12v- Accessories on 6v+ System

[bogiediver]

In several threads (none of which I could find by searching - sorry...) comments were made, in relation to 12v conversion, where a response said:

'... no need to convert your whole system to 12v to run a GPS or cellphone charger - they only take 5 volts ...'

While taking only 5 volts is true - how does that help when those devices are negative ground?

I know there is an inverter cube that can be purchased for $90+ ; wondering if there are other options...

Just need that 5 volt neg ground to power the GPS...

Thanks

[fordfixer]

Buy a power cord with the clips for the battery or long wires and install your own connections. Just reverse the wires, so negative feeds the button contact in the plug and the positive wire feeds the tube contact.

[harleyjj]

if I am understanding what was said here is that a GPS unit for a twelve volt car will work just fine in my A as long as I hook up the polarity of the socket correctly?

[Dick Deegan]

That's correct. I have a Garmin GPS with a smart charging stick (the thing that goes into your lighter). It will detect the level of voltage up to 30 V and adjust it to the required 5V. It does not however change the polarity. I purchased an accessory outlet from a local supplier and simply changed the wiring so that the - is one the outside case and the + is on the centre electrode on the outlet. Works like a charm.

Dick

[Clydes 31 P/U]

Thats just what I did harleyjj and it worked for my Garmin1450 and my Sprint phone, it was scary plugging it it the first time though, you also have to make sure it (the socket if it has any metal showing) can't ground out to anything metal on the car. I wired in a 1 amp fuse by the battery for peace of mind. Dick you were quicker........Clyde

[harleyjj]

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Thanks! so what are those little power converter cubes that the parts houses sell for then? I had one in my car and removed it a long time ago.

[bogiediver]

Thanks all for the quick come back!

OK - that seems too simple. But, I do usually try to over-engineer things

I have a Garmin unit - I guess I'll have to check to see that the cigar lighter adapter is 'smart' on mine...

Clyde - you're implying the phone charger adapter (at least Sprint's) is also 'smart' enough to determine the input voltage and changes it to 5v...

OK - beats the inverter cube...

Just hook the cigar lighter socket to the battery + to + (fused); - to - and it makes sense it would work - just didn't think about the adpater plug for the GPS & phone being 'smart' -- apparently 'smarter' than me...

Thanks again...

[Tom Wesenberg]

I trimmed a hand grip to fit over the socket to insulate it from the Model A metal. I can tape or hose clamp it to the steering column or just leave it loose. I made this about 5 years ago, but still haven't used it as I still navagate the old fashioned way...........with a road map.
Hey...........at least it's a modern road map!

[1931 flamingo]

If you didn't want to mess around and are still afraid of "blowing" something. You could pick up an inexspensive "Jump Box". It's basically a 12 V batt pack used by AAA roadside, other car dealers to jump start a dead battery. They charge up on regular plug in electricity, and hold their charg Could also run your garmin, phone, 12V radio, CB, etc. FWIW
Paul in CT
Paul in CT

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by harleyjj

Thanks! so what are those little power converter cubes that the parts houses sell for then? I had one in my car and removed it a long time ago.

These are for the person who wants to run a 12 volt neg. ground CB radio or AM/FM radio off of their 6 volt pos. ground car. These items do not run or charge on 5 volts like the GPS and phones do.

[harleyjj]

thanks for clearing that up Jim