 |
|
22 Jan 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
|
|
|
Hard wiring a GPS Vista
I've googled it, I've searched here but no where can has the answer for me.
I have a Garmin Vista Hcx which i'm going to be using for my trip, I was going to use a car charger and then fit a car charger socket to the bike to run it from.
But I've been thinking I'd rather take out the 'plug and socket' element to it (moisture concerns, bulky etc) and wire it straight to the battery with a switch on it, (keeping the USB connector obviously) is this possible, i've seen threads about 'Quest' gps's where people say they just removed the cigerette plug and wired straight into the bike.. can this be done with all of them or just 'quest' .... Help! 
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
|
22 Jan 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
|
Can't say for others but for my Quest I just wired the black negative to an earth point (bolt fixing) and the positive red to a live wire like my rear light. Worked fine for me, the GPS then only gets power when the ignition is on.
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
|
|
|
So did you cut the car cigarette lighter off and use the wiring from that, or does it come with loose wires? I'm concerned by wiring straight to the bike because of voltages etc..
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
|
Thats pretty much what I did. Lasted fine from Argentina up to Alaska so I guess it worked!
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
|
|
|
The older Etrek Vista models are 3v and therefore cannot be hardwired to a 12V battery without retaining the cigarette lighter adaptor. I have not seen the new Hcx model but also assume it is 3V.
I previously wired my Etrek vista to a 12V motorcycle battery (retaining the cigarette lighter adapter). I found the adaptor to be very unreliable offroad. The unit would constantly turn off and the fuse blew very quickly.
I suggest if you are looking for an offroad unit to be hardwired, try for a different GPS, such as a 60Csx or similar, which doesn't need the adapter. If it is just for onroad usage, you may be able to brace the cigarette adapter sufficently so it works ok.
There are a few posts on this topic in Adventure Rider if you want more info.
cheers
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 185
|
|
|
Don't wire the Hcx GPS straight into the battery they need a convertor in the line as the have a input into the Mini USB port on the GPS of i think 3.3v you could take the Cigarete plug apart pot the convertor in suitable material then hard wire in.
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian E
Don't wire the Hcx GPS straight into the battery they need a convertor in the line as the have a input into the Mini USB port on the GPS of i think 3.3v you could take the Cigarete plug apart pot the convertor in suitable material then hard wire in.
|
Oh, it sounds like you know what you are talking about.... hmmm... do you know what the converter in the adaptor looks like? will it be obvious?
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
|
23 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
|
|
Cyco Activ also have a guide to hard wiring your GPS to the battery. This link may be of use.
GPS Power and Interface by CycoActive
I think Touratech may do a converter which does not require the cigarette lighter housing but still retains the converter. I will say from personal experience that the original garmin adaptor (unmodified) really is a piece of junk if you want to go offroad.
cheers
|
23 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 185
|
|
|
It's pretty obvois when you look inside it's all the electronic components inside the plug.
Don't use the TouraTech GPS power lead for the Hcx unit it is not the right voltage there unit is designed for the older eTrex plug and supplies 5.5v
|
23 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian E
It's pretty obvois when you look inside it's all the electronic components inside the plug.
Don't use the TouraTech GPS power lead for the Hcx unit it is not the right voltage there unit is designed for the older eTrex plug and supplies 5.5v
|
I've ordered one off of the t'interweb when it arrives i shall carefully open it, when it comes to wiring it onto the bike are there good/bad places to wire too?
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
|
24 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 185
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetusUK
I've ordered one off of the t'interweb when it arrives i shall carefully open it, when it comes to wiring it onto the bike are there good/bad places to wire too?
|
Personnaly i would get power straight from the battery with the appropriate fuse of course this means your GPS will not try and switch off everytime you switch the ignition off.
|
25 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
|
|
Right all the bits have arrived to hard wire this me thinks..
I have opened up the plug and can see the converter, the plan is to solder the wire which had the spring on to the red wire, the clip one to the black wire and then rubber wrap the whole lot, i'm then going to put in a foam block for vibration protection, and then fit the whole thing to the bike... does that seem right?   
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
|
25 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 185
|
|
Sounds about right  . have you finished yet.
i would as you say extend the cables put the convertor back into the plug casing which you have already shortened so there is just the handle bit left then i would use a runny glue and pour into the container therefore sealing the board against any ingress of water then when set install onto bike.
|
25 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
|
The black should go to an earth point like a fixing on the frame. I connected my red to the rear brake light wire (was running along by the frame under the seat) and used a Scotch clip (makes it easy to connect one wire to an existing (live) wire without cutting it in half). You can then leave the GPS on the bike overnight in your garage etc if you want rather than taking it off all the time as it powers down when you turn the ignition off. Just cable tie all the wires out of sight and it it looks pretty neat. You should only see a bit of cable from the underside of the GPS bracket as it goes under the tank.
I used the TT locking GPS bracket and wire (non audio version), the only trouble I had on the trip was after about 12k miles when the connection at the end of the wire on the bracket failing due to dirt and stupidly I'd been using WD40 on it which just attracts dirt, better to use a connector cleaner from a computer shop. I think the TT cable has some inline fuse in it anyway but using the brake light live wire is pretty low voltage anyway. At least thats how the BMW shop guy told me how to do it and it worked fine for me.
Good luck with it.
|
27 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Posts: 72
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian E
Sounds about right . have you finished yet.
i would as you say extend the cables put the convertor back into the plug casing which you have already shortened so there is just the handle bit left then i would use a runny glue and pour into the container therefore sealing the board against any ingress of water then when set install onto bike.
|
Finished it.. I used block connectors on the wiring to connect it together, theory being that its easy to fix repeatedly than crimping and uncrimiping bullet connectors... or resoldering, i then put the converter in that rubber electrical tubing which you heat seal up.. the plan is to drill a hole in the tenere dash for the mini usb cable, mount the converter behind the dash, and run the wires back into the bike to the location suggested, i'm then going to put a dab of silicone at the drill hole sealing it, and then i just need to build my mounting bracket for the gps (handlebar mount just doesnt look tough enough, and im not paying touratech prices) which i think is going to be an 'basket' with some sort of elasticated fixing piece..
__________________
Bonis Se Aliovorsum Avertentibus Hic Crescit Pravitas
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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)
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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
