Nuvi 350 power cord

Not me, but I would ask Garmin to send another one.

I am using a 12v/USB cigarette plug to mini USB for now. Garmin said It will Take up to 7 days for me to get a new one.

And they said that was ok to do? I am not sure what the output of the garmin's cord is, but it could be different from a 'generic' cord.

It should be fine. A USB connector uses an international standard. I can unplug my GPS from my PC and plug in a mouse, printer or anything else and never have to worry about the voltage, amperage or anything else. As long as the converter in use is not malfunctioning, the GPS will never know the difference.

The voltage is compatible and it works fine. Its just like running off the computer.

My nuvi 350 power cord failed the same way, the cigarette adapter got hot and it would not work. They sent me a new one and I haven't had any issues with the new one.

you said "The voltage is compatible and it works fine. Its just like running off the computer."

I don't see a problem with it as long as the polarity is right. I have a cig lighter to usb plug also that I use with various things. One end of the cord plugs into the cig lighter and the other end has some adapters I can switch out. The adapters have different polarity on them.

I would be careful about changing the polarity around.

Just a thought.

Same thing happened to my cord for the 360. Garmin was great and got me a new cord within 3 or 4 days.

you need one with 12 volts in and 5 volts dc out
most phone chargers with same end are 3 volts out
the garmin thinks its comunicating with the computer and will not work, I know from buying 2 that would not work..

mark

All USB is 5V out. Specifically, low-speed ports are required to produce 4.4-5.25V and high-speed is 4.75-5.25V.

Phone chargers also put out ~5V, the difference comes in the current availability. A USB 2.0 high-speed port outputs a max of 500mA (low speed is 100mA). A Motorola mini-usb charger produces 5V@550mA. The charger for the nuvi units puts out 1A. I imagine the device senses the current and determines that there is insufficient power to charge the battery.

I'm planning on wiring a perm connection to my car. I mounted my unit just below my rearview mirror and I plan to tap into my mirror power. I've cut the cable from a Moto RAZR car adapter and I plan to solder it to a 5V@1A voltage regulator which will be hidden in a panel above my mirror.

Basically, for about $10 and an hour of work, I'll have a permanent power supply for my nuvi which will turn on/off with the car and not having a wire hanging down across my dash.

(and if you're curious, the spec for usb can be found at usb.org - the usb_20.pdf has the electrical spec in section 7.3.2)

That is cool to know. I have my RD (radar Detector) hardwired, would be nice to have my GPSr the same (as long as the other 5 12v devices I have). They should have made the GPSr 12v, it would make it a lot easier to hardwire!!!!!!!

You can get a 5V 1A voltage regulator from radio shack (or any radio/electornic supply) for about $2. It will have 3 leads - 12-30V input, 5V out and a ground. VERY simple to hook up.

I've been wondering if a standard RAZR 12-volt charger would also charge a nuvi 660. The connector is the same mini-usb, looks like it would work, but I don't want to smoke my 660.

I have also found not all mini-usb cables to be the same. I have a nice short one that came with my USB card reader. I carry it with my digital camera, transfers data between both devices. I figured it would work with a 660 and be able to load POI files. It doesn't load POI's, nor make the nuvi as another drive (on a pc). That mini-usb cable just charges the nuvi, like the AC adapter.

When I mixed up the USB cord for the Garmin and the Motorola phone, the Krzr showed "incompatible charger" or something like that. But my old Razr charger seems to work fine on the Krzr.

Getting back to something more related to the original topic, I haven't used my AC charger for the Nuvi 350 in a very long time. It's been charging through the car adapter during use and through the USB cord during my POI updates (both components by Garmin).

I'd be careful about using a home-brew power cable or power supply. The cost of a power cord is cheap compared to the cost of a smoked-GPS. Even using a non-Garmin power supply on a Garmin can cause problems, i.e. current requirement, ripple, etc. You never know, you just might have a pile of ashes where your GPS used to be! And there's also the warranty issue.

RT

There's really no chance of a problem. The current requirement is 1A, as I already stated. A 5V VReg will take care of any ripple. And the addition of a simple ferrous core will take care of any other interference. Power distribution is pretty simple.

Like I said in the earlier post, the phone chargers (and any computer-based usb port) produces a maximum of 500-550mA. This is *half* of the current needed to charge the gps devices. That's why it won't work.

There is still that warranty issue. Smoke your Nuvi with a non-Garmin power cord, and you're out of luck warranty-wise.

Not really. Making a power cord isn't a big deal. It takes only a modicum of electronic know-how (which I have) and a slight attention span. And if the warrany could be voided by using a non-garmin cable, then it could also be voided for using a usb cable not purchased from garmin to connect it to your computer. That's really non-enforcable.

I asked my brother about this, he's an electrical engineer that deals with this stuff all the time, he said no problem.

Well your old C530 was 12V ... there's nothing in the C5xx cig. lighter adaptor, other than a fuse.

So this confused me... I thought the Nüvi 6xx cradle used the same 'big flat plug' as the StreetPilot, and not the mini-usb that the Nüvi 3xx series uses on its cradle.
Therefore, I would expect the Nüvi 6xx cradle to accept a 12V input?!?

My Nüvi 310 lives on a spare cradle next to my PC and is charged via a USB connection to the cradle. The Battery Diagnostics will often show an initial charging current of upto 800mA (I don't know if that is accurate). Maybe some USB ports are capable of supplying in excess of the minimum required by the spec?

the spec says the maximum output is 500mA, minimum is 100. i suppose there's no reason i port couldn't put out more. if yours is charging off of a computer usb port, i suspect it is only because your motherboad is putting out more current than required.

I disagree with this. USB cables are interchangeable, power cords are not. Warranty will not cover a GPS that was fried because a home-brew power cord was wired with the + and - reversed ... unless you lie to them. You may have sufficient electronic knowhow; the next person may not!

RT

Disagree if you like, but to accept a mini-usb connector and accept power from a usb port, the device must conform to the minimum specs. If a device is designed so that it will work on a standard computer usb port, then that device can require NO more than 5.25VCD. The current has a little more flexibility.

In any case, I'm not trying to make a case for the next person. I am only saying that I am aware of the specs and that the part required to meet those specs is available for $1.29. *I* know enough about electronics to get the polarity correct. The next person is not my concern. And besides, the device probably has a diode or two in it to prevent reverse voltage/current. Most anything includes simple safeties like that.

I was referring mainly to your post to build a voltage reg. PS.

This, in itself, is not true when you made the following two statements:

That's telling everyone to build this as "there's really no chance of a problem". Ask the GPS manufacturers if they have ever received any 'smoked' GPS units provided by users who were told 'there's really no chance of a problem'. Once you post that statement here you're making it free game for anyone.

When you made that statement about 'ripple', you failed to mention that the ripple of that 5v regulator will not be tolerated by all GPS units; and, therefore, will require more filtering. That 'ferrous core' you referred to does nothing for ripple; it's for RF interference.

The least you should have done was stated 'proceed at your own risk' and not said 'there's really no chance of a problem'. It isn't you, me, or the individual who just smoked his/her GPS who decides if the warranty will cover it; it's the manufacturer who decides this. You shouldn't be telling them otherwise.

I've worked in the electronic industry for 35+ years as a 'Senior Electronic Test Technician'; and, from experience, I can tell you there were 'electronic experts' with much more experience than the average GPS user that sent in smoked units. Since you won't do it, I will say "If you're gambler enough to build your own power supply, proceed at your own risk"! And to say 'probably has a diode to protect it' just doesn't cut it. Some may; the ones that didn't are smoked! You do the math, $20 or $300+.

RT

Are you just trying to argue? How can you say that it is not true that I am speaking of myself? My stating there "really is no chance of a problem" does not necessarily include everyone. If you don't agree, you are interpreting it wrong. I would expect any half-way intelligent person to know his/her own limits when it comes to things like this. My making ANY statement doesn't change the fact that anyone could attempt this - however unskilled. And really, I don't need to make a disclaimer. If someone is dumb enough to try it, having NO idea what he is doing, well, stupid is as stupid does. Your job experience really has absolutely NOTHING to do with this. That is what people say when they're trying to start a pissing match. I'm not really interested.

Like I've stated SEVERAL times, *I* MYSELF plan to do this. I *MYSELF* have the requisite knowledge to carry this out.

What you are doing is NOT something the novice, or even general user should attempt.

Good for you. If you want to risk your investment in your GPSr, that's your business, and in the spirit of decorum maybe should be kept to yourself.

You may have the knowledge and ability, but there are not many here who do - and I know RT has it...I know I don't. Do your thing....but were I you, I would not be talking it up like it were something that could be done by the novice when it's not.

USB is a standard with 5 volt output. So yes, any USB charger will charge it OK. Depending on the current output of the charger, some may charge faster than others. But they will all charge it.

There is a wrinkle, though. And my Nuvi can tell the difference. Some chargers and most computer cords ground pin 4 of the mini USB. This tells my Nuvi to go into "PC mode". So while it does indeed charge the unit, the Nuvi thinks it is connected to a computer and goes into computer mode. So in a pinch I can use my Blackberry wall or car charger to charge the Nuvi, but I can't actually USE the Nuvi while it's connected to some generic USB chargers.

This does not hurt anything, but it can be annoying if I get the cables mixed up. This pin 4 business does not affect the Nuvi if it's in the cradle, so obviously the cradle USB jack does not carry that extra pin status through to the cradle connector on the back of the Nuvi.

RT didn't really state anything contrary to what i said - factual or otherwise. i'd like to point out that i never said a ferrous toroid would reduce any ripple, only correct for interference. and his comment that "ripple from a VReg won't be tolerated by all gps" is kinda silly. i mean, the same can be said about the power from a random USB port. not all motherboards produce the same quality of power. hell, not even all garmin power cords do.

his assertion that i am advocating that everyone can do this is plain wrong. you'll notice *I* never said that. he falsely interpreted that from what i wrote. that being said, this is sufficiently easy that nearly anyone could do it with just a little guidance. while not everyone is a 'senior electronic test technician', not everyone is an idiot either.

it's apparent you've never tried to do anything like this for yourself. the same argument you use to say that just because i can, doesn't mean everyone can also says that just because you are scared to try doesn't mean everyone is.

it's really kinda silly for you to get all up-in-arms about this. i belong to a forum for BMW e46 owners and most of the talk on that board is about modifying the cars. we have people with virtually no electrical skill modifying their cars where screw-ups could easily cost well into the thousands. but ya know, they're still not scared to try it. i mean, it's not life or death. and those of us that do have more knowledge about it give anyone help who asks. we create do-it-yourself instructions with pictures so that the chance of error is extremely small. and i think that if i and others are willing to risk modifying cars that are $40K-$60K, there might be some other people interested in modifying a power cord for a $400 gps unit.

i suspect part of this lashing you seem intent on giving is that you don't understand just how simple this is. that's fine, you don't need to. it's fine you're not interested. but to attack me because i said it was a simple thing to do is just ridiculous. your rant reminds me of the religious nuts who try to suppress information because they say it's dangerous to the masses. seriously, get over it.

bottom line is, it can be done quite simply. if someone (other than you) is interested and not terrified that there is a remote chance they could damage their device wants to try, i'd be more than happy to help them. you don't have to try but your overbearing opinions of reluctance and what is too hard should not stand in the way of people who might actually want to know.

this is,ironically, incorrect. most usb host ports will not produce enough current to charge the device. (see above, 550mA vs. 1A)

as far as "pin 4":

pin 4 is only grounded on full-sized connectors (that is not the case here, with the mini-b plug). actually pin 4 of the mini-plugs is not connected to anything - pin 5 is the ground.

Who's the one doing the ranting....more than 35 lines of it?

"You can get a 5V 1A voltage regulator ..." sure doesn't refer to "I". Let's leave this as is. You've made your point, we've made ours. We'll leave it up to the GPS user to decide if they want to put their warranty on the line by gambling $300+ to save $20.

RT

At this point, who cares. If someone wants to do it, let them do it, if they don't, then they don't.

I am personally not going to do it.

hmm... i'm sorry, i thought it was at least semi-obvious i was speaking in the "generl you". geez. you make it sound so dire. garmin doesn't sell anything (at least for my unit) that does what i want. and really, $300 isn't the end of the world. i spend as much in gas in a few weeks.

I normally charge the GPS, then no need for the power cord whiling driving.

As long as the voltage is correct, it will charge. Even 100mA will charge it. It just will take longer. Approximately 10 times longer than a 1A charger.

As for pin grounding, how do you account for when I plug my Blackberry USB charger directly into the side of my Nuvi and it charges, but puts the Nuvi into PC mode. If I plug the same Blackberry charger into the back of the Nuvi cradle, the Nuvi powers up automatically and shows charging on the screen. There is obviously a signal (grounding or not) that is present on non-Garmin USB chargers that is not present on the Garmin charger. And whatever that signal is, it is not transmitted to the Nuvi through the cradle connector. By the way, my PC USB cable behaves exactly the same way. Puts the Nuvi in PC mode when connected to the side connector and powers it up when connected to the cradle connector.

John,

See this web-page.

I think there's a bit more to it, than is documented there though - Pin "X" (the one most of us would call Pin 4), is also used to switch the port to RS232-C mode. This is for use with the Fleet Management interface (I wonder if the Traffic Receiver uses it as well?).

So although they describe it as 'Placing the Nüvi in charging mode', I think it should say 'Switching the Nüvi out of USB mode!'

I believe this only applies to the mini-usb connector on the side of the Nüvi. I reckon the one on the cradle is purely a power connection and not actually a usb port, in any way, shape or form.

FYI ONLY! "To Build" or "Not To Build", that is the question! (not recommending either).

Radio Shack's actual cost for parts (11/26/07) to correctly build this 'Vehicle Power Cable' (original question): Regulator, diode, 2 capacitors, fuse holder and fuse, USB cable, and Cigarette lighter plug (not including case, circuit board to mount the parts on, grommets, RF filtering capacitors, and other incidentals) is $23.75. Total estimated cost to build, $25 to $30. Ebay's value for resale, $0. Total out-of-pocket cost to build, $25 to $30

Garmin's price for the nüvi 350's 'Vehicle Power Cable' is $28. Ebay's estimated value for resale is $10. Total out-of-pocket cost to buy, $18.

And then there's still the warranty issue .....

RT

Well I never intended this to become such a hot topic! I was just letting others out there know that in a pinch you can use the usb computer cable thru the cradle port to power your unit. I rely on my unit for 10-12 hrs a day and the battery life doesn't hold up.

I wanted others to no because you can't just run down to a local electronics shop and buy a replacement. (trust me I tried). I used my daughter's IPOD 12v/5v plug to a computer usb cable.

It will charge but may not operate if the current is too low (unless, of course, Garmin has built in something to protect against "out of spec" connections, in which case it might not even charge)

Sorry to resurrect old threads, but I bought this hardwire cord and it works GREAT!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Direct-Hardwire-Power-Cable-Nuvi-Garmin-...

Over $30 for that? Man I got to start building me some of those and selling them on eBay. I could make some good cash.

PT

I agree with the dude on DYI projects if you have a few parts laying around the house ( which must us geeks do ) going to RadioShack and buying some parts your good to go for cheap.

Retired Tech your parts list shows you have no understanding of the project proposed, starting with a "Cigarette light plug" which would be completely useless in direct wire project as well as a USB cable which is assumed an xtra one is available.

I also Hate these WORRY MONGERS, that are always trying to curb Risk and Adventure.

I've already installed a homebrew direct wired plug in my Dodge Ram with no problems.

But just like everything that is fun and new RISK is involved, I wonder if Bill Gates became a BILLIONAIRE by being scared of taking a Risk?

Also we are creating a society that is dependant on Everyone to make things work for us. WE CAN DO THINGS OURSELVES DAMIT!!!!!!!

That was fun.

... I have better things to do with my time that screw around building what I can buy for less than $30. And no, I don't feel I have the expertise to do it myself. What I have trouble believing is that anyone would quibble over such a paltry sum of money. That's less than one tank of gas.

In fact, Erwin Computer (erwincomp.com) sells it for $19.95... the best prices I've seen yet for Garmin accessories. I bought my friction mount, USB cable and AC adapter from them

I guess if your hobby is messing around in the shop or garage, then go for it. Me, I have neither the time nor any desire to tinker with something that I don't need to. I'd rather be out on the golf course.

I don't think Coppercow's point is directed to people like you who would rather just buy what you need. He (and I) say more power to you. His comment is directed to the people who feel a need to tell the people who do want to goof around and make their own stuff that "you'll kill your device", "you'll burn your car down", "the sky is falling", etc.

It is like just because they do not feel comfortable doing something they need to make sure everyone else feels as uncomfortable about it as well. And if you don't, then well, they then have to tell you how it isn't going to work, won't be safe, you'll put an eye out, etc.

I agree with Coppercow. If you are not interested in doing it, then feel free to NOT do it. But please stop trying to convince those of use who both know HOW to do it and already have most of the parts to do it on the cheap, that we shouldn't or that our even discussing it is going to cause everyone else to run out and burn up their Garmins with a homebrew cord because they don't know how.

PT

Just because one person wants to hardwire it doesn't mean everyone does. It might do you some good to go back and read the original post that started this thread ... yes, that does say "the cigarette plug end".

Go ahead and build your own power supply. When the "smoke gets in your eyes", don't come back here whining "why didn't somebody warn me!".

RT

Should we move onto political discussion now?

Well, good for you!. Odds are I've designed, built, and programmed more electronic equipment then you ever thought of doing; and probably most before you were even a twinkle in your old man's eye. (If you had done a good job of reading this forum, you would have ran across a link to one). But, not knowing ones Electronic expertise and experience, would I recommend them to do the same without at least a word of warning concerning the consequences? ... not on a bet. That would be inane!

RT

I dont think so but that is my opinion

We can talk politics as related to GPSr use...There are plenty of other places to discuss general politics.

Its the owners fault for not telling me that I could injure myself or even die for doing so.

Are we all such IDIOTS that we need to tell people that they have no common sense and that everyone else is responsible for their actions???? Your kidding me RIGHT?

I would think that it would be much more courteous to assume that your audience are adults with an IQ that is above the mean by a few points considering they were able to get an account here and even come back and log in with the password they entered days ago.

EVERYONE WITH 1/2 A brain cell scurrying around knows that there are inherent risk in delving into the unknown or previously unexplored.

Here is good advice! if you try this and you fry your nuvi go out and by a cable, then call Garmin and tell them you have no idea what happened but you plugged in the device and it was fried. send them the new cable and the Nuvi. Sit back and wait for your new Nuvi to come in the mail.