Power Supply To Sat Nav

[billynibbles]

I've found that my Road Angel 6000 works best suckered to the driver's side quarterlight - in fact it won't work at all in the centre of the screen without an external antenna. However, I'm not concerned about the pros and cons of 'metallised screens' as I actually prefer it positioned to my right, and it doesn't create a blind spot. In fact, through the side window it can still pick up 8 to 10 satellites without an external antenna.

 

The only snag is that it's a long way from the console-mounted cigar-lighter/12v socket to the satnav for the adapter cable, and it looks naff trailing cable over the top of the steering column. You also have to allow enough slack for the door to open without ripping the plug out, which means checking that the cable hasn't become trapped.

 

I've an idea for a much more discrete installation, part of which is to install a further cigar lighter socket in the little lower cubby hole by the driver's right knee. This would then give me the option of routing the 12v cable, possibly out through the retracting coin-drawer next to the door, where it could be hidden when not wanted.

 

My question is this (at last, I hear you cry) - where would be a good place to tap a 12v feed without half dismantling the dashboard?

[wozza]

Could probably get one from the headunit. Or the ignition.

 

Another option could be to hardwire the satnav power cable and then run it up and out of the top of the dash by the A pillar. Could probably get it so it could be quite well hidden

[BigJohnD]

I've an idea for a much more discrete installation, part of which is to install a further cigar lighter socket in the little lower cubby hole by the driver's right knee. This would then give me the option of routing the 12v cable, possibly out through the retracting coin-drawer next to the door, where it could be hidden when not wanted.

 

My question is this (at last, I hear you cry) - where would be a good place to tap a 12v feed without half dismantling the dashboard?

You mean like this?

 

 

I too have my (Mio) satnav on the driver's quarter-light and agree with everything you say.

 

However, the project is not yet finished (too cold and not enough daylight) as I still have to run the fused wire through the bulkhead to the terminal box by the battery. (Can't find the photo!)

[billynibbles]

You mean like this?

 

 

I too have my (Mio) satnav on the driver's quarter-light and agree with everything you say.

 

However, the project is not yet finished (too cold and not enough daylight) as I still have to run the fused wire through the bulkhead to the terminal box by the battery. (Can't find the photo!)

 

You read my mind Big John - you've even positioned the socket exactly where I was thinking of! The quarter light idea is growing on me too, now that I've realised it's a good idea to wipe off the sucker marks to deter thieves. It's a damned sight easier to do on the quarter light than it is half a mile away on the centre of the windscreen.

 

Incidentally, where did you get your panel-mounted power socket?

[citroeneddie]

You read my mind Big John - you've even positioned the socket exactly where I was thinking of! The quarter light idea is growing on me too, now that I've realised it's a good idea to wipe off the sucker marks to deter thieves. It's a damned sight easier to do on the quarter light than it is half a mile away on the centre of the windscreen.

 

Incidentally, where did you get your panel-mounted power socket?

 

I would be tempted to get a GPS Extension for Lighter cable socket from Maplins for £4.99 and hide cables under the dash and the centre console to socket. Thats what I am going to do when I get my C4 in April.

[BigJohnD]

The source of the 12v sockets is:

 

Car Builder Solutions

Redlands,

Lindridge Lane,

Staplehurst,

Kent TN12 0JJ

Tel: 01580 891309

Fax: 01580 893733

 

You need to phone or fax your order; there's no online facility. They're very helpful.

Here's a link to their 12v Power Socket, which are £6.00 plus P&P and VAT: Click here.

They arrived very quickly by 1st class Royal Mail.

 

You also need 27mm hole cutter.

Other owners who were reluctant to cut holes in the dash suggested using the blank sockets next to the ESP switch. This is not possible because the hole is square and on removal, you'll see all the wiring is in place behind even though the switch and facility is absent.

 

I would be tempted to get a GPS Extension for Lighter cable socket from Maplins for £4.99 and hide cables under the dash and the centre console to socket. Thats what I am going to do when I get my C4 in April.

That's what I initially hoped to do, but decided it against it. It required too much dismantling of the centre console to access the (complex) wiring for an additional hidden live feed for such cabling though it may be easier if the CD Changer is installed. The alternative of a multi-socket sticking out of the centre console and cables was too untidy, even if the cable was routed through the dash - which is not easy, requiring several panels to be removed and very restricted access.

I photographed my attempts - click here

 

I also tried to fit a 12v socket in the boot for my fridge, but I couldn't find a suitable location. If anyone has done it, I'd appreciate details.

[billynibbles]

The source of the 12v sockets is:

 

Car Builder Solutions

Redlands,

Lindridge Lane,

Staplehurst,

Kent TN12 0JJ

Tel: 01580 891309

Fax: 01580 893733

 

You need to phone or fax your order; there's no online facility. They're very helpful.

Here's a link to their 12v Power Socket, which are £6.00 plus P&P and VAT: Click here.

They arrived very quickly by 1st class Royal Mail.

 

You also need 27mm hole cutter.

Other owners who were reluctant to cut holes in the dash suggested using the blank sockets next to the ESP switch. This is not possible because the hole is square and on removal, you'll see all the wiring is in place behind even though the switch and facility is absent.

That's what I initially hoped to do, but decided it against it. It required too much dismantling of the centre console to access the (complex) wiring for an additional hidden live feed for such cabling though it may be easier if the CD Changer is installed. The alternative of a multi-socket sticking out of the centre console and cables was too untidy, even if the cable was routed through the dash - which is not easy, requiring several panels to be removed and very restricted access.

I photographed my attempts - click here

 

I also tried to fit a 12v socket in the boot for my fridge, but I couldn't find a suitable location. If anyone has done it, I'd appreciate details.

 

Many thanks. I wondered about those switch blanks by the ESP, but then remembered that my car has all positions in use, what with the lane warning system etc.

 

I think I'll go with your plan to try to find a route to the fuse box. As for the wires to the satnav itself, I think I'll 'disappear them' through the other side of the cubby hole and get them to reappear through the coin drawer where they can be hidden when not in use.

[BigJohnD]

You should be able to unscrew and/or pull off most the dash panels on the right of and below steering wheel so can hide the cable behind them easily.