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Gps hard wired to battery

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by rplimer, Aug 1, 2009.

  1. rplimer

    rplimer New Member

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    I need to hard wire my gps unit to my battery, but I'm scared I'll blow it up with 12v. The unit can handle 5w max, what size fuse should I use? And should I wire it inline with the positive?
    Any help greately appreciated
    raoul
    rplimer, Aug 1, 2009
    #1
  3. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    if the gps is not rated for 12 volt, neg ground do not wire it to your bike. if it is rated for 12volt neg. ground us a 5amp fuse.....such as found in auto radios, and fuse the hot side....another way to go is to wire it as directed in the instructions supplied with the unit....if you dont have it, google it up. i am sure there is a file online with the correct schematic, or contact the mfg...........have fun!!!!!
    chucktx, Aug 1, 2009
    #2
  4. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    If the unit says that it's rated at 5watts that means that it will only use no more than 5watts it doesn't mean that the battery will overpower it, as long as the voltage is the same.

    A fuse will help protect the GPS from voltage spikes that may occur for a number of reasons, such as disconnecting the battery when the unit is on or something else shorting to ground. If that happesn then other fusses may pop.

    It will also protect the battery from getting drained if the GPS unit itself fails for whatever reason.

    Like Chuck says, if your GPS literature doesn't tell you what fuse to use then start with a 5 amp or less.
    Tomflhrci98, Aug 2, 2009
    #3
  5. Slimjim

    Slimjim Active Member

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    My GPS came with a 2 amp inline fuse. I have it wired to a spare fuse position with a 2 amp fuse installed.
    Slimjim, Aug 3, 2009
    #4
  6. VYBR8ER

    VYBR8ER New Member

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    It is much better to wire the GPS to a switched power source so when the key is shut off you will not drain your battery if the GPS is left on for an extended time. What type bike are you putting this unit on? On all of the late model harleys, the accessory wire is orange with white stripe.
    VYBR8ER, Aug 7, 2009
    #5

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