I'm trying to figure out how to hook up both my "new"(bought used) garmin nav system and my cousin's present to me - a lightly used cop scanner.

-required statement-
I KNOW MOST PEOPLE THINK COP SCANNERS ARE DUMB
-/required statement-

ok now that that's out of the way how would i go about plugging both into the 12v? i can't imagine a splitter working all that well, i just feel that if it could hold all that power pull they'd have made 2. anyways, what's the best way to go about it?
Thanks,
The G-

 

Splitters work perfectly fine.

 

splitters are fine

 

Splitter work fine, though IMO they are kind of tacky. You can always splice them in and hardwire the devices to a 12v accessory source.

 

I agree on the tacky splitters. I was thinking of trying to figure out a way to hardwire my garmin into the car. now what/where is a 12v accessory source that isn't the car outlet?

also, does the fact that i have the Randode cold cathode kit installed effect a splitter if i go that option?

 

You could tap a fuse point by using the add-a-circuit. Very simple to install. Figure out which accessory point you want to use, whether the power is full time, switched accessory, or switched running and connect your power off that. Then use a splitter box and hardwire the splitter to the new fuse point. Mount the splitter box somewhere completely out of site under the dash. Then you have the accessory 12v jack completely unused and available for when you want it.

At least, that is how I would do it. Then you don't have to mess with trying to hardwire all the other components such as the garmin, the scanner, and possibly a raydar detector without having to mangle the power cables.

 

I used the power source from my cig. lighter....

 

12 gauge wire from battery to glove box
$7 6 fuse box from napa in glove box
12 gauge wire from fuse box to whatever you want

safe, easy, cheap

 

Just so I know what I am thinking is right.

But what is a "cop scanner"?

And the splitters do work. I have one.

Just don't pull more amps than the fuse is rated

Or else............. POP !

 

a cop scanner is the same as a radar scanner as a radar detector, it's just a little black box that tells you when a radar gun is nearby. it's not really THAT helpful, considering how most cops will flash you with radar (owned) or laser you (MAD owned), but it's a fun little piece.

 

what about a ground? and what does the fuse box look like? this isn't a bad idea, just not sure how it works.

 

You can ground on any piece of metal, the fuse box is under your dash on the drivers side.

I personally tapped into 12v for both my scanner and gps through the sunroof motor. The source is only powered with the car turned to accessory as well so they both turn on/off with the car.

There's a thread on here somewhere on how to do that if you decide to go that route.

 

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...OoH_8Ab67tCvBQ

 

There is no such thing as a cop scanner...

 

Yes huhhhhh, Doughnut detector.

That extra fuse box looks pretty sweet.

The add a fuse things are fine for LEDs and such I'm guessing, but higher power draws, (GPS, etc) may be different.

My Garmin's battery holds a charge for more than 4 hours I think anyway.

 

sunroof motor?

for the fuse box, wouldn't i have to hook up resistors and such? how do i figure out how to run either 12v to everything?

cop scanner = radar detector.
like a cobra.

 

First time I've ever heard a radar detector called a cop scanner.

Police Scanner

Radar Detector

I couldn't find anything related to either one using the term "cop scanner"... not even on urbandictionary or uncyclopedia... and my searchFu().is(beefStrong());

 

Sorry I just saw your in an xB, just go with what everybody else is saying though...

 

I would buy the add-a-fuse things if it is just for a radar detector and GPS.

 

not sure sure exactly how to go about doing this though, which is the problem. So far i've gotten run a 12g cable from battery to new fuze box, and then 12g to whatever i want, and just ground the box to the body. but do i need to do anything else or do i just splice the power cable to the nav system and *whatever you call it* scanner.