VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Electrical - 6 volt GPS hookup

I want to run my GPS on the 6 Volt car battery with a direct hookup. Typically, they are about 5 volts. Other than adding a fuse, should I need to do anything else?

I use my booster box that has a power outlet built in to run my CB and/or GPS

You might want to consider a 6v to 12v converter they are easy to find.
Al

I would use a fuse, my GPS works fine on 6 volts in my 28 and 49.

dens41, You say your GPS works fine on 6V. What brand GPS do you have?

Garman

Thanks, I tried my Garman in our '40 and it worked.

I put a 6 volt to 12 volt converter ($100) in my car because I thought I needed it to charge my GPS (Garmin) and my cell phone. I think I'll take a closer look at weather I need it or not, it tends to make a static noise when I'm at high speed (55mph).

In the past I have used a sealed 12V battery for my CB and GPS. Worked fine all day and would put it on charge at night. One battery has lasted about five years.

I've seen 6 volt to 12 volt boosters.
Is that a reliable option ?

I bought a 6-12v step up for my '38 in order to use my GPS. I read recently on another board that a 12v GPS will work just fine on 6v. I've not tried that though. I bought my step up on ebay for $60. This is the one I use. The listing says Porsche or VW but it works with any 6v negative ground system.

Thanks, Tiny. An easy hook up with instructions ?

If I can do it anyone can.

OK, LOL, thanks.

Tiny,

The thing is that if you or any other 37/38ers were using your GPS to travel for some reasonable distance, say to the next county, the place would have changed by the time you got there.

Try taking the missus along and give her a road map. Teach her how to fold it, too. Things change nowadays so fast, you're gonna be lost anyway.

Charlie

BTW: Take a picnic lunch with you. You'll get get hungry before you get there. And stop at every rest stop. They're better than the woods. Chiggers, red bugs, and all.

I use the gps in my 28 because the speedo is 10 - 15 mph slow and they have so much power I don't want speeding tickets.

I look at it this way, Tiny.
If I hook up the GPS, as directed, and its wrong, the fire dept. will find me, due to the size of the flames, and not the GPS.

I wired up a USB outlet to run off the 6V battery. I have hidden it in the glovebox for now and pull it out when needed. This allows me to use any USB charging cord in my outlet to charge my phone, GPS or passengers phone.


USB outlets are made to provide 5 volts out. The only caveat for some devices (i.e. iphone) is that the device also needs to see 1.5 volts on one other pin - so I have a couple of resistors in there to drop the voltage to that pin. I have wired it directly to my battery with a switch to prevent battery drain when the vehicle is off. You could wire after ignition, but I wanted to option of charging phone with the truck off.

If folks were interested I would be glad to draw a schematic and upload it here. Parts cost me less than $10 total.

I think that information would be good to have. If you can post it on this forum.

Why can't you use the 6v cigarette lighter source for your GPS?

Charlie

Hello Charlie,

I know this off topic, but in response to your comment about '37/'38's, I traveled to Halogen, N.J., on Memorial Day weekend in my '37 Master DeLuxe, from Massachusetts and the trip took 5 hours @ 55mph. I was assured, from relatives, that other than weather / temps that nothing had changed.

Your last long trip in your '41/'42 was when ?? :-{)

Dave,

I think you got me there. It was back in 1975. I was much more spry then.

I was only 41 or so and didn't think any amount of roas trouble would concern me. And, it didn't.

Now, I am just as adventerous but not as stupid.

Best,
Charlie

This might be what you're looking for.

http://www.lightobject.com/DC-to-DC...0V-Output-12V-125A-New-version-P474.aspx

Amazing how innovation in the solar industry benefits antique cars.

Bob,
If you don't use your 6 volt cigarette lighter, I would wire in the converter in that circuit and hide it behind the dash. That way you can plug your GPS cord right in. The lighter is a one wire circuit that uses the dash for a ground.

One more note on this....I see others are saying they've used their 12v devices like cell phones and GPS at 6 volts without problem. Knowing the current is much higher at 6 vs 12volts, I would be reluctant to just plug it in, IMHO..I would spend the money and buy a converter/adapter rather than risk damaging my phone or Garmin unit. But that's just me.

Cheers from Sunny So. Cal!!!

It is true that current for the same wattage (required power) is double for 6 volts compared to 12 volts. However, the power required is determined by the load not the wiring. The only problem is if the wire gauge is not sufficient for the current then a voltage drop will occur. In the case of a GPS, radio, cell phone battery or other electronics the power requirements are so low that there will not be a voltage drop due to high current draw on 6 volts. If you use a cigar lighter socket then the 6 volt wiring is larger gauge than for a typical 12 volt socket.

A lot of GPS and cell phones have a voltage reducer built into the charging circuit and actually operate on 6v. If you can use a multimeter fully charge the unit remove the battery and check the voltage. Some have the reducer in the plug, others have it in the unit itself though some have it between the internal battery and the load others between charging socket and battery.
Tony

Some time ago, when CBs' were the rage and every had one, I
bought a 6V to 12V converter from Radio Shack, who is now out
of business. I have it wired with a concealed toggle switch to
avoid battery drain when not in use. I wired a cigarette lighter base to it for a power source, and the converter and
lighter base are concealed under the front seat cushion until
needed. I also have a Garmin GPS, and the battery will last for 4 to 5 hours, but I just turn on the converter and plug in
for extended use. It was not expensive, and has been trouble free all these years!