After reading a few GPS threads and doing a few google searches for addtional information I decided I would give it a try and wire mine up to the bike.

A few quick questions...

1: Can I hard wire it to the battery?
2: Do I need to place a fuse in between the battery and the unit?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Tom

 

I kill three gps wire this year. What up with that?

 

Yes, and yes.

Nothing wrong with wiring connected at the battery. Since you are wiring to the battery you won't be wiring to an existing fused circuit so yes you will want a fuse as close to the battery as possible.

 

Thanks very much for the info.
Any suggestions on the rating for the fuse?

Thanks again.

Tom

 

Generally, look in the maual and get the power requirements. Double the value and pick the fuse closest to that. For example, if it says it can pull 1.5 amps @ 12 volts, go for a 3 amp. If it said max draw was 7 amps, go for 15.

 

The fuse is to protect the wiring. So chose the fuse size based on the smallest wire (largest awg number) that the fuse is protecting.

Wire Gauge Recommended
Maximum Fuse Size
00 awg 400 amps
0 awg 325 amps
1 awg 250 amps
2 awg 200 amps
4 awg 125 amps
6 awg 80 amps
8 awg 50 amps
10 awg 30 amps
12 awg 20 amps
14 awg 15 amps
16 awg 7.5 amps

http://www.bcae1.com/fuses.htm

 

I just run mine off the battery. When it needs a charge, I made a pigtail that plugs into my Battery Tender connection with a power point on the other end. It's long enough I can plug the unit in and toss it in the saddlebag and let it charge. Useful for other 12 volt things also.
Jeff