to a power source that is switched (ignition, accessory, radio, etc.).


Connecting The Radio

The radio should be wired to the TigerTrak in the normal manner outlined in the TM-1 Installation Manual. Note that you can NOT power the GPS from the radios accessory power. No radio has sufficient accessory power available to do that. There are also issues of "ground current" that would make this configuration undesirable.


Additional Information

Refer to the TM-1/TM-1+ page for more information on the TigerTrak. Detailed information on the GPS-35/36 and other Garmin GPS products is available from Garmin's web site. You can also click on the following links to download the GPS-35 or GPS-35 & GPS-36 Manual directly from their site.


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