[patrick2000]

Hello all,

I am planning on tapping (solder connection) into the parking light line to get power up to my GPS. I purchased the Powerlet USB cable and it came with an inline 2amp fuse and ringed connectors to connect directly to the battery. My plan is to shorten 3' long Powerlet cable and toss the battery connectors and the inline fuse.
Any pitfalls with my logic here?

 

[Munmi]

One thing to consider....wiring to the battery allows you to use your GPS while the bike is off. Otherwise you will need to turn key to power up the unit. If that is not an issue for you, the parking lamp wire would be ok. I would not solder anything, but instead use Posi-tap connectors. I would also maintain the fuse.

 

[katnapinn]

Use the power going to the dash board light. The square white light pops out easy to get to the wires plus it stays powered when you turn the bike off. It powers off when you turn the key to lock the handle bars. This way if you stop to get gas your GPS will stay on. Going straight the battery you will ALWAYS have to remember to turn off the GPS at the end of a ride.

 

[deputy5211]

Another option is to install an auxiliary fuse box. I use a Blue Sea marine grade unit (click here for info) that gets power directly from the battery through a power relay. The relay is triggered by the seat heater circuit, but you could use any of the other circuits mentioned.

This way power comes from the battery, but everything switches off when I lock the bike. Additionally, all of my extra fuses and connections are right under the rider seat and easy to get to, as are the connections.

Also...

Not sure if you are familiar with the posi-tap that is mentioned in one of the above posts. It is NOT the same as a ScotchLoc taps. More info on Posi-Tap at http://www.posi-lock.com/. They cost a little bit more, but are well worth it. I have purchased them at WalMart, but sometimes they have them and sometimes not. Also seems to vary by store/region.

 

[patrick2000]

Thanks all. I guess I'm old fashioned as I still like the soldered connection. The Posi-Tap looks good though ...thanks. Went ahead and used the parking light circuit. Can always turn on park lights to program GPS when stopped.