Garmin GPS Power Cable Question
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Garmin GPS Power Cable Question
Does anyone know if the Garmin Nuvi (760) and the Zumo units use the same (mini USB) power connector, voltage and pin-out? The power cable, which includes a voltage converter module, needs to be waterproof for installation on a MC. I know the Zumo cable with module is, and that the Nuvi cable module isn't. So, the question is, can I use a Zumo power cable with a Nuvi?
Hope no one else makes the mistake I almost made. Bought a new Garmin 1490T for myself for Christmas. Alot of the new GPSs have just one connection point, which is a mini USB which is used for data and power. So I bought an extra Mini USB to lighter connection and cut off the male lighter connection and proceeded to hardware it to the bike. Got it all complete and was at the point of turning it on and started double checking all my connections. Got to thinking and decided to crack open the discarded lighter connection and found a circuit board inside the lighter connector. As it turns out the power source to the newer GPSs are 5 volts thru the mini USB. If I would have powered it up I would have fried the new GPS with 12 volts. 
Last edited by kimbo; Dec 25, 2009 at 06:16 PM.
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From: Indiana
So who makes the right type of cable that allows you to go straight from battery to the GPS unit, with some type of in-line board that will decrease the voltage?
cHarley and I have a couple of searches out but are still waiting for responses to confirm that the in-line step down portion is waterproof. I will post-up once I have a response.
Cruiser
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From: West Central Wisconsin
so I can plug into the battery tender lead when needed. -stef
www.gpsgeek.com/products/gusb5v-b-direct-wire-12-30v-dc-hardwire-pigtail-cable-for-garmin-nuvi-gps-205-255-265t-550-750-755t-765t-785t-855-885t-880-magellan-1200-1212-1400-1412-1430
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From: Danbury CT
http://pc.pcconnection.com/1/1/23556...-gusb5v-b.html
I've used this on for 3 years with no problems.
Edit: Same as the above post & thats where I got mine. I just wired it to the battery & I leave the mini connector tucked away near the GPS mount. I made a small rubber boot to cover it when it's not in use.
I've used this on for 3 years with no problems.
Edit: Same as the above post & thats where I got mine. I just wired it to the battery & I leave the mini connector tucked away near the GPS mount. I made a small rubber boot to cover it when it's not in use.
Last edited by golfblues; Dec 26, 2009 at 09:28 AM.
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From: Northwest of Los Angeles
I'm using a Nuvi 765 on the bike, and have in the past used a Zumo 550, which I sold.
Here's what I learned: If you use the mini-USB connector to power the Nuvi on the bike, the screen will be much dimmer than if you power it the same way it's powered in the car. You can see this yourself, if you operate the Nuvi on internal battery, then plug it into the wall with the charger through the mini-USB plug, you'll see the screen dim. Makes it very difficult to see on the bike.
I bought a lighter-end cord and soldered a plug on the end so I could plug it into the battery tender tail. I ran the cord under the tank panel, with the lighter plug-in end attached near the steering head, and the other end peeking out down by the battery tender tail. I could have saved myself the trouble, as my Harley dealer now has these cords ready-made on the counter in the parts department.
Then, all you need is a RAM holder and a spare power cord direct from Garmin, and you plug it in just as you would do in the car. I leave it plugged in at the lighter plug all the time, and connect and unconnect down by the battery tender cord. Works fine, and is as bright as it would be in the car.
Hope this helps.
Here's what I learned: If you use the mini-USB connector to power the Nuvi on the bike, the screen will be much dimmer than if you power it the same way it's powered in the car. You can see this yourself, if you operate the Nuvi on internal battery, then plug it into the wall with the charger through the mini-USB plug, you'll see the screen dim. Makes it very difficult to see on the bike.
I bought a lighter-end cord and soldered a plug on the end so I could plug it into the battery tender tail. I ran the cord under the tank panel, with the lighter plug-in end attached near the steering head, and the other end peeking out down by the battery tender tail. I could have saved myself the trouble, as my Harley dealer now has these cords ready-made on the counter in the parts department.
Then, all you need is a RAM holder and a spare power cord direct from Garmin, and you plug it in just as you would do in the car. I leave it plugged in at the lighter plug all the time, and connect and unconnect down by the battery tender cord. Works fine, and is as bright as it would be in the car.
Hope this helps.
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