Wiring up power source for GPS/cell phone charger

Mostly interested in wiring it up so I have power for my GPS, it lasts days on the batteries but pretty useless after dark.  I'm thinking since I am tackling this it wouldn't hurt to also have the option to charge my cell phone for those long rides as well.  Obviously I could wire up a cig lighter, but where to put it??  Is there a waterproof cig lighter option?  I have a tank bag that I can put my cell phone in while its charging but don't want the wire running to it all the time.  The bulky part of this is gonna be the socket...

So, let me see your slicker than whale shit on an ice flow way of tackling this problem :fing02:

Zach571

Many manufactures make powered M/C mounts like the one I use for my Garmin, works great.   :fing02:

Work of caution, many GPS's are Not 12v so be sure to find out before blowing up a GPS or two(don't ask how I know).   :ohmy:

BR

Here's what I did.
1 - Created an interruptable power source by using a relay.  Ignition off - No power.  There should also be a 15A fuse on the (+) lead from the battery.
2 - Hooked up a USB sig. lighter adapter for the car to the 12V source off the relay.  The USB adapter produces 5V, which is what most GPS and cell phones use.  Had to do some minor soldering to run the wires out of that thing.
3 - Plugged a USB cable into the adapter and ran it to the Powerlet socket in the steering stem.  It is waterproof and really well made.
4 - Hooked up a USB wire terminal to the socket to plug into my GPS - It uses a standard USB connector.

You can buy waterproof DC sockets from any boat or marina store.  The best place to mount in my opinion is on the inner trim on the inside of the upper fairing.  You can also find various solutions that use the opening in the steering stem.


Rollin

use a powerlet!

They make one that goes into the steering stem (hollow tube).   There may even be a powerlet to cig adapter so you don't have to get a powerlet for each of your devices.


WireMyBike.com has them... (not affiliated, but a happy customer)

Here's a stem set up wired with a relay.

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Powerlet as described above.

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I went with a relay and fuseblock too.  Have grips, GPS, voltmeter and powerlet wired to the block.  I have pictures of my aux fuse block install in "Tales of Zumo" thread.  As regards blocks I would go with our VFRD member's gear (see above) or with fuzeblocks.com (more expensive but clean) setup.

Pickup power to switch the relay off the LIC plate light,  not sure about the 5th, but on the 6th gen its a line by itself with the angle sensor. 2 things you can live without should your wiring cause any issues.

[image: View Post]Monk, on 24 May 2011 - 03:41 PM, said:

Here's a stem set up wired with a relay.

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Monks  right the best way to do it    ........

[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 24 May 2011 - 03:54 PM, said:

Powerlet as described above.

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I went with a relay and fuseblock too.  Have grips, GPS, voltmeter and powerlet wired to the block.  I have pictures of my aux fuse block install in "Tales of Zumo" thread.  As regards blocks I would go with our VFRD member's gear (see above) or with fuzeblocks.com (more expensive but clean) setup.


+ 1

My bike is set up almost the exact same way.  I have an Ole skool 2610 GPS, but it works.

Where do the wires come out - at the bottom of the stem? This would interfere with my front end stand if so.

I fitted a waterproof socket (very cheap) and wired it up to the battery. It works very well!! The best place I found for it can be seen in the pics.

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I wired in a cigarette outlet plug under the seat, so I can just run the same power cord that I use in the car. Easy to do and the GPS is not dedicated to one vehicle. Plus, if I need to charge the phone it has the same power sourse.

I installed a 3BR usb outlet in the left side of the fairing. Looks nice and integrated. Works perfect for powering anything from iPod to cell phone charging. Recommended,
My link

The powered RAM mount and cradle came with my Garmin Zumo 220...I simply ran the wires to my Centech fuse panel. A five minute job and easy as pie.

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I put everything in my Marsee tank bag and ran one power cord to my stem socket, kind of like the above drawing. I've changed the configuration to support my iPhone, but you get the idea.

I ordered mine from Cyclenutz, they are a WI company so I had to pay tax on it, but kept my money somewhat local. Seemed more complicated than it had to be to go to a powerlet or a cig lighter and this way I only have to carry one more cable than I had to in the past and can now charge my cell and run the GPS. Simple and cost me less than $30.

Got it mounted the other day but haven't taken the bike for a ride yet, powers up the GPS just fine. I wired it into my license plate light, already has a fuse and only comes on with the key. If there is a failure its not really the end of the world if my license plate light stops functioning.

I mounted it directly the mount I fabbed up to hold my gps and other handlebar mounted items. The mount is aluminum tube, if I run a bolt through that it will crush the tube and/or never stay tight, so I tapped the holes but didn't trust the aluminum so I also put a nut on the other side, all stainless hardware.

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Zach571

I wired in a cigarette plug right to the battery, fused of course, and route it out under the front of the seat where it meets the tank. Then, into my tankbag where I can charge my phone, which stays in the tankbag, or hook up the power to my GPS. The power wire for the GPS exits The front of the tankbag and hooks to the GPS which is on a RAM ball mount in the steering stem.

Ghetto but it works. And if I don't need it, I can tuck it under the seat and put the excess wire and plug right back by the taillight

Fuse box under the seat with a relay to switch power.
It feeds GPS, radar detector, 12v plug with long extension. I keep the 12v plug under the seat. when on long trips, it can extend to the tail bag and charge 2 devices (Sena bluetooth and iphone)