Hardwire GPS into Accessory Leads

[accbiker]

I believe that this was discussed on the old site and we all know how worthless the power socket is, I wanted to hardwire my GPS Nuvi 500 directly to the front accessory leads using the following cable (garmin also makes one, but this is a few bucks cheaper).

http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-bare-wire-power-cable.html

Anyone try this one yet?  I think it would be a great use of these leads as compared to running it back to the battery or to a fuze block (as much as I like the fuze block, it seems silly to install one just to run this accessory).

Any comments/advice would be appreciated.

-David
Athens, GA

[mkorn]

Thats a kewl idea if the accessory leads are keyed on and off.  otherwise i would forget.  :-)

[lt1]

I wired my GPS (Zumo 550) to the front accessory leads via SAE connectors.  It makes it easy to swap the cradle between bikes, and allows me to plug other accessories into the bike if the GPS isn't installed.

[Conrad]

Thats a kewl idea if the accessory leads are keyed on and off.  otherwise i would forget.  :-)

They are switched with the key.

[Conrad]

I believe that this was discussed on the old site and we all know how worthless the power socket is, I wanted to hardwire my GPS Nuvi 500 directly to the front accessory leads using the following cable (garmin also makes one, but this is a few bucks cheaper).

http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-bare-wire-power-cable.html

Anyone try this one yet?  I think it would be a great use of these leads as compared to running it back to the battery or to a fuze block (as much as I like the fuze block, it seems silly to install one just to run this accessory).

Any comments/advice would be appreciated.

-David
Athens, GA

That's a good idea, here's one at Amazon for under $14 with shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Hardwire-Cable-Mini-USB-connector/dp/B001M09L20/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1308159497&sr=8-3

[stlheadake]

There's a switched accessory lead in the black boot in the left hand side of the front fairing.  You could go there, OR personally for the GPS, I'd tap the power leads to the dashboard cig lighter.  The GPS draws nothing, and you COULD still plug something in if you HAD to!

[mikeboileau]

There's a switched accessory lead in the black boot in the left hand side of the front fairing.  You could go there, OR personally for the GPS, I'd tap the power leads to the dashboard cig lighter.  The GPS draws nothing, and you COULD still plug something in if you HAD to!

+1

[jamiemac]

I prefer using the 12 volt accessory plug for the following reason. My Nuvi 765T has a traffic update feature, & the receiver is built into the 12 volt socket. If I hardwired the unit, I lose that feature. Not sure how many other models have traffic updates, but it's something to consider.

[firetruck41]

the 12 volt power socket works just fine for me. i have the nuvi 220. my plug stays in at all times. since the power plug is key activated, my garmin turns on and off with it.

[accbiker]

the 12 volt power socket works just fine for me. i have the nuvi 220. my plug stays in at all times. since the power plug is key activated, my garmin turns on and off with it.

Are the walls of the socket on the 2011 perfectly smooth? Or is the an indentation on them for the power plug tabs to seat in?  The problem with the 2010 version is that they are smooth and over time the vibration backs the plug out of the socket - just enough to loose contact.

[stevewfl]

search on "fuzeblock" for a better solution

[ZG]

Are the walls of the socket on the 2011 perfectly smooth? Or is the an indentation on them for the power plug tabs to seat in?  The problem with the 2010 version is that they are smooth and over time the vibration backs the plug out of the socket - just enough to loose contact.

A toothpick will fix that problem, it did for me... 

[SparX]

I wired my GPS (Zumo 550) to the front accessory leads via SAE connectors.  It makes it easy to swap the cradle between bikes, and allows me to plug other accessories into the bike if the GPS isn't installed.

+1, this works well, I did it the same way and it can be swapped quickly while still leaving the power port for the iPhone mobile charger.

[mkorn]

A toothpick will fix that problem, it did for me...

i took a side cutter to the cig plug contactors to give them sharp edges.  they bite into the outlet nicely now.
it used to pop out after 3-5 minutes.

[accbiker]

A toothpick will fix that problem, it did for me...

Thanks ZG, I had forgotten about the toothpick trick.

-David
Athens, GA

[mikeboileau]

Thanks ZG, I had forgotten about the toothpick trick.

-David
Athens, GA

I need to do that in my truck!

[Sea Level]

I wired my GPS (Zumo 550) to the front accessory leads via SAE connectors.  It makes it easy to swap the cradle between bikes, and allows me to plug other accessories into the bike if the GPS isn't installed.

That's exactly what I did too, using the series of photos from (Fred?) as my guide. I am not very handy at all and was very hesitant to even take off the faring on the left side to get at the ACC leads, but it turned out to be easy. The Zumo 660 I have turns off when I shut down the bike, but it gives me ten seconds to press a button to keep the GPS on with the internal battery powering it. I bundled all the wiring with a zip tie and stashed it under the faring. Even got the other leads (traffic, external antenna and mp3) right at the top and easily available if I want them.

I use the power outlet to plug in my iPhone, which is mounted right above the Zumo. Works great and was awesome for the trip I just got back from tonight: Boston to The Dragon and back, with lots of backwoods in between.

[So Cal Joe]

the 12 volt power socket works just fine for me. i have the nuvi 220. my plug stays in at all times. since the power plug is key activated, my garmin turns on and off with it.

Same here,

[ninjawarrior1400]

Use a matchbook cover or a piece of 3x5 index card depending on thickness, cut it down to about 3/4 inch wide and trial and error insert your plug until it is a snug fit...mine has worked and been in place 3.5 years and never pops out........don't know about them toothpicks~

Ninja