V9 USB Plug Question

[bpreynolds]

So today I try and use a USB cord to connect my Garmin Nuvi to the port on the bike near the steering head.  Before this I was running the GPS off a cigarette adapter plug that actually connected to my tender hookup.  I was assuming this would actually provide charge/power to the GPS in a similar manner to how if you connect a GPS to the computer via USB it will charge/provide power to the GPS while also remaining connected.  So I plug it in and the Nuvi shows it is getting power.  In fact, my Nuvi’s internal battery is shot and won’t even run unless it is plugged into a power source; thus, I know it was getting power because the “Garmen” screen appeared and remained up all the while I was riding.  This being said, the GPS itself would not turn on so to speak.  It merely held the banner up on the screen while also showing the icon demonstrating the GPS was plugged into a computer.  Anyone have a clue?  I’m clueless about the USB port on the Roamer. 

[Scott DeRoss]

On my v9, yes, it is a power source for your garmin, iPhone, or whatever uses a 5 volt power source. Some garmin, not all have a 12 volt power source for charging if this is the case for yours the 5volt may not be enough. My old garmin was 5 volt. The usb connection on the bike does power on with the ignition key. it sounds to me that the garmin battery is totally shot or its a 12volt unit. I would try another device if you have one just to be sure that it is the garmin.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I think it may be the cable, I had a similar problem with the GPS in my car, when I plugged it in the GPS assumed it was connected to a computer for an upgrade.
A different cable fixed it, I assumed some cables must have a different pinout.

[Aaron D.]

It's the cable-it will likely work after a few minutes, when the unit realizes it isn't hooked to a computer.

[Kiwi_Roy]

My Magelin didn't I could  leave it for hours charging but had to pull the plug for it to fire up.
The Magilin is such a piece of c--- I don't know how he managed to find his way around the globe.


Sent from my shoe phone!

[MMRanch]

bpreynolds

So , if Garmin gets 5Volts , then it thinks its hooked up to the computer ...

       if Garmin gets 12Volts , then it thinks its hooked up to run normal ...

That makes senses

I've got one of those handlebar power source things from e-bay with 12/5volt hook-ups , and it works great . 

I fused it straight to the battery so I could leave my phone charging without the key on .  (in the tank bag of course)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-5V-2-1A-USB-Phone-12V-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Handle-Bar-Clamp-Charger-Power/292090046293?hash=item4401ec6755:g:~EQAAOSwuxFY3w55&vxp=mtr




 

[pehayes]

It IS the cable.  I had the same problem last spring in Italy.  Garmin would sit in 'computer' mode for 5 minutes before actually starting to navigate.  Found out that standard USB cables  and those supplied by Garmin are wired to trigger the computer connect function.  Went online and bought a special 'power only' USB cable which is incapable of transmitting data.  Works perfectly!!!  GPS turns on to navigation immediately.  You can get it in varying lengths.

http://www.gpscity.com/3br-powersports-garmin-usb-to-miniusb-power-cable-18-inches

Found a cheaper alternate on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Band-Charging-Garmin-Length/dp/B00GTXLTUC/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1509422688&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=3BR+Powersports+Garmin+USB+to+miniUSB+Power+Cable+18+Inches

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Kiwi_Roy]

I copied this from an Electrical Engineering site, I can't say if its true or not but makes sense to me.

The kind of cable you mean is missing the D+ and D- data lines. It simply doesn't have those wires inside the cable.

You can test for continuity or resistance using a multimeter. Probe between the corresponding data pins: D+ on one side to D+ on the other, or D- to D-. The D+/D- lines are the middle two pins of a USB connector. Just select one on one side of the cable, and test continuity to both of the middle pins on the other side.

You will see no continuity or a high/"infinite" resistance on your meter if the cable is missing data wires and is a "charge only cable".

Technically USB requires the data lines to request more power from a host device, so a cable missing these connections would, in theory, only let devices charge very slowly. In practice most USB hosts will not enforce such a limit. It is also possible that some phones will refuse to charge without data lines in the cable.

[Scott DeRoss]

Just be careful that you don't supply 12volts straight to a 5volt Garmin! You'll fry the unit!

[bpreynolds]

Just chiming back in on the thread here after some suggestions.  I tried another cable and it too would not register anything on the GPS except showing the maps loading up then only the Garmin banner again, this after even 20 minutes or more of riding.  I greatly suspect the Nuvi I have is so old (10 plus years) it is probably a higher draw than the USB puts out.  The GPS runs fine on the cigarette adaptor I have; I was really just hoping for a way to eliminate lengthy cables and such. 

[Kiwi_Roy]

I just break open the cigarette plug and stuff the little board in the headlight bucket wired to the park lamp.
That way I cannot forget to turn it off and run the bike battery flat, If I need to use it while not riding for setup etc. just turn the ignition to Park position.

[pehayes]

Just chiming back in on the thread here after some suggestions.  I tried another cable and it too would not register anything on the GPS except showing the maps loading up then only the Garmin banner again, this after even 20 minutes or more of riding.  I greatly suspect the Nuvi I have is so old (10 plus years) it is probably a higher draw than the USB puts out.  The GPS runs fine on the cigarette adaptor I have; I was really just hoping for a way to eliminate lengthy cables and such.

You give up too easily.  You say you tried another cable and it performed the same.  Was that a non-Garmin, standard USB cable for other purposes?  Was that a Garmin USB cable?  Either way, the internal wiring of the cable is going to trigger the data transfer mode and fail to operate the GPS as a navigator for several minutes if at all.  Read the posts above once again.  You need to purchase a cable which is specifically intended for 'charge only' purposes and has the data wires omitted.  These cables are NOT commonly available and you're not likely to stumble across one by trial and error.  I assure you that the specified cables above will operate your device in the same way that your cigarette plug does.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA