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Original Power Sockets - not enough power Original Power Sockets - not enough power
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  #1  
Old 3 Aug 2016
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Original Power Sockets - not enough power
Hey guys,

I've got quite a big problem. I just started my travel and need to charge my MacBook Air while driving. I've got a 150 watts adapter plugged in and into that only the original 45 watts Apple Charger. There's absolutely no way around it - I need to charge it.

The problem now is, that the original power sockets only provide up to 5 ampere. The whole configuration with the 45 watts charger produces at 12.2 volta at least a current of 6ish amperes - not counting the loss in the adapter. The socket thus shuts off after 30 seconds, charging the laptop only in this small time frame.

Is there a workaround? E.g. raising that 5 ampere limiter electronically? Or limiting it physically in front of the charger?

I haven't got a clou anymore.

Greets
Juaen

Edit: it's a 2016 R1200GSA
Last edited by Juaen; 3 Aug 2016 at 20:55. Reason: Missed to name the bike
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Old 4 Aug 2016
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You need an aftermarket power socket wired directly to the battery. Preferably on a switched relay. You can 'switch on' the relay with a feed spliced into your power socket feed but you MUST remove all accessories if it goes in for programming or youll mess up your GM module.

You can then test the charging input to the battery whilst your mac is charging. As long as its over 14v it wont drain the battery whilst charging.

Im a BMW dealer Tech.
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Old 15 Aug 2016
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Thank your for the last reply and sorry for my late one. The thing is, I initially haven't got a clue how to do any part of that. Has anyone got a good manual? Google didn't give me anything.
Is it possible to connect it to the original power socket?
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Old 15 Aug 2016
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No.. its not recommend to just splice into the power socket. The GM module which controls power sockets can throw a wobler.

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Old 16 Aug 2016
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Maybe connect something like this:
Rowe Electronics PDM60 Power Distribution Module - RevZilla
Says "total load handling capability of 60 Amps."
Someone with more experience in motorcycle electronics have an opinion?
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Old 16 Aug 2016
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I've never seen or used one but they seem well liked and a good a idea. Its another computer though isnt it. Requires a lap top to set up.

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Old 14 Sep 2016
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So, just to clear things up. It's a rather easy thing to do. I simply bought this good piece:

https://shop.touratech.de/bordnetzst...-anbauset.html

It's a rather simple socket with a fuse which can take up to 10A and wired it directly to the battery. So it's enough to charge the Laptop and power the tire pressure pump. But you have to think about unplugging everything as it obviously doesn't shut off 15 minutes after ignition-off.

But still - it's ridiculous that BMW only allows 5A on the standard power socket where other manufacturers easily allow 20A. There are many things right with the GS - but many small things are just very annoying for that price tag.

PS: I've also got a gearbox failure after 10k km and now I'm stuck in Ankara.
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