AC to DC Car Charger Socket Adapter

[+geomapper]

Does anyone have any experience using an AC to DC Car Charger Socket Adapter to power their GPS with a car accessory power cable? I'm thinking of using my car cable with the above mentioned adapter to record a track log of an upcoming cruise, rather than relying entirely on the batteries. Also, any recommendations of a specific model? Is there any risk of frying my GPS (a Garmin 60csx)?

Thanks in advance. geomapper

Edited June 13, 2008 by geomapper

[+fratermus]

At least one of us is confused, and it just might be me.

 

Either you mean a vehicle power cable (no AC involved anywhere in that setup) or something truly weird like

12vdc --> AC inverter --> 5vdc wall wart --> gps.

[+rsarich]

I think he means a 110v AC to 12v DC converter to plug the Garmin vehicle power cable into. It will work, other than the converter frying and supplying high voltage to the GPS there should be no risk involved. I imagine there are fuses in both the converter and the power cable to prevent damage even if that happens. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

[+fratermus]

If the OP was in fact talking about a 12vdc power supply, many of them are regulated and provide stable output. Most of the good ones are not small, though.

 

I use one to run my 12v peak chargers.

[donc30]

I have a Garmin cable that powers my Nuvi from a wall socket directly and it was $12 or so. It has the adapters for sockets in other countries. Of course it charges while powering and the unit is usable while connected, not like the USB cable.

[roybassist]

I haven't tried it, but this seems to be what you're looking for. There are some customer reviews you can read.

[+geomapper]

I haven't tried it, but this seems to be what you're looking for. There are some customer reviews you can read.

 

I should have been more clear. Roybassist' link is what I am thinking of using.

[+Prime Suspect]

You can get a 120v/240v to USB 5v converter for literally a few pennies on Amazon. That all you need. Although it's listed for PDAs, it will work for any USB-powered device.

 

Buy 10 and sell the rest to pay for shipping.

Edited June 13, 2008 by Prime Suspect

[+jtomason]

You should have no problem using this as long as it is rated for more current than the GPS uses. I think you'd have a hard time finding one that does NOT work.