GPS Electrical Connection Help
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Central California
...this could potentially cause you some problems and needs clarification. Most devices that plug in to a cig lighter have a fair amount of electronics in the "plug" that are specific to that device so you cannot simply connect the GPS power lead straight to 12V by cutting off the cig lighter plug and adding spade terminals. Best thing, as mentioned below, is to fit a 2nd cig lighter socket in the batwing and plug in to that, or get a proper kit
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
I'm sure you're tryin' to help, but the connectors I was referring to are common between the headlight & the cigarette lighter. Most people don't look at the wiring diagram so they don't realize that they are common.
I've been using those connectors for a year & a half for both my GPS, & my garage door opener. Haven't had any problems yet.............<shrug>
I've been using those connectors for a year & a half for both my GPS, & my garage door opener. Haven't had any problems yet.............<shrug>
I have come across a number of people who cut off the cig lighter plug that comes with a SatNav charger, added spade terminals to the wires and plugged that in to 12V. Most devices (not all I know) have electronics inside the cig lighter plug which regulate the voltage supply to the device, so if you take this out the circuit you will damage the device. That is the only point I was trying to clarify
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Ah, that is my worry. Yet it looks like many here are doing just that. So, is the cigg plug just a connection, or does it really contain some sort of electronics? The cigg cord has a proprietary plug into the GPS, so I'd like to use it. But is it safe to just lop off the plug and use the wires directly?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
All I know is that my Zumo motorcycle harness didn't come with a cig plug on it, just the car hook up did. Instructions said to connect it to 12v source. Some cig plugs may prevent overcharging of batteries in the devices they run, so this should be investigated before assuming it is ok.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 968
Likes: 11
From: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Do not cut off the end...............
Sorry, didn't see this before replying to Jinks. I would ABSOLUTELY not assume you can cut it off, and with confidence I would say that there are electronics inside the cig lighter plug that will control voltage and current for charging purposes. For example, a lot of devices nowadays are designed to link to pc's via the USB connection and can be charged through this connection. A USB connection is 5V, not 12V (in fact up to 13.8V when bike is running). As stated above, for me the best option is to buy a female cig socket and mount it inside the fairing and use the standard cable you got. There is loads of room and you keep your cable standard.
If in doubt..take a meter and chk the output ..if it is 12v.. then you can wire it directly.. if not...you have to keep the plug...
or.. just chk the technical specs in your manual..it should tell you how much voltage it takes..
Last edited by kyote; Feb 23, 2009 at 06:54 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 448
Likes: 1
From: Hutchinson,Kansas
As I do not use mine all that much, mainly long trips, I found a adapter at Auto Zone that plugs into cig lighter that swivels like my Ram mount. It is a lighter on one side and a 12v acc plug on the other that plug into bike lighter. As I smoke this works for me. It is made by "Bell" and was $14.00. Not any work and so far I had served it purpose. Just a thought.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
The advantage is that it saves you the bother of chasing down a "Deutsch" connector or anything else to mate up with, and also saves that power source under the seat for something else in the future.
Last edited by racklefratz; Feb 23, 2009 at 06:39 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
I installed mine using the aux connector under the seat near the battery. I did not remove the gas tank as you can fish the line through from the front on the right side of the tank using patience and a plastic leader (I used a large twist tye).The most intricate part was using the Duetsch connector to make the proper hook up to the aux connector. Best place to get a connector is either through your local HD dealer or http://www.deutschconnector.com/. Wiring through to a connection behind the batwing is proably simpler but being able to use the aux switch and knowing that if you do not turn the GPS off when the ignition is off so is the unit.