GPS Wiring

[jimbemotumbo]

Now that I have the Blasters mounted using FJRandy's harness, I have the unused power from the left horn. Since it's switched and fused, seems a perfect place to power the Garmin. Any problems with this approach?

I am electrically challenged, so apologies for the question.

 

[twowheelnut]

I don't think so. Well, maybe, except every time you hit the horn, you'll wind up in Poughkeepsie... :dntknw:

 

[Ignacio]

Now that I have the Blasters mounted using FJRandy's harness, I have the unused power from the left horn. Since it's switched and fused, seems a perfect place to power the Garmin. Any problems with this approach?I am electrically challenged, so apologies for the question.

Most people (LD riders anyway) prefer to have the GPS powered independent of the key so that the GPS doesn't have to refire everytime you start the bike. It doesn't use much juice and I've seen many leave them on overnight. By having it powered full time you can use the odometer function without risking inaccuracy because you take off immediately after starting the bike up.
The GPS is the one item I've directly wired to my battery.

 

[twowheelnut]

Yeah, but Iggy, most units have a option to auto switch to internal power when external power is killed. At least my Garmin does.

 

[Ignacio]

Yeah, but Iggy, most units have a option to auto switch to internal power when external power is killed. At least my Garmin does.

If you have that option. My 2730 does not. No batteries. And I don't think the eTrex series did, but not sure.

.....I thought it a bit longer and isn't your flip response actually closer to the mark? The circuit may be switched to the key, but it's also switched to the horn button? Only powered when the horn is activated? No dice there I would think...

 

[Woodstock]

Yeah, but Iggy, most units have a option to auto switch to internal power when external power is killed. At least my Garmin does.

If you have that option. My 2730 does not. No batteries. And I don't think the eTrex series did, but not sure.

.....I thought it a bit longer and isn't your flip response actually closer to the mark? The circuit may be switched to the key, but it's also switched to the horn button? Only powered when the horn is activated? No dice there I would think...

The 2610 also has no internal power source. I also have it direct-wired to the battery for the reasons Iggy has given.

 

[Rogue]

.....I thought it a bit longer and isn't your flip response actually closer to the mark? The circuit may be switched to the key, but it's also switched to the horn button? Only powered when the horn is activated? No dice there I would think...

IIRC The ground is off the button, The hot should be switched.

 

[bramfrank]

If you have that option. My 2730 does not. No batteries.

Another great reason to buy a 276/376/476/478 or Quest-2.
GPS units do pull power when running - and the battery equipped units draw more (to keep the batteries charged). I've always wired my units to switched power so I wouldn;t be saddled with a dead battery if I didn't ride for a week or two.

 

[Woodstock]

If you have that option. My 2730 does not. No batteries.

Another great reason to buy a 276/376/476/478 or Quest-2.
GPS units do pull power when running - and the battery equipped units draw more (to keep the batteries charged). I've always wired my units to switched power so I wouldn;t be saddled with a dead battery if I didn't ride for a week or two.

I'd just turn it off (assuming I don't remove it completely) if I didn't ride for a week or two.

The GPS is the only thing I've added not on switched power on my bike.

 

[twowheelnut]

Huh. Didn't know those fanciful units are not battery powered. Personally, I'd never own one for the bike. Battery back-up could be a life saver out in the middle of nowhere should bike power fail.

- Flip

 

[yamahlr]

Many of the units have an optional battery pack available if you want to use it off the bike (or car)and in the bush, come to think of it, if you need a GPS for use in the bush..... :lol:

 

[bramfrank]

I'd just turn it off (assuming I don't remove it completely) if I didn't ride for a week or two.
The GPS is the only thing I've added not on switched power on my bike.

Not if the unit is battery powered. That was the point - units with rechargeable batteries draw power whether switched on or not.

 

[Shane Stump]

Huh. Didn't know those fanciful units are not battery powered. Personally, I'd never own one for the bike. Battery back-up could be a life saver out in the middle of nowhere should bike power fail.
- Flip

I carry a backup if my GPS 2730 fails - its call a MAP !

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[Woodstock]

I'd just turn it off (assuming I don't remove it completely) if I didn't ride for a week or two.

The GPS is the only thing I've added not on switched power on my bike.

Not if the unit is battery powered. That was the point - units with rechargeable batteries draw power whether switched on or not.

Ah, ok. I get it.

 

[jimbemotumbo]

Very good discussion. Thanks !

Not sure if I'll direct wire or use the switched hot, but at least I understand my options better.

 

[Woodstock]

To sum up the discussion...

If your GPS has an internal battery, connect it to switched.

If your GPS does not have an internal battery, connect it to unswitched.

:thumbsup: