Author Topic: Any ideas for Sat Nav power other than cig lighter? (Read 6613 times)

guest955 · « **on:** July 04, 2009, 03:05:03 PM »

Is it possible to use the USB socket to power a sat nav unit?
I've no other use for it other than for powering the sat nav.
Connecting it with my mini USB cable does not appear to work.
Any ideas anyone? $:-\$

nowster · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2009, 04:09:47 PM »

USB is nominally 100mA at 5V (if your device doesn't negotiate 500mA). I'd suspect that the radio's USB port is only rated at 100mA. The manual warns against using higher current devices like hard drives.

What are the power requirements of your satnav?

Incidentally, you can get lighter socket doublers from many places (Halfords, Maplins).

guest955 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2009, 09:02:58 PM »

Thanks Nowster.
Not too with it when it comes to electrics.
Following is extract from user manual for a Navigon 2100max.
Don't know if this gives a clue on what it is rated at.
A doubler doesn't help because the cig lighter adapter contains a TMC antenna and is huge - haven't signed up for TMC at the moment so might forget that and get a presumably standard cig lighter to mini USB cable.

Power supply via USB socket
Rechargeable Type Li-Po/Li-Ion, 1200 mAh
battery Running time Up to 3 hours
Charging EDluercattrioonni c Ianptepgrorax.t e4d- 5 hours
Car charger Input 10-24V = (direct current, DC)
cable Output 1.2A 5V = (direct current, DC