I want to put in a cigarette lighter socket in my boat so that I can plug in a Garmin GPS 12 navigator. That way I can use the boats car battery instead of 4 x AA batteries wich I would continually have to replace(only 24 hrs power). I could have the GPS system running continually as back up. I need a simple diagram on how to fit this cigarette lighter socket or simple instructions. Nothing too technical or you will lose me.
2007-02-08 04:32:07 · 4 answers · asked by ALLAN H 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
red wire to +terminal black wire to - terminal
2007-02-08 04:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what your anonymous answerer has said: +ve (red) to the middle connector and -ve (black or brown) to the outer connector.
If you buy a new socket kit from an accessory shop you will probably have an in-line fuse provided. Make sure that you use this. Connect into the +ve line. If you haven't got a fuse provided please go and buy one. They're easily available from car accessory shops for couple of quid. You need a 10 Amp maximum rating, preferably 5 or 8Amp. It could save your boat from a fire if a fault develops and save you from insurance company problems.
Unless you have a convenient hole to fit it you will also need an "under dashboard" mounting plate (your good accessory shop again).
Wire the -ve line to the common earth of your boat, or take it on to diectly to the battery -ve terminal.
Wire the +ve line (through the fuse) to a +ve circult which is controlled by the ignition switch or other Accessory switch. Use a Scotchlock connector if you have to (it enables you to connect to an existing wire without cutting or stripping either of them, cheap buy from your accessory shop).
If you can't find a switched +ve Accessory line then you'll have to take your new wire directly back to the +ve terminal of your battery.
If you do this then you MUST install a fuse and be VERY CAREFUL not to short-circuit the battery. In fact, I'd recommend that you also fit an in-line switch (accessory shop again, just a pound or so) so that can turn the thing off in case of trouble.
Finally, make absoluteley sure that you have firmly mounted yoru socket in a splash-proof location and that all your wires are securely clipped to the bulkheads and that all your terminals etc. are very well protected from moisture and condensation. If you don't do that they'll corrode very quickly. If your socket comes with a rubber cover then be sure to use it when your sat nav is not plugged in.
If you buy everything new it should be less tha £15. Consider this if you were going to use something from a scrap car.
2007-02-08 05:58:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
an AA battery is 1.5 volts. four will give 6 volts. a car battery is 12 volt. double your sat. supply. if you plug it in IT WILL GO BANG. you need a dc to dc converter to drop the 12 volt supply to the 6 volt required. maplins or radio shack will sell you one with instructions.
2007-02-11 04:26:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
red is the +ve which will go to the center os the lighter socket. black is the -ve to the outer of the socket.
2007-02-08 04:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Tank nails it!
2007-02-09 02:19:27 · answer #5 · answered by yankee_sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋