12 Volt Power Adapter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 975
Likes: 302
From: earth
12 Volt Power Adapter
Afternoon Guys,
I am getting a new Garmin Zumo XT GPS for the bike and need to wire it all up - the 12 Volt Power Adapter. Wiring it directly from the battery is easy as is wiring in a separate switch to cut the power to it; however, I was hoping to make it a little easier and use existing wiring from the Ignition Switch to power it so when the Ignition is ON, the GPS can be on; conversely, when the Ignition is OFF so is the power to the GPS. Hope that makes sense.
The question then is how do I do that? What existing wiring can I/do I use to achieve that? What is involved and should I let an "expert do it" instead?
I am getting a new Garmin Zumo XT GPS for the bike and need to wire it all up - the 12 Volt Power Adapter. Wiring it directly from the battery is easy as is wiring in a separate switch to cut the power to it; however, I was hoping to make it a little easier and use existing wiring from the Ignition Switch to power it so when the Ignition is ON, the GPS can be on; conversely, when the Ignition is OFF so is the power to the GPS. Hope that makes sense.
The question then is how do I do that? What existing wiring can I/do I use to achieve that? What is involved and should I let an "expert do it" instead?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
I just put that same gps on my low rider. You didn't say what bike you have, but it's as simple as putting another wire on a circuit breaker that has ignition or light power. No need to cut or splice wires.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 3,033
From: Brighton, MI
Either splice it in, or plug it in to an existing battery SAE charger/maintainer connector if you use one of those. I assume the Garmin uses 5 volts like all the the others. This will take your 12 volts down to 5 volts automatically. Avoids the bulky cigarette lighter socket. I recommend you use a power source that switches off when key is turned off.
Last edited by Yankee Dog; Jun 27, 2022 at 04:01 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 975
Likes: 302
From: earth
So, my Garmin turned up this afternoon and to my surprise there are NO wiring instructions for it at all? Lots of instructions for how to connect it to the handle bars but none to show how to wire it up?
I really would have thought Garmin would have (at least) included a wiring diagram for it
I really would have thought Garmin would have (at least) included a wiring diagram for it
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 975
Likes: 302
From: earth
EDIT ...
Just watched a Garmin vid showing the install, BUT only the "continuous power" wiring method. Think I'll go with you guys recommendation
Just watched a Garmin vid showing the install, BUT only the "continuous power" wiring method. Think I'll go with you guys recommendation
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,584
Likes: 1,147
From: Brandon,Fl
I would grab a test light and find a wire that is hot when the ignition is on, cold when key is off.( start with the headlight ) T-tap into that wire and ground it wherever is convienent.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 3,033
From: Brighton, MI
I ran wire from one the circuit breaker s up to the handlebars and it terminates to a SAE connector. That female usb connector that I linked to plug right into the sae connector (removable). The usb connector just zip ties to the handle bar for a trip, and the GPS plugs into the usb connector while using.
Then it gets removed after the trip. I sometimes plug the usb into my Sae charger/connector at the battery and use it in my tail bag to charge my phone.
The sae connecter at the handle bars just tucks out of the way and is hidden when not in use.
Then it gets removed after the trip. I sometimes plug the usb into my Sae charger/connector at the battery and use it in my tail bag to charge my phone.
The sae connecter at the handle bars just tucks out of the way and is hidden when not in use.
