Wire in a TomTom SatNav using a Relay

[gsxbarmy]

NOTE: This thread is also available to download as a PDF file from the Downloads (General) Section

I guess the first question is - why would you want to? Well, there is no absolute need, but by putting a relay into the circuit it stops the TomTom Sat Nav disconnecting when you stop and kill the engine (i.e. for fuel).

[VladTepes]

Not sure how this is any different to just having it wired to battery direct?

[gsxbarmy]

With wired to battery direct, it will cut the current to the charger when you switch your ignition off. With a relay in the circuit, it keeps the circuit open, so the TomTom keeps running on the bikes battery power even with the engine off.

May not affect earlier TomTom's but on the later TomTom series (i.e TomRom 400,410), they go into sleep mode when bike battery power is cut, and can take a while to come out of sleep mode. Thus keeping the bike's battery power to it whilst you are (say) filling up with petrol, stops it going into sleep mode

[Noddy]

Hi gsxbarmy. Any recommendations to source a relay and typical cost?

[gsxbarmy]

Halfords, eBay - one here for £1.99 delivered

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTOMOTIVE-12V-30-AMP-40-5-PIN-RELAY-DC-CHANGEOVER-CAR-BOOT-BIKE-MOTORCYCLES-/160703035829?hash=item256aa5b9b5:g:uHkAAOSwknJX1Rfk

[KiwiCol]

With wired to battery direct, it will cut the current to the charger when you switch your ignition off. With a relay in the circuit, it keeps the circuit open, so the TomTom keeps running on the bikes battery power even with the engine off.

May not affect earlier TomTom's but on the later TomTom series (i.e TomRom 400,410), they go into sleep mode when bike battery power is cut, and can take a while to come out of sleep mode. Thus keeping the bike's battery power to it whilst you are (say) filling up with petrol, stops it going into sleep mode

My Garmin goes to shut down when I turn off the key, (I set it that was from install) but it gives you the option every time saying shutting down (or sleep or something) in 7 sec, in 6 sec in 5 sec. unless you push cancel & it stays going (on it's own battery power)
When it does shut off (or sleep) once I start up, it goes right back to where it was previously - after tapping 'view map' I'f I'm in the middle of a run it just picks up where it left off.

[VladTepes]

Yeah my Garmin appears to work that way too, which is why I did a seperate post for Garmin wiring....

[Noddy]

Great advice but ended up taking power from the orange switched live in the headlight bowl. Keep the technical stuff coming, new front pads and calliper service next.