power supply

[busy builder]

hello there

I've just purchased a new R1200rt and although it's only done 320 miles I love it

But I have a power supply problem, as it has two 12v supply DIN sockets & I don't have any of these plugs. Can I take a supply direct from the battery for my heated jacket ? or does the can bus thingmagiggy get in the way ?

and also where is the best place to get the din plug/charger cable for my phone (micro usb end). The only ones I've seen USA Powerlet are flippin expensive at over £40 per cable

thanks, Andrew

 

[Riktus]

Yes your heated jacket is best going direct to battery mainly because any socket it connects to on the bike is only powered for about 20 to 30 seconds after ignition is turned off. Also the draw on the sockets is not very generous.

I take my Gerbings direct to battery and then leave a connection cable just up the front of the seat.

I also have a cable fitted direct to the battery ready for the optimate charger - these have a connector style that is available in Maplins for a few quid max. I then have a coiled lead which i have converted to Optimate style plug on one end (so it can connect to the short charger lead that is always on the battery) and a normal cigarette lighter (female) plug on the other end. This then is used for:
Phone charger (cable easy long enough to fit into tank bag)
Compressor (small tyre compressor that slips in the glove box - used this several times to help others with punctures or flat tyres but never yet on my own bike - but because it draws from the bike battery then no overload kick out)
Small 12v stip light into tent (if you can get bike close enough) when I used to camp.
charging my laptop

All above can be done simply and no need to have engine running (but for compressor it is advisable)

The cable is coiled in the glove compartment and only used when i need it.....

Best modification I ever made...

Rik

 

[busy builder]

Thanks Rik, sound very similar to my last bike the ST1300. I just didn't know about the can bus.

 

[stever1]

The easiest way to adapt from cig lighter to din plug is to buy the adapter thing from someone like nippy normans, which is a short length of cable with a cig lighter socket at one end and a DIN plug at the other end. he also sells an adapter with a USB outlet.
The canbus system will give sufficient power for heated clothing (5 amps per socket, if my memory serves me right). ITS WHAT THE SOCKETS ARE THERE FOR. The canbus system opens when the engine is running and producing a charge, and shuts down about 30 seconds after turning the ignition off.
If you want to use a high drain item like a compressor then wire direct to the battery using crocodile clips. MAKE SURE YOU RUN THE ENGINE AT THE TIME.
If want to put the bike on charge use a correct charger suitable for canbus equipped systems such as an Optimate 4 dual programme.
ABOVE ALL ELSE. ENJOY THE NEW BIKE

PS, you charge the bike through the socket, and you shouldn't power things direct to the battery cos you might flatten it.

 

[Riktus]

BB
It depends on what heated clothing you are using and how you power it - if you are using Gerbings (only one I have experience with) then the bike socket will run a single item of clothing - if more than 1 item such as cloves and jacket then the socket cuts power (although it will regain power when the bike is switched off and then on again).

Rik