Chapter 2 — Building GPS Data Cables and Power Cords

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If you aren’t sure, carefully check the documentation or user manual.

Don’t assume that power cords are only useful in cars. Plenty of small 12-volt, lead-acid batteries available can be easily carried on a belt or in a backpack. You’ll look at power cords in more detail later in this chapter, while Chapter 3 covers a few in-depth power hacks.

As with the data cables, if you want to buy a power cord for your GPS, most manufacturers make such cables available. Again, they aren’t cheap, but it’s quicker than making your own. Check the user manual for details.

Combo Cables

Combo cables, as the name suggests, are cables that combine the features of the data cable and power cord into a single cable. The result is a cable with the appropriate GPS connector for your GPS unit on one end, and at the other end a cigarette lighter adapter and a connector for your PC or Pocket PC. Figure 2-4 shows a combo cable.

The main advantage of a combo cable is that you can connect your GPS to a PC or other device while at the same time powering it from an available 12-volt system with just one cable. This can be extremely useful when you are using your system for in-car navigation.

Again, if you don’t want to make a combo cable yourself, the manufacturer of your unit may have one. Check the user manual.

FIGURE 2-4: A combo cable combines data and power functions.