Car satnav - replacing charging cable

[SteveC]

I know there are some people on the forum who really understand USB!

The cable for our Garmin is attached at one end to the 12V plug. The other is a right-angled USB (one of the smaller ones).
We don't mount the device on the windscreen, instead we have a weighted mat which sits on the dashboard with a mount on that. Unfortunately, this puts a strain on the usb plug with the result that it is now intermittently failing. I'd like to replace the cable for one with a straight plug which would fit much better.
Can I use one of those USB sockets which plug into the 12V supply, then an ordinary USB cable? Or will that sort of USB socket not provide enough current to drive the satnav?

TIA

Steve

[Kim]

Can I use one of those USB sockets which plug into the 12V supply, then an ordinary USB cable?

I expect so, unless it's doing something exotic with the signalling.  Check the satnav runs from J Random Phone Charger first.

Or will that sort of USB socket not provide enough current to drive the satnav?

Pick one of an appropriate current rating (I can't imagine a satnav needs more than an amp), and it ought to be fine.

[Feanor]

I have an original Garmin in-car charger of this type which is going spare.
It was used with my now-defunct Colorado 300.

It looks identical to this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Garmin-USB-Car-Charger-for-GPS-SAT-Nav-etc-320-00239-24-/151771864901?hash=item23564edf45

The Garmin p/n is 320-00239-22
I/P = 10 - 30v DC
OP = 4.9 - 5.25v DC 1A.

I can send it to you FoC if you like, just PM me an address.


ETA: Oh, I just saw you wanted one with a straight plug.  Nevermind.

[Ningishzidda]

You could lash up something with a petrol injector circuit 6 ohm ballast resistor from a 1974 Jaguar XJ12.

Or a 6 Ohm, 25 Watt ceramic case wire wound resistor from RS.

[Kim]

You could lash up something with a petrol injector circuit 6 ohm ballast resistor from a 1974 Jaguar XJ12.

Or a 6 Ohm, 25 Watt ceramic case wire wound resistor from RS.

You could, if you wanted to release the magic smoke.

Even if the supply was clean enough (which it won't be, because it's a car), you can't regulate a non-linear load with a voltage divider.

[Torslanda]

Genuine Garmin supply cable has an aerial socket to receive traffic updates from Traffic Master. John Q. Random's cable probably won't.

Both my Garmin units connect with 'mini-usb' IIRC. Beyond the traffic info we have successfully used a USB lighter plug with an appropriate cable. Have you considered hard wiring the unit and screwing the bracket to the dash top? Like as not your next vehicle will have a built in nav unit . . .

[Ningishzidda]

The No. 1 Thing Gone Wrong ( TGW ) from 3 month surveys of new vehicle owners is ‘SatNav troubles’.
Stay away from built in SatNavs.

No. 2 is ‘Cup holder not large enough’.
No. 3 is ‘Rear seat TV reception’.

[SteveC]

Genuine Garmin supply cable has an aerial socket to receive traffic updates from Traffic Master. John Q. Random's cable probably won't.

Didn't realise that. We may have to soldier on then.

<snip>
Like as not your next vehicle will have a built in nav unit . . .

It already has. The newer car came with a Tom-tom unit fitted. But replacing a car to get a new satnav would seem a little extravagant! 

I may take up Feanor's offer so we have a spare.

S

[epa611]

The No. 1 Thing Gone Wrong ( TGW ) from 3 month surveys of new vehicle owners is ‘SatNav troubles’.
Stay away from built in SatNavs.

No. 2 is ‘Cup holder not large enough’.
No. 3 is ‘Rear seat TV reception’.

3MIS TGW   You a Fordy?

[Ningishzidda]

The No. 1 Thing Gone Wrong ( TGW ) from 3 month surveys of new vehicle owners is ‘SatNav troubles’.
Stay away from built in SatNavs.

No. 2 is ‘Cup holder not large enough’.
No. 3 is ‘Rear seat TV reception’.

3MIS TGW   You a Fordy?

I'll start a new thread for folks to list bicycle 'Customer Concern Codes'.

G001 - Gears too high.
E001 - Insufficient power when climbing hill.