GPS on!

I finally got a 'round tuit' so I fiddled with the GPS today. I wanted a power source that is only on when the key is on.

I figured it should be pretty simple because of the fairing. I tapped into wires for the right running/blinker light since the wires were right there in the faring cubby under the snap-down flap. I used my volt tester to identify which of the three wires was the constant on for the running light. (One of the others is for blink, the third is ground.)

I bought a 12v accessory socket at Radio Shack for $7-something and it came with long wires, an in-line fuse, and a cap to cover the socket hole when not in use. I used the in-line pinch connectors on the hot and the ground. They are the kind that after you pinch them onto the wire, they have an open end that accepts 'male' wire tabs which I had crimped onto the ends of the wires of the socket. Was wired in about 10 minutes and powering the GPS with no change in the running light or blinker function.

I suction-cupped the Garmin on the Tach lens, positioned where I can still see the needle on rpms up to the Redline. The GPS cable is routed in such a way that if the suction cup pops off (very rarely happens), the GPS can't fall away and interfere with control. This won't be for full-time use, just occasional longer trips. 50-mile test ride worked great. By the way, my speedometer is 2 miles faster than GPS at 60MPH.

 

So any opinions on using the blinker wire? Seems to work but will there be a problem I'm not forseeing?

Here's a couple more pics. (Anyone notice my mileage in the first pic above? )

 

I hate the idea of biting into wires, just from the water/corrosion effects, but, the GPS doesn't pull alot of current, so it should be fine.

Handlebar mounts available on E-Bay.

 

Yeah, to the mounts! Our a tank bra so you don't loose your gps... I had a suction cup like that in my car... every time I hit a good bump, I'd have to fish my gps out from the passenger floor boards.

 

Depending on which wire the "always on running light" is connected to on the bike you should be fine!

I happened to wire mine into the unused "city lights" plug. Realized only recently they turn off when you put your high beams on. LOL