Garmin Installation

[Millman]

Hi,

I'm installing the wiring harness for the garmin this weekend and saw some u-tube videos and they show the cable being connected directly to the battery? Normally I would thing you would want to connect it to the accessory wires so when you turn the key off, you turn power off to the Garmin. I can just see myself forgetting to take the garmin off and coming back to a drained battery. Is there another way to connect it?

Thanks.

Millman

 

[Bryn]

I used the switched live from the spot lights...if you do a search you should find the thread...easy job..and when the ignition is turned off you get a message asking if you want the unit to stay on or power down....wouldn't want it permanently live ::008::

 

[Nig5]

My supplying dealer wired the Garmin live, when I have the next service (different dealer!) I have asked for it to be wired to a switched live, bike is used regularly but I have heard of a few cases of the Garmin cradle eventually flattening the battery, although it shouldn`t :

 

[Bryn]

Easy job to do it yourself Nig 8)

 

[Checkswrecks]

Most of us install some type of power distribution panel, especially since over time you may want a few other farkles like
heated jacket or gloves,
extra light(s),
battery trickle charger,
tire pressure monitor,
etc.


The power panel can be as simple as a dollar terminal strip from a flea market or complex as a $200+ smart distribution center. The Eastern Beaver options are really popular:
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html


The common location is in the right side panels, either ahead of the relays and fuse box, or where the OEM tool kit is located. Some folks put them under the seat.

 

[rbmcmjr]

The Eastern Beaver options are really popular:
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html

Jim makes some quality kit. As I told him, I understand the theory but have a hard time executing the practice. I chose the sealed 3 Circuit Solution at the bottom of this page: http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Bike_Specific/Yamaha/yamaha.html

Installation was a snap. The only tricky part is installing the connectors. Get a good crimping tool and/or whip out the soldering iron and you're good to go. I chose to do both and feel confident about the results.

Rick

 

[EricV]

Sounds like you discovered a solution that meets your needs. ::008::

It's not uncommon for some riders to wire the GPS hot all the time, or "un-switched power". This is done so they can maintain track of stopped time as well as various averages more accurately. The hazard is what you already discussed, the potential for a flat battery. Some things have dark current, or draw power when off, more than you would believe, even with nothing hooked up to them.

Some power distribution blocks have switched and un-switched power connections. Fuzeblocks http://www.fuzeblocks.com/ is one such product, and an excellent one as well.

 

[WJBertrand]

I use a Neutrino Black Box to power my GPS. You can set it up to keep the power to your GPS for selectable amounts of time or to keep it always on. On the latter setting you pick a voltage level at the point you want it to finally shut down. This protects your battery in case you forget to turn off the GPS manually. I have mine set to delay shut down for 10 minutes, which is long enough for a fuel stop.


-Jeff

 

[RCinNC]

The Eastern Beaver power distribution box is pretty tough to beat for plug and play simplicity. I used one mounted under my seat. My Garmin GPS (A Nuvi 2455) is powered by a switched circuit from the EB power box. Rather than purchase the somewhat expensive Garmin made power cable, I used a buck converter to step the voltage down for use by the GPS. It's made by DROK, and cost about 9 bucks. The buck converter is waterproof, and is mounted under the left side fairing. I made a mounting plate for it out of a piece of scrap aluminum, so I could use the two existing holes in the fairing and wouldn't have to do any drilling or securing with zip ties. I ran the cable up behind the instrument cluster to keep it out of the way, and when it's not in use, I secure it to the accessory rail with a piece of velcro tape.

 

[Millman]

Thanks all. I think I'm going to buy the Eastern beaver solution. Looks pretty nice to install and no splicing.

Millman.

 

[fred-houston]

I didn't want that long Garmin cable, and I do not use any of the other connections on the cable, so I cut the cable to the length I wanted. I did not want to try and stuff all that extra cable anywhere. I then hooked it up to my PC 8 Fuse block, to a switched connection. I guess if I ever want to use any of the connectors I cut off, I will just have to eat the $50.00 and get another cable.