Garmin C530 Power Plug

The power plug is in the back of the unit. I use the windshield mount and have no trouble with the power plug. I connect and disconnect it every time I leave the car and have not experienced any problems. (Just the cord dangling, but that is no different than with my radar detector.

Page one, center picture, power connector.

http://www.garmin.com/manuals/StreetPilotc530_OwnersManual.p...

The face plates are interchangeable - as an accessory two different packs of five.

http://shop.garmin.com/accessories_for_product.jsp?sku=010-0...

I use the 12v pwr connector in the vehicle, because it's an integrated traffic receiver. I connect and disconnect the pwr connector often. At first I was concerned, but if you are careful and take your time with it, I think it will be ok.

Agree with comments already made, and about the battery would add that the manual says up to 8 hours, but my own experience has been more like 4 hours or even less, but I understand that the WAAS selection for satellites, while yielding significantly improved accurary, also is a bigger drain on the battery. Once I started using the power cord I've just left it plugged in anyway, more convenient. The USB cable while connected to your powered-up computer also charges the battery, which is nice. Does it pretty fast too. Last piece of advice is to look around for the best price - I paid $377 which may not be the best available, but shortly after I bought it online I noticed my local Staples had it for $575. Think I'm still in mild shock about that, hard to believe, huh!?!

I HAVE EXPERIENCED JUST OVER EIGHT HOURS WITH MY BATTERY ONLY ON MY C 530 BECAUSE I HAD A TRIP WHICH TOOK 8 HOURS AND 17 MINUTES. WHEN I ARRIVED IT WAS FINE. HOWEVER I TURNED IT ON THE NEXT MORNING AND MY LOW BATTERY WARNING CAME ON. I LOVE THE UNIT, NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER. I DOWNLOADED RED LIGHT CAMERAS, AND THEY ARE AWESOME!!!

Yes I have found it for $361 online. Its crazy because the cheapest I've seen the Brick stores carry it for is $450. Anyways, I am thinking that I will probably plug it in most of the time. If i can find a good way to mount it in my Honda Fit I may keep it in the car all the time.

I purchased this unit about a month ago, I travel alot and have found it to be very useful when I travel. This is the second unit I have owned. (previous unit from different company - Garmin by far better than previous unit) Battery life has been ranging 4-6 hours (I use the WAAS feature - as noted uses more resources but provides greater accuracy.) The power code is a 'pin' plug in similar to what an IPAQ would have and plugs into the back of the unit. I purchased a separate AC power adapter and window mount for travelling and this has worked fine when using rental cars. Therefore I do not use the car plug in when I am travelling.

Unit is great, I'm glad I moved to this model of Garmin. Higher end Garmin units have many more features but really are they usable features?

Hope this helps.

I just bought the beanbag mount that just sits on my dash and love it because I can just pull the whole unit off my dash and put it between the seats without anyone knowing its there. I can also put It close to me so I can see it easily

I love my c530!!! yes, it is my first GPS, but for $300 at Staples, it is awesome. I have figured out how to make it do TTS thanks to this site and that works great (had absolutely NO problems).

I ususally use the battery, unless i go on a long trip, which I haven't yet, but I do for my job. I found that the battery life doesnt seem to be 8 hrs, but haven't actually tried it. Just guessing from the meter. I also have it in WAAS mode, but haven't found that the accuracy is any better. But I don't see a "D" either saying that WAAS is working, does that "D" show on the c530 like other models?

I do get approximately 8 hours when I have WAAS turned off. WAAS does take a hit to the battery time as described in the manual. When I am away from the power cord, I usually turn off WAAS if I am going to use the unit for a good part of the day (as when I am in another city, with a rental car). I plug it in at night on the USB of my PC.

No, have not seen a D. Also, I though I got a good price in Oct for just over $400. Guess the price is coming down rapidly.

ull love the c530 and the bean bag mount

I dont trust the beanbag mount, what if you turn hard or slam on brakes, there goes the gps

In my case I make sure that my passenger has really quick reflexes;)

Miss Poi

LOL! Yeah, unfortunately, I never drive with anyone when I am on business, I guess they are all too scared too...lol

Funny!!!

Asianfire - I am looking to do TTS on my c530 too. I looked at the directions online and they seemed straight forward enough. I'm wondering what voice did you choose? I am thinking of going with British-English "Daniel" but am wondering if more than one voice would fit.

I paid $322 on Amazon last week and I had a $50 gift certificate that brought the price to about $272. Sweet deal!