Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: SVonhof on September 02, 2013, 05:26:48 PM
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I know there are a few out there such as Powerlet and 3BR Powersports to get a USB connector that you can place anywhere. I was wondering what people on here do. Just use a cigarette lighter adapter to your cell phone or do you put in a USB connector outlet?
I am going on a long ride in a few weeks and I typically turn off the "radio" function on the phone so it doesn't search for a cell signal or data, but I was thinking of leaving it on this year so I can use the GPS functionality as well as listening to the music through the Sena. Doing that drains the battery when the phone is searching for a signal all day.
I was thinking of leaving my phone in a tank bag or in the storage compartment and not use a tank bag. What do you think?
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I use Ram X mount and use the accessories outlet with a USB adapter. Also allows me to make videos while I'm riding on a good road. I also stream music to the Sena.
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I've got a USB connected to front aux power in the glove box on my 2010. Keep the phone in there when it needs recharging.
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I think the center 'glove box' on the 08/09s might be a little warmish for your phone.
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I'm not really up on my phone'ism's to know what exactly you mean by turning off the radio.
However, GPS on phones and especially GPS on AT&T iphones, I do know about and maybe this will transfer to your application.
Both of these eliminate signal searching and extend battery life.
Settings>Airplane Mode to ON, GPS is disabled as well as the rest of the data/cell signal.
General> Cellular, set of OFF stops the searching for cellular signal and data.
GPS in a cell phone is a separate animal from the cellular / data, in that GPS does not need a cell signal to function on a cell phone. Shut of Cellular and GPS will still function.
HOWEVER - the map must be previously downloaded to your phone in order for the GPS to show roads, routes, etc... If you do not have the map/route downloaded all you will see on your screen is an arrow pointing and no roads.
Just this weekend on the way through portions of AL, GA, NC and TN, no cell service in a lot of areas, but no problem with the downloaded maps.
Running MotionX GPS and MotionX Drive on my phone, MotionX GPS I've used in 4 countries with good results.
For power I'm using the stock power outlet and added an always ON outlet, with the normal phone cigarette charger from some convenience store, 30K miles and some heavy downpours no issues.
Good luck with your trip, little GPS prep work and it's no sweat.
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I've got a USB connected to front aux power in the glove box on my 2010. Keep the phone in there when it needs recharging.
My 2011 makes toast out of anything I put in the glove box.
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I think the center 'glove box' on the 08/09s might be a little warmish for your phone.
Probably true. I know that stuff that I put in my tankbag also get really warm.
I'm not really up on my phone'ism's to know what exactly you mean by turning off the radio.
However, GPS on phones and especially GPS on AT&T iphones, I do know about and maybe this will transfer to your application.
Both of these eliminate signal searching and extend battery life.
Settings>Airplane Mode to ON, GPS is disabled as well as the rest of the data/cell signal.
General> Cellular, set of OFF stops the searching for cellular signal and data.
GPS in a cell phone is a separate animal from the cellular / data, in that GPS does not need a cell signal to function on a cell phone. Shut of Cellular and GPS will still function.
HOWEVER - the map must be previously downloaded to your phone in order for the GPS to show roads, routes, etc... If you do not have the map/route downloaded all you will see on your screen is an arrow pointing and no roads.
Just this weekend on the way through portions of AL, GA, NC and TN, no cell service in a lot of areas, but no problem with the downloaded maps.
Running MotionX GPS and MotionX Drive on my phone, MotionX GPS I've used in 4 countries with good results.
I am on a Droid and Airplane mode is good, but turning off the "Radio" is better. I will look into those GPS programs as currently I only have Google Maps and they don't allow you to download the maps in advance or load a GPX file.
I use Ram X mount and use the accessories outlet with a USB adapter. Also allows me to make videos while I'm riding on a good road. I also stream music to the Sena.
What USB adapter do you use? I have seen some really small ones and some larger ones (like the Powerlet version that probably does a better job of supplying clean power).
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I've managed to kill two cigarette plug- type chagers for my cell phone using them on the bike. I *think* it is because I had them plugged in when I started the bike. I wouldn't think it was from beig plugged in all day? Anyway, I'm going to try again by plugging the new charger in AFTER the bike is running. We'll see how it goes.
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I also seem to remember people talking about the cigarette lighter adapters being loose on the 2008-2009 models? Anyone remember talk on the old forum about that?
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I have only recently started to have an issue with chargers working their way lose from the socket on my 09. I used a small piece of velcro on the inside of the the socket and now have a nice firm consistent connection.
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Thanks Bigcat.
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I think the center 'glove box' on the 08/09s might be a little warmish for your phone.
Kept mine in there all the time, never had an issue and never seemed to get very warm.
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Kept mine in there all the time, never had an issue and never seemed to get very warm.
You're lucky. If I leave my phone in my glovebox for more than 15 minutes or so, then the phone disconnects from the cell tower and I get this screen:
(http://i.imgur.com/lFVs4UF.jpg)
And lets please avoid the ignorant Apple jokes. I've seen Android phones overheat, as well.
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You're lucky. If I leave my phone in my glovebox for more than 15 minutes or so, then the phone disconnects from the cell tower and I get this screen:
(http://i.imgur.com/lFVs4UF.jpg)
And lets please avoid the ignorant Apple jokes. I've seen Android phones overheat, as well.
True enough.
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Had it with all the half-*ss USB solutions and all the chatter I heard. Ordered a weatherproof marine grade USB outlet, and put my sport tourer under the knife (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Under the friggin knife my C14 went
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/Connie%2014/20130225_185118.jpg)
Ok, we all know how to wire and soldier so let's skip all that and right to the finished product
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/Connie%2014/20130225_194159.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/Connie%2014/20130225_194124.jpg)
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I just bought one of these.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300952640247?item=300952640247&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OU:US:3160&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/300952640247?item=300952640247&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OU:US:3160&vxp=mtr)
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Had it with all the half-*ss USB solutions and all the chatter I heard. Ordered a weatherproof marine grade USB outlet, and put my sport tourer under the knife (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Under the friggin knife my C14 went
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/Connie%2014/20130225_185118.jpg)
Ok, we all know how to wire and soldier so let's skip all that and right to the finished product
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/Connie%2014/20130225_194159.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/Connie%2014/20130225_194124.jpg)
May I please add my KLR already hs the same USB rig!
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I ordered a Blue Seal Dual USB charging socket with waterproof cap (http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Dual-Charger-Socket/dp/B0082CXEI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378302631&sr=8-1):
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61goQ2dx9gL._SL1000_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zaBBi69VL.jpg)
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(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0UCjJw8Z6LQ/UgONrIm3cVI/AAAAAAAACaE/YUgR18U2YrU/w958-h719-no/P1060308.JPG)
Not sure how well this will work with i devices. It works fine on normal items but will not charge a 4th gen ipod touch. One more reason to dump all Apple sh!t.
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Powerlet just came out with this…
(http://www.powerlet.com/img/productImages/primary/PAC-069_p_736_webl.jpg)
http://www.cyclenutz.com/Powerlet-to-Dual-USB-PAC-069_p_951.html (http://www.cyclenutz.com/Powerlet-to-Dual-USB-PAC-069_p_951.html)
or this is what I use to charge up things in my tankbag since it's powered…
(http://www.powerlet.com/img/productImages/primary/PPC-026-SC_p_527_webl.jpg)
http://www.powerlet.com/product/apple-3g-3gs-4g-4gs-itouch-short-powerlet-charging-cable/422 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/apple-3g-3gs-4g-4gs-itouch-short-powerlet-charging-cable/422)
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On long rides I put my phone in my tank bag and run a cord to the power point. works great. If I want to hear music or use the phones GPS, I listen to Instructions through my Cardo Scala G9 on my helmet.
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I have a 2012 C14 with the side glove box. I installed a small cigarette plug in the bottom of the box and use a usb converter to plug the phone into. Wired it so it's hot all the time. Phone is an I5. That way when I need to charge the phone I just plug it in and close the box and it is not only out of sight but locked away where I can leave the bike with the phone charging while I eat lunch or whatever. Never had a minuted problem with it. Now if I could just get my I5 to sync with my Zumo 665 I'd have it whipped but no such luck. Multiple tries and maybe or maybe not it will pair up. As soon as you turn the bike off it unpairs and you start all over again. Pairing them usually takes so long I just quit in disgust. Don't want to talk over the Zumo just want to know I have an incoming call. I gave up on this issue.
Fork
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I used a cigarette lighter to USB power plug I had lying around, hacked it up (cut through the case), soldered the incoming side to 12 volt switched power and then hacked up a USB cable extension and soldered the power wires to the 5 volt outgoing side of the adapter. Then I let the extension hang out the left side of the bike so either myself or my wife can use it to charge anything that will plug into a USB port.... which is about everything. The extension is kinda' slick too because it has a blue LED light in it that illuminates when the cable is powered so there is never any question as to whether or not there is power at the USB plug. And it makes a neat little blue light that bobbles on the left side of the bike that confuses people- it is win / win. :)
Brian
I know there are a few out there such as Powerlet and 3BR Powersports to get a USB connector that you can place anywhere. I was wondering what people on here do. Just use a cigarette lighter adapter to your cell phone or do you put in a USB connector outlet?
I am going on a long ride in a few weeks and I typically turn off the "radio" function on the phone so it doesn't search for a cell signal or data, but I was thinking of leaving it on this year so I can use the GPS functionality as well as listening to the music through the Sena. Doing that drains the battery when the phone is searching for a signal all day.
I was thinking of leaving my phone in a tank bag or in the storage compartment and not use a tank bag. What do you think?
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Actually, the newest version of Google maps does allow for pre-caching of maps. It is described in the link below. You can then use Google maps on your phone without cellular signal, no problem. You can cache multiple areas.
1. In Google Maps on your phone, "Use the search box at the top to find the location whose map you want to save for offline use. Alternatively, you can navigate to the area manually that you want to save for offline use.
2. Now, type “ok maps” in the search box at the top and Google Maps will pre-cache the Map area being shown on-screen for offline use.
Read more at http://www.cultofandroid.com/34026/save-maps-for-offline-use-in-the-new-google-maps-for-android/#b1fDiZvqCJlRgvKF.99 (http://www.cultofandroid.com/34026/save-maps-for-offline-use-in-the-new-google-maps-for-android/#b1fDiZvqCJlRgvKF.99)
I am on a Droid and Airplane mode is good, but turning off the "Radio" is better. I will look into those GPS programs as currently I only have Google Maps and they don't allow you to download the maps in advance or load a GPX file.
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Actually, the newest version of Google maps does allow for pre-caching of maps. It is described in the link below. You can then use Google maps on your phone without cellular signal, no problem. You can cache multiple areas.
1. In Google Maps on your phone, "Use the search box at the top to find the location whose map you want to save for offline use. Alternatively, you can navigate to the area manually that you want to save for offline use.
2. Now, type “ok maps” in the search box at the top and Google Maps will pre-cache the Map area being shown on-screen for offline use.
Read more at http://www.cultofandroid.com/34026/save-maps-for-offline-use-in-the-new-google-maps-for-android/#b1fDiZvqCJlRgvKF.99 (http://www.cultofandroid.com/34026/save-maps-for-offline-use-in-the-new-google-maps-for-android/#b1fDiZvqCJlRgvKF.99)
Very interesting. I will have to try it later today and see how it works. We will be covering a large area, but I could do the offline map "saving" for the next day when we are done riding that day and have wifi.
In the past, I have had issues getting Google Maps on my phone to follow the route I want to take (we enter start and end points and drag new points onto the map to force it to take the route we want). I will try it for my ride home today.
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I got the dual USB power port today, got it installed already:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v612/SVonhof/moto/IMAG0114_zps4a779b82.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/SVonhof/media/moto/IMAG0114_zps4a779b82.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v612/SVonhof/moto/IMAG0113_zps7d3182a0.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/SVonhof/media/moto/IMAG0113_zps7d3182a0.jpg.html)
Works like a charm with my Droid. The Google Maps downloading Edward talked about, not so much.
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You must have an older version of Android/Maps. If so, the option to download maps offline is in the settings within Google Maps on your phone. You only have to use the procedure above with the latest upgrade. I used this feature extensively a few weeks ago riding Utah canyons with no cell service. Works great unless you try to download too large an area at one time. (I was able to cache all of the DC Metro area on my phone in one shot. YMMV)
I got the dual USB power port today, got it installed already:
Works like a charm with my Droid. The Google Maps downloading Edward talked about, not so much.
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Ah, I see now where I can download it for offline...Thanks. I will try it on our drive tomorrow (an hour away).
I have the latest version of the software according to my phone. I still can't get it to load the maps that I set up in advance (specific waypoints) as it will open in the web browser, but not in the actual program.
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I use this for my smart phone. I like that I can leave it in my lunchbox and keep charging my phone while I am working.
http://www.amazon.com/ZAGGSPARQ-ZAGGsparq-Portable-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00343D2NC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378510517&sr=8-2&keywords=zagg+sparq (http://www.amazon.com/ZAGGSPARQ-ZAGGsparq-Portable-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00343D2NC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378510517&sr=8-2&keywords=zagg+sparq)
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Not to get too far off subject, but if you want to leave your GPS on and record a track log while riding, there's a little-known (but recently updated) android app from Google called "My Tracks" that has a pretty neat interface and dashboard, and a cool way to replay your ride in Google Earth. Also makes it easy to save and share the data through Google Drive.
I mostly use it for dual sport riding, but it's fun to play back street rides also. It shows relative speed in the Earth map overlay, so you see yourself slowing down, stopping, etc. Your iphone buddies will all be jealous.
George
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On a 7 day ride right now I just use the cig adapter on the right side to power the phone all day as I bluetooth music to my headset. I have a powerlet on the leftside for the RD so far works fine for me