Re: Garmin GPS12: 5v power from usb?

Joe Tho wrote:
Has anyone tried making a data/power cable with two pigtailed ends-
one DB9 serial plug for data, and a USB plug to provide 5v to the
GPS12?

My concern is current- the specs say this unit draws 1 watt, which
seems like a lot, particularly since the battery life seems
significantly better than with my old GPS38.

It would be nice to have a cable like this, but if it won't work I
don't want to waste the time and effort. I also don't want to burn up
my laptop guts.

Thanks, Joe

ps My alternative is another custom cable- cigarette lighter plug
with a regulated 5v power supply for power in the car or boat, and a
little jack on that plug for when I want to plug in ANOTHER cable that
goes to the laptop.

I fail to see an advantage in operating a GPS on laptop power since the battery life for the GPS far exceeds that of the laptop, T-23 ThinkPad in my case.

I made up a cable that has a plug for my GPS-V, and a "lighter" plug, "lighter" socket, connector for my MH-C401FS charger and D-connector for the serial port. I also have a 12VDC to 120VAC inverter. This setup allows me to power the laptop from its power brick and the inverter and/or power the GPS from the vehicle power and/or recharge batteries for my camera and GPS and ...

This would come into full use if I were to drive across the country but on anything less than a multi day trip, I run the laptop from the above setup and don't bother hooking up to the GPS power.

BTW, One of the criteria I used when choosing a digital camera was it must run off AA rechargeables. I assume you are using rechargeables in your GPS.

Ted
.

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