Hardwire clip-on in the car

andrewpmoore · Occasional Visitor Joined: 11/05/2003 09:42:38 Posts: 29

Hi,
I've finally got around to getting a fortuna clip-on (well belkin one) and I'm wanting to hardwire it to the car so that it's permanently live (ie not controlled by the ignition)

It came with a car power adaptor (cigarette lighter socket) and what I'd like to do, if this is possible, is to plug this in to a car power adaptor socket hidden behind the dash, so that my cars real one is still free.

How do I go about doing this.

Could I get one of these from maplins: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1056&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=&doy=26m10

...then cut one end off, and try and attach that to the cars power? I've read on the tomtom forum about making sure you get the correct voltage to the receiver, is this the same for the clip-on, will I need to do anything special to do this.

I'm sure I remember reading here about somebody how had done all this with a clip-on. Some step by step instructions would be great as I don't want to fry the receiver (or the car!)

Cheers
Andrew

lbendlin · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 3:03 pm Post subject:

You should get one of these as well

http://pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=66135#66135
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andrewpmoore · Occasional Visitor Joined: 11/05/2003 09:42:38 Posts: 29

andrewpmoore · Occasional Visitor Joined: 11/05/2003 09:42:38 Posts: 29

ok, after speaking to a few people, I'm pretty much ready to the hardwiring this weeking.

One more question first though. If i chop the end off the cigarette extension cable, how can I tell which cable is the +ive and which is the -ive?

lbendlin · Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject:

Don't chop it off. Gently dismantle the plug, and then unsolder the cable from the PCB. The red cable is positive. If you can't find it, leave the plug in the socket and measuer with a multimeter.
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iclick · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 17

Andrew, you should invest in an inexpensive multi-meter (Harbor Freight Tools, Walmart, etc.) that can at least measure DC volts and ohms, plus a wire stripper, wire, and solderless connectors. Optionally, you could invest in a soldering iron, solder, and heat-shrink tubing

The point of the cig-lighter connector, male and female, is 12v and the side connector is ground. If it isn't visually discernible which wire goes to which point in the male connector, cut the wire at the male connector (which you won't use) and measure resistence going to one point (12v or GND). IOW, put one meter probe on the tip inside the female connector, and the wire that measures zero ohms using the other probe is the wire that should be connected to 12v on the car. If you touch the other bare wire will show high resistence (like 300 kohm) or infitinity.

The point is to make sure the 12v input (from the car) is channeled to the center point inside the female connector, and vice versa. If you're uncomfortable doing this, find a friend who can help, as the polarity is not interchangeable and wiring it out of phase may destroy the GPS.

Ground wires in the car are usually black, but don't bank on it. If you want the GPS on at all times, find a wire that is directly connected to the + pole of the battery and splice a long wire (preferably not black) into it, then route this wire into the passenger compartment through the firewall. Install an an in-line fuse (5-10a is plenty) on this wire. You can get a fuse holder and fuse at any auto-parts store or Radio Shack. This wire coming from the battery will be your 12v source, which is connected to the wire linked to the center pole of the female cig connector. I always solder spliced wires and insulate them with heat-shrink, but you can use solderless connectors if you're careful to make a secure connection. I don't like electrical tape for insulation because it will unravel in time.

The ground wire on the cig connector can be connected to any point on the car's metal body. At many points there are wires connected to the body, and all of these are ground wires. You can also splice into a black wire anywhere on the car for this ground connection, but you must be sure it is really a ground connection! Test first! Touch any bare portion of this wire (e.g., at the connector) to one meter probe and the other probe to the car body or any bare metal that is connected to the car body. If you get zero ohms when connected to the meter and infinite when not connected it is a ground wire. That source can be your ground connection, so splice into it.

If you want the GPS to turn on when the ignition is on, you'll need to test a 12v source that yields 12v on the meter when the ignition is on. Keep in mind that there are three basic types of circuits on a car, all related to the ignition switch: off, accessory, and ignition. Some circuits are active (e.g., alarm system) when the car is in any ignition-switch position, even off. Accessory circuits (e.g., radio) are on when the ignition switch is set to both the accessory and ignition positions. Ignition circuits are on only when the car is running (switch in ignition position).

Hope this helps. Again, it would be good to have someone present to help if you have no experience with 12vdc systems, soldering, splicing, etc.

andrewpmoore · Occasional Visitor Joined: 11/05/2003 09:42:38 Posts: 29

Thanks for all your help. With the information from here and a forum specifically for my car, I managed to get this wired up just as I wanted it.

Cheers
Andrew

mark1968 · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 2:32 pm Post subject:

I am looking at hardwiring in my Clip-on over the weekend.

I have a spare nokia in car charger which I beleive should do the job. Has anyone tried powering thier GPS using one of these leads?
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lbendlin · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 2:55 pm Post subject:

As long as it's delivering 5V you should be fine. Power consumption should be similiar to a charging Nokia.
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lbendlin · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 2:21 am Post subject:

I'd go with b) and save the battery for better times.
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BigH · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2004 7:27 pm Post subject:

Hi,

I have done this already and had the clip-on permanently powered in my car for over 6 months without problems. When I say permanent I mean all the time ie no TTFF waiting!!!

It is installed without the battery (90mA consumption) and does not give any problems even when left for a couple of weeks.

Only one point to note, I recently removed it from my car and tried it with the battery and it did not work, I am not sure whether if the battery is duff or the charging circuits in the clipon are duff. I need to check it out!

Hope this helps.

Bigh.

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