Any ideas of a good 12V Power Outlet to connect my GPS?

[hacc81]

Hello all, I just joined a couple of days ago...
A week ago I bought my first bike, a 2008 Suzuki Marauder 250 (Canada model)... So far, a great choice for me!!
I'm back to school and I have to commute everyday (about 60 kms/day) so mainly I'll try to use it as much as I can.

Anyway, I have a big screen GPS (Garmin 1490T) and I bought a RAM Mount for it that works perfectly!!
But last weekend my wife and I went to Vancouver and the GPS run out of battery fairly quick.
So I'd like to know if any of you have installed a 12V Power Outlet on your GZ250? If so, where do you got it from? So far, I've only found these options:
http://www.cycleblind.com/servlet/the-%3E-ELECTRONICS--fdsh--POWER/Categories
And honestly, both look kind of cheap (sorry to the guys of cycleblind.com)

So, if anyone can tell me if these options are any good? or if you know of some better option, please let me know...
Also, if anyone know an easy way to install it, it'll be welcome too...

[attachment=1:3p8wgupi]IMG00164-20110209-1837.jpg[/attachment:3p8wgupi]
[attachment=0:3p8wgupi]IMG00165-20110209-1838.jpg[/attachment:3p8wgupi]

[alantf]

Hi there,
No need to post the same thing in two different sections. Even if you think you've put it in the wrong one, we're sure to pick it up, & we're not so pedantic as to expect everyone to get it right every time. :2tup:

[dentheman]

If you are talking about a cigarette lighter plug, you should be able to find one at any auto parts store. You might have to fashion some sort of mount for it, and I would make sure there is a fuse in the wire.

But then, if you want one with a cover to keep weather out, check on-line. I think that most on-line motorcycle parts vendors offer them, and mounts as well. I have a catalog from Aerostitch that has them. Items #4654, 4655, 4956 and 4957 at http://www.aerostitch.com

[hacc81]

Hi Alantf... After I posted the first one here, I thought that it could be more suitable in the How to's... But anyway, now I know better! Thanks...

Hi Dentheman, I think I'll use it only for the GPS or cellphone... Thanks for the link, I'll try to find any of those models around here... Thanks a lot!

[dentheman]

hacc81, I guess you read my post before I deleted the part about installing a relay for higher current draw devices. I deleted it because I couldn't think of anything that would have that kind of current draw. A heated riding suit might qualify, but I don't know. Even then, if it was hardwired to the battery...I'll stop my babbling now, since I don't know what I am talking about when it comes to motorcycle electrics.

[jonathan180iq]

Wal-Mart carries accessory 12V cigarette lighters in the electronics section beside automotive.
Look around the same area where they sell the volt meters.

Just two wires; one hot and one ground. Run the wires under the tank, which is only 2 bolts and 5 minutes to remove. You may have to extend the length of the wires. I'm not sure. But it shouldn't be a problem.

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/images/misc/12V-accessory-plug.jpg

(Snip off the battery clamps and splice in your own prong connector directly to the battery. Your ground can go anywhere, really.) They even make little plastic covers, or lids, so junk doesn't get inside your outlet if you have it outside. Might have to buy that separate. Good luck!


Rig it up and splash some photos up in here!

[mrlmd1]

You should also splice a fuse in the hot lead close to the battery with the above setup and that socket's not very waterproof. You can also find a weatherproof socket in a boating store if there's one nearby.

[Water Warrior 2]

Or just go to Canadian Tire and buy a waterproof 12 volt power point.

[mole2]

Another alternative is a boat store for a water proof and corrosion resistant 12v cigarette outlet with a mounting plate such as that below.

http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/21700/1d/content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/large/371849.jpg

SeaFit Stainless Steel 12v Recepticle (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=29922&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10109&subdeptNum=10611&classNum=10615)


:)

[alanmcorcoran]

Hey Jonathan,

My IQ is at least 35 points lower than yours so can you 'splain me about what happens to the gas if I remove the tank? Do you need to run the engine dry, do you drain it, does it stay in there... Sorry for stupid question... I think I'd like to do one of these on the Strat to charge my phone.

[jonathan180iq]

I'm not sure that I could explain myself monosyllabically enough for you to understand. :)

The petcock on these tanks only flow gas when there is engine vacuum. Some bikes have an off switch on the petcock, but the GZ doesn't IIRC. So, just pull the down tubes from the petcock to the carb, making sure you notice where they go. It's not hard to figure out. They are sized to a length to really only fit on the right way. Some gas will sprinkle out. Catch it if you want but there is really no need to.

Then, under the seat, there is a bolt (maybe two; it's been a while) Then you juts lift up slightly and push the tank towards the front of the bike and pull it away.

TADA!

BTW, Plus one to adding an inline fuse, no matter how you wire it.

[cayuse]

I just pulled my tank to get at the valves and hook up my new horn.
There are two hoses on the petcock under the tank, just pull them off, they are different sizes and can only go back on one way. Put a rag under the petcock to catch any drips; won't be much if your valve is turned to Run or Reserve.
Remove the seat and there are two bolts holding the seat bracket on, near the front of the seat.
Remove these and the bracket.
Then lift the tank up slightly and pull back a few inches, then lift away from the bike.
Very easy.

[cayuse]

BTW Hacc81, I see you're in Abby, too. We'll have to hook up for a ride when the weather breaks.

[mrlmd1]

For AC and hacc81 - another better solution is to put the battery tender leads with the flat plug-in connector on to the battery, then get a plug-in lead with the socket on the other end to use when you want. That way you can always hook up the charger when you need that, or if you don't want the socket, or in addition to the socket, you connect another plug with a lead directly to whatever else you want. Those connectors are available in any auto parts store and are very cheap. Don't forget the inline fuse near the battery on the + side.

[dentheman]

For AC and hacc81 - another better solution is to put the battery tender leads with the flat plug-in connector on to the battery, then get a plug-in lead with the socket on the other end to use when you want. That way you can always hook up the charger when you need that, or if you don't want the socket, or in addition to the socket, you connect another plug with a lead directly to whatever else you want. Those connectors are available in any auto parts store and are very cheap. Don't forget the inline fuse near the battery on the + side.
Great idea! I have a Schumacher maintainer and the cables with connecters that appear identical to the Battery Tender, but there is no in-line fuse. What size fuse should be used for such an application?

[hacc81]

For AC and hacc81 - another better solution is to put the battery tender leads with the flat plug-in connector on to the battery, then get a plug-in lead with the socket on the other end to use when you want. That way you can always hook up the charger when you need that, or if you don't want the socket, or in addition to the socket, you connect another plug with a lead directly to whatever else you want. Those connectors are available in any auto parts store and are very cheap. Don't forget the inline fuse near the battery on the + side.

Hi All, thanks for your replies!! I found it!!
Mrlmd1, what you recommended was exactly what I found yesterday... I went to a Suzuki dealer and they recommended to use this: The MOTORCYCLE CELLPHONE & GPS ADAPTER EKLIPES™ EK1-108 (http://www.brookshireinnovations.com/products.html)
[attachment=0:35bs4feo]Eklipes EK1-108.jpg[/attachment:35bs4feo]

I installed it yesterday and works perfectly!! The best part is that it cost $20 CAD and already has a 15A fuse...
I'll take some pictures of the final installation soon...
Thanks all...

[alantf]

What size fuse should be used for such an application?

As a rule of thumb, current = watts divided by volts, so if you know the power you want to draw (in watts) just divide by 12 (for a nominal 12V supply), then fit the fuse next up. The fuses usually come in increments of 5A, so say (for instance) your current draw is 12A, then fit a 15A fuse etc. Just make sure the cable is thick enough to take the rated current of the fuse you're fitting. :2tup:

[mrlmd1]

For AC and hacc81 - another better solution is to put the battery tender leads with the flat plug-in connector on to the battery, then get a plug-in lead with the socket on the other end to use when you want. That way you can always hook up the charger when you need that, or if you don't want the socket, or in addition to the socket, you connect another plug with a lead directly to whatever else you want. Those connectors are available in any auto parts store and are very cheap. Don't forget the inline fuse near the battery on the + side.

Hi All, thanks for your replies!! I found it!!
Mrlmd1, what you recommended was exactly what I found yesterday... I went to a Suzuki dealer and they recommended to use this: The MOTORCYCLE CELLPHONE & GPS ADAPTER EKLIPES™ EK1-108 (http://www.brookshireinnovations.com/products.html)
[attachment=0:2pyvi2hi]Eklipes EK1-108.jpg[/attachment:2pyvi2hi]

I installed it yesterday and works perfectly!! The best part is that it cost $20 CAD and already has a 15A fuse...
I'll take some pictures of the final installation soon...
Thanks all...
You got it! Looks like they make some nice adaptable stuff, and they're all fused. You can buy those SAE connector short cables in any auto supply store if you want to splice them onto a power line for anything else, like a GPS or radio for instance. You leave the battery end on permanently, cover the plug end with some kind of plastic cap you may find to keep it clean, and use it for the battery tender when needed. Nice find.

[dentheman]

Keep in mind that if you wire this to the battery whatever is plugged in will continue to draw current even with the ignition off. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a gps turned off would continue to pull a very small amount of current for the clock and perhaps some other functions.

Maybe that's why I previously mentioned a relay.

I am curious to see how you mount this, since it doesn't appear to have lock nuts on the barrel.

[mrlmd1]

If you put in a relay in the circuit, you can't use it for charging the battery unless the ignition is on. That defeats the purpose of the battery charger. You just have to remember that plug is hot all the time, so you either put a switch in the line AFTER the SAE plug, or hook up the relay AFTER the SAE plug, or just remember to unplug whatever it is when the bike is off and take it with you (easiest).
Don't all the GPS units have internal batteries for the clock and internal memory? They automatically get the correct time when you turn them on anyway. The draw from a GPS unit turned off and still plugged in is probably nil, if anything, unless it's charging it's battery.

[jonathan180iq]

One up, Mrlmd1.

I had a volt meter/temp gauge/clock hot wired to my battery for more than 3 months and never had any significant power loss. Even over extended periods of sitting.

It stayed backlit all the time. I can't imagine how the draw from something being turned off could being more than something that was on all the time.

[cayuse]

Completely apples and oranges, Jonathan. If your instrument package is backlit with 2mA LEDs it might pull a couple of amp-hrs out of your 18Ah battery after a month of sitting around. It'll never notice it.
OTOH, if the GPS is pulling 20ma for whatever reason (still pretty trivial in the 'real' world of toasters) you'll have a pretty sick battery after sitting for a month.
Easy to check tho. Just hook it all up, and insert a multi-meter in the circuit somewhere.

Cheers

[jonathan180iq]

True.
But I think with a constant backlighting, clock memory and constant temp readings, you're talking 5-8mA.
I'm sure that while charging, a GPS will be pulling more than that. But in the off position and once, charged, it can't be much more than negligible.

But, like you said, only way to know is to test it.

[jwright5]

Hey guys, a good general rule of thumb for anything that charges via a USB standard (so pretty much every phone and GPS unit) is to assume a maximum draw of 11 Watts from the unit, plus whatever inefficiencies are inherent to your charging adapter. So maybe 15 Watts with a safety margin or around 1.25 amps on the 12V leg per device.