I'm thinking about using a pda with gps software as my navigation system similar to what josh wardell (joshwardell.com) did on his MCS. I would like to hardwire the pda rather than having to use my cigarette lighter. I saw his solution with using the fusebox and I would like to do the same.

My question is how do I adapt a 12 volt cigarette lighter plug from the pda to be powered off an empty fuse? I'm pretty electric/electronics stupid, so simple explanations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
vin.

 

The question is, does that lighter plug have electronics to reduce the 12-14v coming from the lighter to a lower voltage for the PDA, or is it a straight through? (See if it says something like output: 5V)
If it's straight through, just chop it off and strip the wire.
If not, You could buy a lighter socket from radioshack and wire that socket into the fuse panel, and just keep it hidden inside the dash. I have instructions on that here.

 

Most Cig lighter adapters for electrical items have a voltage stepdown built into the plug end. These can be removed from the adapter and incorporated into a hidden box/location. I found it much simpler to just mount an additional outlet hidden from view.


Josh's instructions are good. I'd only add that instead of taping the wire to the fuse, you purchase an "Add-a-Circuit" unit from your local parts place (Advance/Autozone) for around $6.00. It's a fused piggy-back unit that allows you to protect the tapped circuit as well as protect the new circuit.

Do a search for adding a 12 volt outlet. I've got a picture of my setup in one of those threads.

 

Thanks everyone!

I've got the following system lined up-- I'm just waiting for everything to be delivered):

1. HP ipaq h5550 (from eBay)
2. TomTom Go Wired Navigator 2004 (from Amazon)--I've read about power and signal problems with the bluetooth version
3. TomTom Go Car Kit

I still have to get the parts from Radioshack for the rest of the install. I'll post some pictures when I get it all done.

vin.