GPS Power Source Question

[MtlBen]

Hi, Guys:

I just bought the new Zumo 350 and I am planning to mount it on top of the dashboard.

I am looking for a good way to power it: Tapping from a source that will turn off with the ignition key to prevent Spyder battery drain and allow auto-shutoff of the Zumo itself.

I saw that many seem to take power from the analog fuel gauge, but I am using it so no go.

I have an RT/AC, so I do not have a factory GPS, CB, nor an XM radio and I am not planning on adding them. Does anyone know if I could draw 1 Amp for the Zumo from the main radio connector that feeds these accessories ? I could not find any signal description in the shop manual. Anyone knows which ones are power connections, and if they actually turn off with the ignition key ? The main radio does not seem to be hooked-up to a power relay.

Any other suggestion ?

...Ben...

 

[GeoffCee]

I just bought the new Zumo 350 and I am planning to mount it on top of the dashboard.
I am looking for a good way to power it: Tapping from a source that will turn off with the ignition key to prevent unattended Spyder battery drain and allow auto-shutoff of the Zumo itself.

I powered my Zumo 550 with a dedicated fused supply of its own running back to the battery area. I used a solenoid in the circuit, activated by an ignition-switched supply. The wire I used for this is coloured green/grey and is located inside the left passenger's heated grip handle.

When you stop briefly for gas you might want to let your Zumo continue running on built-in battery power. When the Zumo 550 loses Spyder power it asks if you wish it to stay running on the Zumo's own built-in battery, the result, I think, of some clever Garmin thinking. The 350LM may have the same feature, I'm not familiar enough with that model to know. :f_spider:

 

[CyncySpyder]

I'm not an electro-tech by any means, but an easy suggestion you could try

Would be to use a Posi-Tap and tap into the Power Lead of either the Analogue Fuel Gauge or the Analogue Temp. Gauge and see how that works for you. I know you are using yours, but you may try it to see. We have ours disconnected and like the digital versions better, and that power source does power the Garmin how you said you want yours.

Someone more knowledgable than I can maybe speak up if this is a bad suggestion, as you may overload the circuit, but in doing so, should only require a fuse change, so no real harm I would think if it didn't work. And if it does, its an easy power source to reach, especially with mounting to the top of the dash.

Wish I knew more to share with you, but good luck and keep us updated:thumbup:


:2thumbs:I think you'll like the GPS mounted to the dash-top, as we love ours mounted there :firstplace:

 

[Firefly]

Would be to use a Posi-Tap and tap into the Power Lead of either the Analogue Fuel Gauge or the Analogue Temp. Gauge and see how that works for you. I know you are using yours, but you may try it to see. We have ours disconnected and like the digital versions better, and that power source does power the Garmin how you said you want yours.

Someone more knowledgable than I can maybe speak up if this is a bad suggestion, as you may overload the circuit, but in doing so, should only require a fuse change, so no real harm I would think if it didn't work. And if it does, its an easy power source to reach, especially with mounting to the top of the dash.

Wish I knew more to share with you, but good luck and keep us updated:thumbup:

View attachment 50573View attachment 50574View attachment 50575
:2thumbs:I think you'll like the GPS mounted to the dash-top, as we love ours mounted there :firstplace:View attachment 50576

:agree: Just tap the fuel gauge lines... should have plenty of amps to handle both...

 

[NancysToy]

:agree: Just tap the fuel gauge lines... should have plenty of amps to handle both...

:agree: Use Posi-taps, and tap only the orange lighting wire and the black ground. Don't tap the guage sensor wire. Don't forget to separately fuse the GPS feed with a separate fuse.

 

[MtlBen]

View attachment 50573

I saw you mounted your Gps in the center of the console top, where the plastic has a slight curve at the apex.

I also noticed you used a narrow RAM mount, without nuts on each side.

Isn't it a bit wobbly form side to side on harsh roads, or when you are using the touch screen ?

...Ben...

PS thanks everyone for your help. I will post pictures of the install when I do it.

 

[CyncySpyder]

We used what we had available at the time of install & its surprisingly pretty solid

At the time of install, we were pretty limited in Ram Mount parts & I put together what you see, using two large washers underneath to help provide stability. Do we get shaking, sure do, but nothing that has ever caused an issue with being able to read the GPS, so much so, I'm happy with it just as it is and have no plans to change it :thumbup: You have many options & I suggest you explore as many as you can to see what works best for you:2thumbs: Please keep us updated on how it goesopcorn:opcorn:

 

[MtlBen]

I finished yesterday the GPS install and I am very satisfied with the quality of the final product. (Pictures don't quite do justice)

I added some recommendations/comments/install pictures in the original thread that started it all:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?27123-Mounting-a-Zumo-up-high&p=495648#post495648


Tx for your help.


...Ben...

 

[NancysToy]

Excellent job! I like it. :clap: