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Powering a GPS

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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 06:17 AM
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Default Powering a GPS

Going on a 6 day ride this coming week and would like to take my gps along. Can anyone tell me how to hook up a cigarette plug uder my seat to power it. I've tried to find some threads on the subject but having no luck. Any help appreciated. I am planing on mounting it via suction cup to my sheild (or maybe even speedo). I've made some practice runs and it seems to hold pretty good (not much vibration on the heritage). Anyone have any pros or cons with that scenario?

Thanks ahead for the advice.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 07:12 AM
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well to connect power to my gps the dealer connected it straight to the battery terminals. but this drained the battery, so i pulled it off and connected it into the wire leading of to the rear light. that way as soon as you put the ignition on it starts to power up when you switch the bike of its all off and no drain on the battery. if that makes sense. as for mounting i can recommend the RAM system very secure and strips down when not in use, i would be worried about using sucker for fear of going over a pot hole and loosing it.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 07:15 AM
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Powerlet has a bunch of different cables. Here is a cigarette outlet kit that will plug into your battery tender lead. They also have some gps power cables that might work for you. I am getting one of these to recharge my Leash (cell).

http://www.powerletproducts.com/prod...uty-10-amp/383
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 07:18 AM
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I hardwired mine to the ignition switch.
If you want a cig plug, then you can wire it directly to the battery or to your ignition switch. I liked the ignition switch so that there was only power while my bike is on, and no way to forget and leave it on to drain the battery.
In either case, make sure you put an inline fuse before the cig plug in case of a short or any other problem.

If only using a suction cup for mounting, I'd make sure you had some type of tether in case the suction cup came off. Hate to see a GPS bouncing down the highway in your rearview mirror.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 07:20 AM
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+1 on the RAM. here are some badazz gps mounts...

http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/na...C9C8VWR25F9F48
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 07:46 AM
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On my '08 Heritage there is a connection from the battery that is meant to accept an accessory "octopus" that Harley sells. It has a power connection and 3 12v accessory leads. Around $15, I think. I installed the octopus and adapted the connector to fit the 5v hardwire line that powers my gps. Ran the line under the tank and to my unit mounted on the handlebars. Very clean setup and I have two unused leads for future electrical accessories. In fact, I use one of the other leads to power my mini compressor in emergencies.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 09:32 AM
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Powerlet has a bunch of different cables. Here is a cigarette outlet kit that will plug into your battery tender lead. They also have some gps power cables that might work for you. I am getting one of these to recharge my Leash (cell).

http://www.powerletproducts.com/prod...uty-10-amp/383

This is the setup that I have. My Battery Tender lead runs underneath everything and winds up in the middle of my handlebars. Perfect for the iphone, gps, heated gloves or leaving to charge on the Battery Tender.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 09:39 AM
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I have a Kuryakyn 12v power mounted on the handlebar, it is a nice piece of chrome, I leave it there all the time.

 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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Thanks all. I wonder if there is a plug I can get my hands on in the next day or two. Like at Auto Zone or Wally World. I like the ones I see here, but as always I'm running behind...
 
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Old Aug 2, 2009 | 12:33 PM
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I got this from dan at morrismotors666@hotmail.com $30 even has a waterproof cap for the outlet (not pictured)
 
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