Is my QPAC dead?

I have a Quest mounted on a RAM mount with a QPAC connected to the bike power socket by a plug. The problem is the Quest will no longer power up. The fault was intermittent at first but now it won't power at all.

I've checked all the obvious things with a meter such as the socket and the plug/fuse and they are fine. I've also checked the two contacts in the cradle on the RHS. My meter shows between 4 and 4.5 volts here, but the Quest won't switch on. When connected to the Garmin cradle in the car the Quest switches on ok, and that cradle is providing 5.5 v at the contacts.

Do you think that corrosion may be the problem with the QPAC? I've cleaned the contacts, but I don't understand why the voltage is a bit low, and appears to vary.

Maybe I should just buy a new QPAC unit?

Comments much appreciated. :

M

Have your contacts lost the gold plating?

If so, they'll be eated away by electrolysis when it rains, and this causes them to not touch the Quest pads. I kid you not, my +ve terminal disappeared in two days during heavy rain and bike left outside (was wired always on).

The QPAC is switching mode. When under no load it will give out a trickle charge which is what you are seeing.

Thanks for the info Snoopy. Yes, the contacts in the cradle have lost the gold plating and don't look 'new' any more. Looks like I might have to shell out for a new QPAC thingy.

M

It's only four wires, just cut one off an adapter you don't need and solder it together.