Another 2610 question

[AZST]

Garmin 2610 is on the way.

I am trying to figure all this stuff out in my head...and I have searched and read the sight regarding Garmin 2610 installation ad nauseum.

My question: If I install the quartet harness, is it advisable to use the Honda 12v accessory socket OR some other socket (Jastek, etc)....or does it not make any difference.

I was going to do the Powerlet right front fairing BMW plug install...but not jazzed about drilling a hole there yet. I am thinking I would like to get my power to the 2610 directly from behind the unit/mount. Cleaner look...no wires across my tank, etc.

Thanks,

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Medicine Bear]

Maybe the relevant question is whether you want switched power or not. I've been thinking along the same lines as you - I want a clean install.

Fred :03biker:

[AZST]

I have decided on switched (for now) :rolleyes:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[ST090]

My personal preference is the "clean install". It is not quite as easy as plugging into a Powerlet or BMW type mounted receptical but you don't have the external wires. And, with either means of power, a switched source is again the preferred means ( my view) as most GPS have an automatic relay between 12 v and battery power such that when you turn off the switched power, there is a 30 second count down that gives you time to switch to battery power so you don't loose your position.

The quartet harness is ideal for supplying switched 12 volts and there are some other points from which you can get switched 12 volts without the quartet harness. In any case, with the Garmin units, they run on 6 v. (I think or maybe 3 or 9) but not 12 v so you have to either use the Garmin auto plug and connect it under the seat somewhere and run the power lines up to the GPS. Alternatively, and what I have done, is to buy an in-line step down transformer from Garmin that is about the size of a small matchbox. I connect the power cord from the Garmin to the inline step down trasnformer which is in turn connected to my fuse panel. But if you were only needing one power source for the time being, the quartet harness can be used to power the step-down transformer. And, if you don't want to buy the quartet harness, there are other sources of switched 12 volts.

[texxter]

GPS units are one of the few accessories that benefit from unswitched power - for accurate time tracking while you're stopped. They consume little energy and can be left on during lunch, etc (assuming it's safe to do so) - but it's no big deal. Switched will work too. I have mine connected to a 12v dc cigarette lighter adapter, and not directly to the battery.

[AZST]

Thanks John. I think you confirmed for me what I will do.

I will order the harness and accessory 12v socket from Honda Line Direct. I don't plan on many power farkles (heated grips, etc) in the future so I think this will do fine.

I guess my next decision has to be the mount options. My intention is to mount it center-between bars with some sort of RAM Mount. Touratech seems a little spendy. Consensus seems to be that RAM is a little more susceptible to thieves....but I don't think I will be letting the 2610 out of my sight.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[ST090]

I should correct a previous message. The Garmin 2610 and perhaps other Garmin units run on 12 volts so no step down transformer is required. Thus, installing a female cigarette plug or using a BMW type plug under the seat and connecting the power plug from the Garmin unit into the BMW plug or cigarette style plug will give you the "clean" install.

[LDMike]

I have done both types of installation - cigarette lighter plug and switched power as well as direct connect to the battery and unswitched power. I didn't like the cigarette lighter setup because every time you shut the engine off, you lose position and elapsed time info. In addition, I thought it looked "kludgy"

The Garmin 2610 does not have a battery, so if you shut off power, it turns off.

I ordered the Garmin hard wire kit and ran it directly to the battery for unswitched power. There is very little power drain and the only thing that comes up between the handlebars is a small cord which plugs into the unit.

I use a RAM mount between the handlebars on top of Helibar risers. The Helibars come predrilled for RAM mounts and the installation is very solid. That being said it is pretty easy to take the unit off, so I disconnect it and lock it in a saddlebag if I'm going somewhere off the bike.

[st_rider]

I will order the harness and accessory 12v socket from Honda Line Direct. I don't plan on many power farkles (heated grips, etc) in the future so I think this will do fine.


I ordered my harness from HDL, but all they carry for the power plug is the Honda version ($$$). I ordered my power plug from EC for MUCH le$$.

Good Luck!

[st_rider]

I have done both types of installation - cigarette lighter plug and switched power as well as direct connect to the battery and unswitched power. I didn't like the cigarette lighter setup because every time you shut the engine off, you lose position and elapsed time info. In addition, I thought it looked "kludgy"


This really depends on how you wire each. Agree, they do not look as clean - but if you mount the power socket in a pocket, it really does not look that bad. This is how I did it on my previous Wing and plan to do it again on my ST1300.

[nm6r]

I hardwired with power all the time. The disadvantage of using the lighter plug power cord the 2610 comes with is you won't be able to hear the voice prompts on your ST. The hardwire cable has an audio out jack on it so you can connect it to your comm system.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Tor]

Non-switched and hardwired.
I want to be able to use it with the bike off. As far as the power plug hanging loose on a hardwired system, I tie the plug up good in addition to putting the cap on it when not in use, which should prevent an accidental fuse blow by touching the plug to ground.

[jgilmore]

Me too, hardwired and unswitched. I am always wanting to do something with the GPS while stopped.

I decided against using the quartet harness when wired unswitched for two reasons:

1) The 2 amp inline fuse. Because the power is exposed on the GPS end, it would be REAL easy to blow that fuse. And being under the plastic would make it a pain in the butt to change if you wired it to the quartet harness. I suppose you could do without the fuse, but the aux fuse on the quartet is 15 amp and I would imagine you would completely toast the thin GPS power wires with that kind of current if you accidently shorted it. I have it powered from an unswitched Blue Sea box in the rear where I can easily change the fuse if I blow it. Knock on wood though, I haven't managed to blow it yet.

2) I can also easily pull the fuse out so it is not hot when/if I have to take it to the dealer.

I keep the protective cap on and a velcro strap on it when not in use.

-John