Hardwire vs switched GPS power? - Grizzly Riders

MattN03 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 09:33 PM

I've bought a hardwire kit for my Garmin Oregon 450t and can't decide if I want to wire it directly to the battery or have it powered when the switch is on. What is everyone else do? What's everyone do to keep the plug clean if they don't have it plugged into the GPS all the time (keeping the plug free of mud & crud)?

doulos · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 09:41 PM

I'm Leary of any non switched accessories especially since the POD can be ruined with a low battery!

MattN03 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 09:48 PM

Anyone know what wires I should tap for a switched circuit on a 450?

doulos · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 10:07 PM

I use a tester.

ponti1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doulos

I'm Leary of any non switched accessories especially since the POD can be ruined with a low battery!

+1 on this. Plus, not much reason I can think of to warrant non-switched power on the GPS.

DrMud · #6 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 07:59 AM

Matt, you want this to be on a fuse, so needs to go through the fuse panel, if your gprs ahs the rechargable battery pack, I would assume when the key is off it would default to the battery pack, A first simple step to see how you like it would be to buy an adapoter rom radioshack for the cigerette lighter looking plug in, whatever it is called.

Key statement is this neds to be fused and I would think on the key if the batteries pick up when the key is off? Post up what you do, I am in your tracks here with my Oregon.

MattN03 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 08:09 AM

I bought the Garmin hardwire kit and it includes an inline fuse.

DrMud · #8 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 08:14 AM

Uncommon had his Rigid light wired direct, and about 2 am in the morning, the Mt Aires hotel manager at Harlan, calls "me", and wakes "me" up asking what my buddy's name is that drives the jeep, cause his light was on. Apparetnly the fog had shorted out the switch, (not marine grade) besides getting me woke up,grrrrrrrr, he could had a dead battery and would have never figured out what happened.

benchiew · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 09:26 AM

I just use AA batteries and carry a healthy supply fully charged up. One less thing to worry about.

I use rechargeable eneloops. It will give a good 18-24 hours. Then I change it to a fresh pair.

Hammer07 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 09:33 AM

i have an Oregon 200 and also just use batteries. i use the Energizer "Ultimate Lithium" batteries. I turn the unit on in the morning and ride all day without turning it off. at the end of the day, i save my tracks and turn it off. i can usually get 3 full days of riding out of 1 set of batteries.
i thought about hard wiring, but when the cord is plugged in the unit is no longer waterproof.