From Tallon, smart iPad & electronics mounts

... written for Panbo by Ben Ellison and posted on Oct 12, 2011
Tallon-Lowrance-Elite-Socket-courtesy_BassAngler_com.jpg

I think mounts are a big deal. There are all sorts of electronics (and hardware) that I'd like to move around my boat (and beyond) some times, but other times I want them firmly fixed (though hopefully with possible adjustments for glare and so forth). And though I've yet to try any, I'm impressed with how Tallon is extending its already interesting mount system. Check how neatly that new Tallon Lowrance Elite Socket makes both the adjustable RAM arm and the power/transducer cable easy to dismount, and how it includes an extra 12v socket too...

The Lowrance Elite press release is here and indicates that this product is a conscious colloboration between Tallon, RAM, and Lowrance. Smart!  Which is also what I thought when I learned about Tallon's Ultimate iPad Mount a few months ago. Why design and manufacture your own iPad holder when RAM has it covered? But do develop a socket system that makes the RAM gear easier to use and nicer to look at on a boat.
   Incidentally, I asked Tallon about what's on the other side of the Elite USB Socket. I was hoping for a single 12v lead that would power both the USB and lighter-style outlets, but in fact they're separate male USB and 12v leads. So installing one of these requires a 5v USB supply, and a 2 amp one if you want to charge an iPad (mind you that most any RAM device holder will work with the socket). I'm using this XTG 12v USB rig but does anyone know how to do a permanent 12v-to-USB install? At any rate, I'm looking forward to seeing this gear in the flesh at IBEX next week (though I have a lot to do beforehand).

Tallon_Elite_Socket_mount_for_iPads_etc.jpg

Posted by Ben E on October 12, 2011 11:31 PM

Comments

StarTech makea a wide range DC input USB Hub

http://www.buy.com/prod/startech-com-st7200usbm-mountable-rugged-industrial-7-port-usb-hub-7-x/q/loc/101/214442089.html

I'm using this and then have plates with USB jacks from DataPro on the bulkhead at my navstation.

-p

Posted by: Patrick - sv Deep Playa at October 13, 2011 12:32 AM | Reply

Now that's a serious USB hub! But I can't find evidence that it will charge an iPad, though I suspect "yes". In my experience iPads need to see 2 amps or they won't charge at all.

Thanks, Patrick, and here's a link to those DataPro jacks: http://goo.gl/zGqu8

Posted by: Ben E in reply to Patrick - sv Deep Playa at October 13, 2011 12:58 AM | Reply

If your iPad says "Not Charging" it generally is...IF the screen is off, albeit much more slowly than with a 10W supply.

I've really been enjoying your write-ups of all the great products you've been getting to check out lately Ben, must admit I'm a bit jealous! It's a great time to be a Technoboater!

Posted by: Doug Campbell in reply to Ben E at October 13, 2011 1:11 AM | Reply

Posted by: Rick R at October 13, 2011 6:03 AM | Reply

Posted by: ColinA at October 13, 2011 9:07 AM | Reply

Good catch, Colin, and that's probably the best alternative. At least you don't have to wire in a 12v female socket too. I also realized that my idea of putting the 12v-to-5v conversion right into the Tallon USB Elite has a significant drawback; then you wouldn't be able to patch through the Elite to an onboard computer or stereo system.

Posted by: Ben E in reply to ColinA at October 13, 2011 1:44 PM | Reply

Nobody commented on the mount?

IMO, its rather brilliant. The only way it could be better is if it supported the HDS, and encapsulated the power, sonar, data and network connections and brought them into a single cable :)

I'm sure supporting the HDS wouldn't be much, its the same form factor just about right?

Posted by: Patrick at October 13, 2011 10:20 PM | Reply

Nice design and RAM mounts are really great and solid unfortunately is can see this on boats only in clement and calm weather... this mount doesn't provide any water protection for the iPad!

Posted by: Dan Noiseux at October 14, 2011 3:32 PM | Reply

Dan, Glad to have you commenting here but please state clearly that you distribute waterproof iPad cases. Now isn't true that your case has an option to work with a RAM arm and therefore could also work with the Tallon Socket? Also does your case accommodate USB cable?

Posted by: Ben E in reply to Dan Noiseux at October 14, 2011 5:08 PM | Reply

Sorry about that, my intentions were good and I didn't want to get publicity out of my comment, this is why I omitted to mention our offering. But since you are asking, yes the Andres case with and without the Quick Snapper work with RAM arms and offer an opening for the data/charge port so they would work great with the Tallon Socket.

Ben, keep up the good work, we love discovering your new stuff.

Posted by: Dan Noiseux in reply to Ben E at October 14, 2011 6:19 PM | Reply

It is nice how they have the blank for the USB power. You know what would also be nice? To manufacture a blank that fits into there and has A/V connections. That way if I have a DVD player built into the TV, or I use an iPad, I could pipe analog audio back into the ship's stereo. Or it might run the reverse and pipe A/V from a central media distribution, up to a TV that is mounted on the Tallon. If they had this, I'd buy two mounts right now! That way I can mount a TV in my berth, and also I would add a mount to the side of the radar arch. That way I could move the TV to the cockpit on the occasions that is desired.

Posted by: Bob Mueller at October 26, 2011 10:08 AM | Reply

Thanks for your comments guys, Duncan from Tallon here. We are working on integrating the AUX connector into the Tallon Elite Socket as well as the current USB and 12V socket. This will allow audio to be played from any attached device to whatever system you have on board.

We understand customers will want specific connectors in future as well, so looking at options for the likes of HDMI etc as well. Will keep you posted.

Posted by: Duncan from Tallon at October 30, 2011 8:52 PM | Reply

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