GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Electrics => Topic started by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 04:22 PM

Title: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 04:22 PM
Hi All..
Have you any recommendations for a decent quality waterproof USB socket, for SatNav / Phones etc ?
Where would be best to locate it.. Handle bars for convenience or under seat for protection?

Thanks in advance..

S
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:04 PM
As far as I'm aware they are only waterproof when not in use, ie covered up. So if that's true I'd put it under the seat as I'd still want to power things if it started raining.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:21 PM
Mine came with a rubber fitting that goes over the socket, you cut a slit in it & put the cable through.  I've not bothered, I've got that wee screen & naf all rain ever gets in there, besides, they're not expensive. 
First 1 I had died on the usb side, the 'cigarette lighter side' still worked though. Changed it after a while & found the magnet & wire coil had broken away - vibration I guess.  The replacement is going fine though.
Use it to power the camera & can charge the cell phone (while it's still in my pocket - all dry) off the other outlet.

You can see the USB / 12V outlet on the right of the handle bars.

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/5-310718172602.jpeg)
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: froudy on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:42 PM
I've got the same one as KiwiCol :onya:
It comes with a rubber "Boot" to slip over your USB cable to keep it waterproof.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Waterproof-12V-GPS-Cigarette-Lighter-2-1A-Dual-USB-Socket-Charger-FT/123211439322?hash=item1caff95cda:m:myiO13_YDEG2tV8znvwyOHw
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:44 PM
Yep, that's exactly the one.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:46 PM
Thanks to all for the replies so far..
KiwiCol you like your gadgets !

I just need to power a TomTom
I decided to use my car one in a waterproof case rather than pay the inflated prices of bike specific SatNavs.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Notty on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:57 PM
Just be aware Simon that these will draw current all the time same as an alarm and I know u don't use a trickle charger !  :)
@Speedy1959
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 05:57 PM
Now that depends on if it's wired to a switched feed or not.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Notty on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 06:02 PM
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 31 July  2018, 05:57 PM
Now that depends on if it's wired to a switched feed or not.
Very true but mine is live so I can charge things when away from the bike  :)
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 06:11 PM
I used to have mine as live all the time & the GPS & Radar Detector switched through a relay.  Now I have them all switched through a relay, (it's messy under the tank!)
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 06:14 PM
I used the park light feed in the headlight as the switch for the relay, this way, if I wished, I could still power any of these devices with the key out & bike locked.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 06:15 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July  2018, 06:14 PM
I used the park light feed in the headlight as the switch for the relay, this way, if I wished, I could still power any of these devices with the key out & bike locked.

I like that idea
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 06:26 PM
I just carefully removed the insulation for about ½ an inch & soldered the feed wire on & ran it back to the relay. Sealed up the solder joint with insulation tape, because, as I didn't cut the wire, I couldn't get heatshrink onto the join. Will be fine.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 06:52 PM
I won't do it as I'm used to mine being perm live, but it's a neat idea for anyone thinking of it.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 07:12 PM
I like mine shutting down when I switch off, it'll keep going on it's internal battery if I push cnx or something, but I let it shut down. It picks up where it left off when I start again though.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 07:23 PM
seached all this stuff this time last year. i wanted a voltmeter as well. checked out local really good brands, $50 to $100. searched e bay, one i got was 11 bucks. wired to horn input. has worked perfectly. cant see any way of making any of them waterproof if something plugged in. it seems same quality of narva etc. if it stuffs up, just 11 bucks. voltmeter is perfectly accurate measuring with fluke meter. aus. e bay number 323343217265
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 07:42 PM
Kiwi Col, lots of gadgets on yours. your grips, buy some pussy grips, youll be amazed. have a search or ill post link.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Sweaty on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 08:03 PM
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 31 July  2018, 07:42 PM
Kiwi Col, lots of gadgets on yours. your grips, buy some pussy grips, youll be amazed. have a search or ill post link.

Spot on Grog, feel so much better.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Sweaty on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 08:23 PM
https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/Pussy-Grips-Handlebar-Hand-Grip-Covers-Fits-all-Motorcycles-Scooters-Quads-/182438491029
Great for reducing vibration as well.
Can probably get them cheaper than the above quick link I found. Think I paid $10 from mca for mine.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 02:52 AM
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 31 July  2018, 07:42 PM
Kiwi Col, lots of gadgets on yours. your grips, buy some pussy grips, youll be amazed. have a search or ill post link.
That's an old pic of the black, same setup on the Blue, but there's the brakeaway cruise control fitted now as well.  Those pussy grips look good, I'll have a look for some tonight.  Thx.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 03:29 AM
Had a search on Ebay for pussy grips, you may or may not be surprised at the results!  :jack: :rofl2:  There were 2 relevant entries though, both from Aussie, cost landed is about $30nzd.  I'll do a better search after work
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Notty on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 06:25 AM
The results of the search I got they cud be gaping, squirting or stretched ... :bugga:
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Irish in Oz on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 06:30 AM
Pussy's the whole lot of you's.
I have the grips on my XJ900 but find them too soft.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Sweaty on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 08:14 AM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 06:30 AM
Pussy's the whole lot of you's.
I have the grips on my XJ900 but find them too soft.

So it's official then, Jeff hates Pussy  :happy1:
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Sweaty on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 08:21 AM
Search motorcycle foam grips & get them with free delivery for $4 if your not in a rush, or $14 for the same thing from the Aus stock.
Can't hurt to try at $4.

https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/Motorbike-Motorcycle-Slip-on-Foam-Anti-Vibration-Comfort-Handlebar-Grip-Cover/302758833374?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20180306143916%26meid%3Dbde3835a92634b9c93b7e9ac22dbffc3%26pid%3D100935%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D153088539265%26itm%3D302758833374&_trksid=p2056116.c100935.m2460
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 10:10 AM
Quote from: Sweaty on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 08:14 AM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 06:30 AM
Pussy's the whole lot of you's.
I have the grips on my XJ900 but find them too soft.

So it's official then, Jeff hates Pussy  :happy1:
Well, . . . what does he like then?   :whatever: :happy1:
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Sweaty on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 10:23 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 10:10 AM
Quote from: Sweaty on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 08:14 AM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 06:30 AM
Pussy's the whole lot of you's.
I have the grips on my XJ900 but find them too soft.

So it's official then, Jeff hates Pussy  :happy1:
Well, . . . what does he like then?   :whatever: :happy1:

I hate to think, but will let him answer that  :grin:
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Kiwifruit on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 10:38 AM
Interesting you find the grips too soft Jeff.l need to build up the grip size on my bike as l find hands go numb or get cramp.
Same problem windsurfing, thought my hands were getting too cold so got some dive gloves. Could not use them just way to soft.
Built up my bike grips with tennis racquet grips. Works a treat.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 05:30 PM
Quote from: Sweaty on Tuesday, 31 July  2018, 08:03 PM
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 31 July  2018, 07:42 PM
Kiwi Col, lots of gadgets on yours. your grips, buy some pussy grips, youll be amazed. have a search or ill post link.

Spot on Grog, feel so much better.

Pussy Grips acquired, 3 sets for about $20nzd.  Thx for the link Sweaty.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Mick_J on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 07:39 PM
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 10:38 AM
Interesting you find the grips too soft Jeff.l need to build up the grip size on my bike as l find hands go numb or get cramp.
Same problem windsurfing, thought my hands were getting too cold so got some dive gloves. Could not use them just way to soft.
Built up my bike grips with tennis racquet grips. Works a treat.

I use cricket bat grips, cut it in half does the bike, works great.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: gsxbarmy on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 07:47 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 03:29 AM
Had a search on Ebay for pussy grips, you may or may not be surprised at the results!  :jack: :rofl2:  There were 2 relevant entries though, both from Aussie, cost landed is about $30nzd.  I'll do a better search after work

These are the best grips you can get, work with heated or non-heated grips and are absolutely superb. Have a set fitted to my Explorer

https://shop.originalbeemerbuddies.com/main.sc

Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 08:45 PM
maybe the best Barmy, no idea. i find pussy grips as good as you can get. cant see any improvement possible on others. imo. been on 4 yrs, wouldnt change.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: gsxbarmy on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 08:49 PM
Quote from: grog on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 08:45 PM
maybe the best Barmy, no idea. i find pussy grips as good as you can get. cant see any improvement possible on others. imo. been on 4 yrs, wouldnt change.

Don't deny they are good - in the UK they call them Grip Puppies and I had a set on my 14 - did great for helping with vibration through the bars. Had them originally on my Explorer and whilst they kind of worked with the heated grips, they did rather suck up the heat before getting through to the gloves etc. Plus after 4k miles they were a bit worn out (and I found they absorbed water). None too good for a UK climate Adventure bike!

Hence why I looked at for something a bit better that would last a bit longer in UK climes. But I take nothing away from Grip Puppies, for the money they are very good and excellent value
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: grog on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 09:08 PM
Thanks Barmy, will keep them in mind. Scotchgard stopped the water. They do get a bit slippery, throttle rocker always on so no concern. Throttle was a pain with same on Ducati, those bloody Dellortos very hard to open up.
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Notty on Thursday, 13 September 2018, 08:06 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 07:47 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 01 August  2018, 03:29 AM
Had a search on Ebay for pussy grips, you may or may not be surprised at the results!  :jack: :rofl2:  There were 2 relevant entries though, both from Aussie, cost landed is about $30nzd.  I'll do a better search after work
These are the best grips you can get, work with heated or non-heated grips and are absolutely superb. Have a set fitted to my Explorer

https://shop.originalbeemerbuddies.com/main.sc
They sell smartskin grips for the bandit - are they same size bar as the 14?  :)
Title: Re: Waterproof USB socket ?
Post by: Hooli on Thursday, 13 September 2018, 09:23 PM
Yes.


As a general rule all jap bikes are 7/8" bars and HDs are 1".