GPS V power hookup

[Wikkus]

What-ho, assembled gurus.
Today, I purchased a BMW accessory plug from those nice people at my local dealership with the intent of hooking up my trusty GPS V via the cockpit accessory socket.

Now, it strikes me that this is a rather cumbersome affair and that the Garmin power lead I have (and used on my Kwak, previously) is better suited.

Anyone hooked up a GPS V with a (semi) permanent power lead? Any hints on where to connect it to so that it's switched with the ignition?

Ta, Wik.

 

[Gecko]

Wik
I have done this by taking a fused feed off the BMW socket
and placing a small socket into the instrument housing on
the left.
It's protected from the weather and it's unobtrusive.
This allows me to use a much shorter cable to the GPSV.
(which is very easy to shorten - just two wires to solder)

I used a simple audio socket and jack plug .
Exactly the same type that you would use on a set
of headphones. There are 2 sizes and I used the small one.
I have driven for about 18months in all weathers with this
set up and so far no problems at all but make sure you take
a fused feed off the power source - the GPSV is needs just
a 0.5amp fuse.
No in lline fuse and you risk blowing the GPS unit.

Good luck
Gecko

 

[Gecko]

Another view

 

[Wikkus]

Heh, seems you have the same RAM mount and choice of position as me, Gecko.

I have a Garmin accessory lead, already, and would ideally like to hoook it into the loom so that it's switched with the ignition. Any pointers?

Wik.

 

[jimbo]

Gecko

placing a small socket into the instrument housing on

That is just what I was thinking of doing. Currently mine is direct off the battery (with a fuse).

What sort of socket did you use? Is it a waterproof one, or did you decide that it wasn't required?

Cheers,
Jim

 

[Gecko]

Heh, seems you have the same RAM mount and choice of position as me, Gecko.

I have a Garmin accessory lead, already, and would ideally like to hoook it into the loom so that it's switched with the ignition. Any pointers?

Wik.

I thought about that too but I was concerned about the GPS lead being open an exposed in all weathers when the unit is not attached. If its hard wired in the lead is always there. Mine runs off the accessory socket so it is powered all the time and I can remove the shortened lead in a second and then I dont worry about the Garmin plug getting moist or dirty when not in use.

 

[Gecko]

Gecko


That is just what I was thinking of doing. Currently mine is direct off the battery (with a fuse).

What sort of socket did you use? Is it a waterproof one, or did you decide that it wasn't required?

Cheers,
Jim

No not a special socket at all - just got it from my local hi-fi electronics shop . You need a dual scoket and plug i.e. two connections and its just an audio jack plug and socket. The amperage is less than 0.5amps so I really wasn't too worried . I have used it in all sorts of shitty weather and it's been no trouble for about 18 months so far.
If you do put the socket in your cockpit - best ake the cockpit apart before drilling the hole because there's lots of wires in there so you need to take care you don't drill them or any of the switches at the same time. Also you need to position the socket so that the back part that is inside the cockpit housing has enough room. It doesn't need much but because of the switches you need to position it in the clear so you don't end up drilling 3 or 4 holes before finding the exact right position.
The garmin cable was very easy to shorten and anyone with a soldering iron who can wire a 13amp household plug can manage this easily. Make sure you leave it long enough with enough slack so that when you turn full lock the cable isn't straining.
DON'T FORGET THE 0.5AMP IN LINE FUSE !!!!
Good luck