+The Wildleys Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 I'm looking at eTrex accessories at GPSW.co.uk. The Garmin cigarette lighter adapter is £30; but there is a GPSW "own brand" adapter available, too. Does anybody know if there is some reason why the Garmin cable is worth the extra £10, or should I just go with the GPSW cable? From what I can tell from the images, the only difference appears to be that the GPSW cable is coiled, whilst the Garmin is a straight cable design. Thank you! Quote Link to comment
+Team Paradise Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 I'd recommend the 'eP3' cable from Lynx Cables for £12.95 inc P&P. (or the 'ePC4' or 'ePC6' if you want a coiled cable) I have no affiliation with them except for being a satisfied customer. I use them for all my GPS cabling... cheap, good quailty and excellent service. Steve If you can see the 'light at the end of the tunnel', it's usually a train coming ! Quote Link to comment
+The Wildleys Posted August 7, 2003 Author Share Posted August 7, 2003 Thirteen pounds sounds better than thirty. Thanks! Quote Link to comment
+Mr & Mrs Hedgehog Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Noooooooooooooooooooo Wish I knew about them yesterday when I ordered a cable for my new yellow etrex for £20... they have it for £13 It pays to shop around There are 10 kinds of people in this world. Those that understand binary and those that don't. Quote Link to comment
+stu_and_sarah Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 We've found that since getting 4 pairs of NiMH batteries (4 x 2000mAH and 4 x 2100mAH) and a fast charger, we haven't needed to use the cigarette lighter adapter at all. Also, I assume the only difference between the Garmin cable and the others is that if you accidentally fry your GPS using the other cable, it won't be under warranty. There's a little diddy power supply in the cable itself, so I can imagine a cheap one might not provide the correct clean power for the unit. They probably do, though. Quote Link to comment
MCL Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 any adapter that purports to service the Etrex has got to have circuitry in it for reducing the 12V power of teh car system to 3V. This is not difficult (technically) to do, and costs peanuts. There is therefore no excuse for any manufacturer to make a "bad" one. I suspect the only difference in reality is the branding. And I'm an electronics engineer. No trees were harmed during the production of this posting, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.... Quote Link to comment
+The Wildleys Posted August 8, 2003 Author Share Posted August 8, 2003 Thanks for the info, guys. There is apparently at least one third-party adapter that does not have the polarity groove, which keeps you from plugging it in backwards (so says Prime Suspect). Potentially something to watch out for... Yes! As I was typing this, I received a despatch note for my eTrex Legend from GPSW! Excited! I will (hopefully!) get to play at the weekend! Quote Link to comment
+Sue and Bernie Posted August 9, 2003 Share Posted August 9, 2003 People of Britain (and the other continental bits too)... If you need a 12v power supply for your eTrex, Geko or eMap, have a look at these people: http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=42698189 I have just received 2 from them for $26 - and that included $6 shipping. They are quick and have a high eBay recommendation - including me! It irritates me to say it but... shop USA for lower prices than Rip-off Europe. P.S: Oh yes! They are labelled eP3-20 and have the flat cable and plug (with the polarity groove). Seem to be the same units that Lynx Cable will flog you for twice the price... Sue & Bernie [This message was edited by Sue & Bernie on August 09, 2003 at 12:10 AM.] Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted August 9, 2003 Share Posted August 9, 2003 i REPLACED MY THIRD-PARTY CABLE THAT BROKE AT THE LIGHTER ONNECTOR WITH A gARMIN. fOR WHAT ITS WORTH. aLAN Quote Link to comment
+Sue and Bernie Posted August 10, 2003 Share Posted August 10, 2003 Sorry, double post but the forum will not allow messages to be deleted!...so I have deleted the text and inserted this waffle instead. Sue & Bernie Quote Link to comment
+Sue and Bernie Posted August 10, 2003 Share Posted August 10, 2003 Well Alan 2, I hope you bought it from the same people I did. You'll be able to buy one for about $10 all in! ...and you only have to pay income tax at a flat rate of 15%. Just as well we have the weather now too... Sue & Bernie Quote Link to comment
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