Veggeep
07-05-2008, 07:03 PM
I guess it could just as easily apply to any accessory that plugs into the cigarette lighter, but here's my answer to powering a portable GPS unit.
I rather prefer an external GPS device, so I have the flexibility of putting it in any car I like, or taking it on a hike, so I sprung for a widescreen Garmin, rather than an expensive in-dash unit. Only problem is, I hate having wires draped over my dash, and I don't want to give up the power port for something that is likely going to be used quite frequently.
So I broke open the 12V cigarette lighter adaptor and pulled out the circuit board that conditions the juice down to USB levels. This I spliced into the 12V power port supply inside the dash, routing the cable up through the center console and out through a small hole in the back of the face plate retainer clip.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2639491314_c0602dc577.jpg
...and here's the finished result:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2638661411_b64b551431.jpg
It's a good thing the drill didn't fit under the windshield, 'cause I was originally going to poke a hole right in the dashboard surface. Glad I didn't! As you can see here, it's just as clean and discreet routing it through the faceplate retainer clip, and a HECKUVA lot cheaper to replace later, should I choose to rip it out.
I rather prefer an external GPS device, so I have the flexibility of putting it in any car I like, or taking it on a hike, so I sprung for a widescreen Garmin, rather than an expensive in-dash unit. Only problem is, I hate having wires draped over my dash, and I don't want to give up the power port for something that is likely going to be used quite frequently.
So I broke open the 12V cigarette lighter adaptor and pulled out the circuit board that conditions the juice down to USB levels. This I spliced into the 12V power port supply inside the dash, routing the cable up through the center console and out through a small hole in the back of the face plate retainer clip.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2639491314_c0602dc577.jpg
...and here's the finished result:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2638661411_b64b551431.jpg
It's a good thing the drill didn't fit under the windshield, 'cause I was originally going to poke a hole right in the dashboard surface. Glad I didn't! As you can see here, it's just as clean and discreet routing it through the faceplate retainer clip, and a HECKUVA lot cheaper to replace later, should I choose to rip it out.