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A little Garmin help

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Old May 6, 2014 | 11:39 AM
  #1  
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Default A little Garmin help

I just bought a Garmin nuvi 50 and mounted on my RK
handle bar and plug into the usb port on my Quadzilla fairing.
I thought it would be my power source but all I get is
Error 4.
It works on its own battery but I don't know how long the bat lasts.
Any suggestions?

It works fine plugging into my truck cig lighter
with the other plug.
 
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Old May 6, 2014 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by ctbarbarian
I just bought a Garmin nuvi 50 and mounted on my RK
handle bar and plug into the usb port on my Quadzilla fairing.
I thought it would be my power source but all I get is
Error 4.
It works on its own battery but I don't know how long the bat lasts.
Any suggestions?

It works fine plugging into my truck cig lighter
with the other plug.

Check the polarity of the Quadzilla port. Is it a USB port or a cig lighter? Cig lighters don't care about polarity.

Center should be +12 and the outer should be ground on a power port.

EDIT: I looked up Quadzillas specs, and it says it's a power port. The polarity is probably backwards.
 

Last edited by shooter5074; May 6, 2014 at 12:30 PM.
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Old May 6, 2014 | 12:22 PM
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Not all USB ports supply power.
 
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Old May 6, 2014 | 01:29 PM
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I had a similar issue. Sometimes the Garmin goes into a data transfer mode because of the USB cable instead of actual Garmin 12V plug. It just shows a picture of a computer on the screen but there is a workaround. Plug it in, when the picture of the computer shows up, unplug it from the cigarette plug, the Garmin will now say "loading maps" but it does so on it's own power, when it says "loading maps" plug the adapter back in.........it now charges while in Map mode.
Not sure if this will help you but it might help others.....
 
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Old May 6, 2014 | 01:44 PM
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Since it works in your truck lighter adaptor I would have to agree with Shooter on polarity. Normally centre is positive and outside is negative (ground). However cigarette lighter is just a resistor so polarity matters not. Polarity does however matter on electronics such as GPS. I would try reversing polarity on your cigarette lighter socket and see if GPS works.

Garmin does have different types of USB cords. Data only, power only, and power and data for when plugged into computer. Because it works in your truck socket, I don't believe cord is the issue.
 

Last edited by Nute; May 6, 2014 at 01:47 PM.
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Old May 6, 2014 | 02:37 PM
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http://www.gpscity.com/3br-powerspor...12-inches.html

Manufacturer Description
The 3BR Powersports Garmin USB to miniUSB 12 inch long power cable is built with special circuitry inside to allow Garmin GPS, such as the Nuvi, to operate while charging. These cables have the same function as the Garmin power cable that has the cigarette plug at one end. Cables are USB Type A to USB Type B Mini Right Angle Up and are available in 9, 12 and 18 inches.

Important Note:
- This is a power cable only. It will not transfer data on your Garmin GPS due to special internal wiring that keep the unit working while charging.

Right Angled miniUSB Fits:
Garmin NuviŽ Models, 1200, 1250, 1260T, 1300, 1300LM, 1350, 1350T, 1390LMT, 1390T, 1450, 1450LMT, 1390T, 1450, 1450LMT, 1490T, 2370LT, 250, 250W, 200, 200W, 205, 2200, 2250, 2250LT, 2300, 2300LM, 2350, 2350LMT, 2350LT, 2360LMT, 2360LT, 255, 255W, 260, 260W, 265T, 265WT, 270, 275T, 295W, 350, 360, 370, 465T, 500, 550. StreePilotŽ i3, i5 ZUMOŽ 220, ColoradoŽ 300, 400C, 400i, 400t
 

Last edited by themensh; May 6, 2014 at 02:40 PM. Reason: added info
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Old May 6, 2014 | 07:31 PM
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[QUOTE=themensh;12689768]http://www.gpscity.com/3br-powerspor...12-inches.html

I bought one of the 18 inch power cables and it works fine using a USB power jack in the cig lighter in the fairing. Without one of these special cables the only other option for power I know of is the big Garman adapter that plugs in to the cig lighter. The USB cable that allows you to connect the Garman to your computer will not work to power the unit.
 
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Old May 6, 2014 | 08:10 PM
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[quote=CarrollB;12690800]
Originally Posted by themensh
http://www.gpscity.com/3br-powerspor...12-inches.html

I bought one of the 18 inch power cables and it works fine using a USB power jack in the cig lighter in the fairing. Without one of these special cables the only other option for power I know of is the big Garman adapter that plugs in to the cig lighter. The USB cable that allows you to connect the Garman to your computer will not work to power the unit.
It will work. Just do as I posted earlier. It's a bit of a hassle but does work.
I'm going to order that cable as well.....
 
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Old May 7, 2014 | 09:07 AM
  #9  
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just ordered the cord from gps city.
Let you know if it works.

Thanks for the info.
 
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Old May 22, 2014 | 11:30 AM
  #10  
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From: Clinton
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The power cord to the Garmin from gps city works
just like you guys said.

Thanks for the help

Now I just have to play with the Garmin and figure
it out
 
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