Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
External power of Spot 2 device External power of Spot 2 device
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By isaac.feliu

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Mar 2013
isaac.feliu's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Spain
Posts: 37
External power of Spot 2 device
Hello riders!

I'm preparing for a long trip to Africa so I've purchased a SPOT 2 device to be able to tell family and friends I'm ok, but specs disappointed me a bit, as it eats 3 AAA lithium batteries in a week if using track.

Because of that, I've decided to modify it so it can receive external power and chosen to use USB as source (It is cheap to buy an ligher USB adaptor, and USB uses 5v, same as Spot 2).

Mod is super simple, you just need to drill a hole on the cover, cut an USB cable and get positive from the red wire and negative from the black one (as standard).

Here is the proof it works!



Hope that helps someone!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Mar 2013
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
That's a great idea. I used the spot2 on my trip anduswd rechargeables but they barely lasted a day. Is this a kit I could buy or a complete DIY project. Would love to see a tutorial on how to do it. Looks straight forward, what are those white parts?
__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Mar 2013
isaac.feliu's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Spain
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephen.stallebrass View Post
That's a great idea. I used the spot2 on my trip anduswd rechargeables but they barely lasted a day. Is this a kit I could buy or a complete DIY project. Would love to see a tutorial on how to do it. Looks straight forward, what are those white parts?
It is a complete DIY project, and yes, it is a straight forward. Simply cut a regular USB cable, and pick red as positive, black as negative, discard the other two, drill a hole in the back cover of the Spot 2 and connect wires to both ends of the spot device.

The white parts are two hand made plastic pieces that emulate the AAA batteries to push the wires so I don't need to fix the wires permanently (in order to be able to remove it easily and connect batteries if I ever need to), but that is an optional step.

Let me show you a better detail!



Hope that helps!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Mar 2013
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
That's awesome, thanks. I'm totally doing that at the weekend.

Bon Voyage

__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 May 2013
isaac.feliu's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Spain
Posts: 37
Just an update, I've been using this trick for last 25 days across my Africa trip, from Spain to Cape Town (16200 kms) and still works like a charm, no problems!

So it works, guaranteed! (even under heavy rain, lots of mud, the dust of the sahara and namibia.... no problems at all)

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 833
Thanks for this idea

I will try this on my delorme Inreach device!

Surfy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Posts: 92
The new Spot 3 has a USB charging port (plus text capabilities).
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Yes, I did something similar for my SPOT, but using a 12V to variable voltage power supply - HERE -- so I could run it off the vehicle lighter socket. Used two dead batteries with the power leads soldered to the appropriate ends - but of course I will have to watch out for leakage from the batteries. The dummy plastic ones are better.

Worked perfectly over three months through Mexico except for one three-hour stretch when the lighter plug worked its way out.

Quote:
The new Spot 3 has a USB charging port (plus text capabilities)
is that the Spot Connect?? If so I rejected it simply because without a working smart phone it becomes useless except for emergency alarm. If there is a Spot 3, I can't find a reference to it.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
SPOT Connect - Anyone used these ? strimstrum Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 14 20 Jun 2014 16:40
Spot Assist bdt149 Communications 1 16 Feb 2013 23:22
12v power outlet installation baz870 Tech 20 14 Feb 2013 07:29
Spot Messenger from Turkey? Hemuli Europe 7 25 Jun 2012 12:23
GS 12v Power Outlet Solution.. Wile E Coyote Communications 0 28 Nov 2011 09:52

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top