Hot Wiring my GPS

The Gonz · **October 07, 2013, 02:09:08**

My GPS unit is the Mio Moov A430 featuring a miniUSB socket.

The power switch is a linear 4-contact slide switch with 3.64V (on battery) registering on one of the pins and that voltage then appearing on the adjacent pin when turned on. I'm considering soldering a jumper from the Vcc pin on the miniUSB to the pin that gains the 3.64V. This will give me auto-on with accessory feed without having to stress the mounting arrangement and overwork the tiny switch, while preserving normal operation on battery when disconnected from the car.

Any comment from the informed gallery?

Phil №❶ · **Reply #1: October 07, 2013, 02:18:23**

I don't know what the "informed" gallery are saying, but my Nuvi turns on & off without any physical switching, if the usb is connected.

The Gonz · **Reply #2: October 07, 2013, 02:25:31**

I aspire to your situation, Phil.

rustynutz · **Reply #3: October 07, 2013, 02:31:41**

Quote from: Phil №❶ on October 07, 2013, 02:18:23

I don't know what the "informed" gallery are saying, but my Nuvi turns on & off without any physical switching, if the usb is connected.

The Gonz · **Reply #4: October 07, 2013, 02:45:30**

I feel a little deflated. The switching is more logic than it is power. Shorting the two switch contacts does not turn on the GPS, so there's more at play. I don't suppose there's a good schematic out there for the Mio Moov A430 by any chance?

rustynutz · **Reply #5: October 07, 2013, 02:46:56**

It must be time for an upgrade, go buy yourself a Garmin....

The Gonz · **Reply #6: October 07, 2013, 02:47:52**

And admit defeat?

rustynutz · **Reply #7: October 07, 2013, 03:26:55**

It's just a strategic withdrawal.....

Surferdude · **Reply #8: October 07, 2013, 04:01:08**

Quote from: Phil №❶ on October 07, 2013, 02:18:23

I don't know what the "informed" gallery are saying, but my Nuvi turns on & off without any physical switching, if the usb is connected.

So does my Tomtom

The Gonz · **Reply #9: October 07, 2013, 04:39:22**

Well, if I do make a move for a new one, it will be for auto-on with accessory feed and free lifetime updates, all for as low a cost as possible.

Surferdude · **Reply #10: October 07, 2013, 06:35:31**

Quote from: The Gonz on October 07, 2013, 04:39:22

Well, if I do make a move for a new one, it will be for auto-on with accessory feed and free lifetime updates, all for as low a cost as possible.

Go on.
You know you want to.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #11: October 07, 2013, 06:54:57**

"Fernando has served in the RAAF since 1983 in the Avionics, Technical Airworthiness and Electronic Warfare fields, holding a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering Honours degree and Master of Science in Electronic Warfare."

And still turns on his GPS manually when driving a car.

Hope you don't mind Gonz, couldn't resist.

Surferdude · **Reply #12: October 07, 2013, 07:09:25**

Quote from: Phil №❶ on October 07, 2013, 06:54:57

"Fernando has served in the RAAF since 1983 in the Avionics, Technical Airworthiness and Electronic Warfare fields, holding a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering Honours degree and Master of Science in Electronic Warfare."

And still turns on his GPS manually when driving a car.

Hope you don't mind Gonz, couldn't resist.

That almost cost me a mouthful of tea.

The Gonz · **Reply #13: October 07, 2013, 07:24:54**

Zoom · **Reply #14: October 07, 2013, 10:08:20**

I have the Moov too Gonz, (although its kinda obsolete for me now). My concern (without looking directly at the circuit) will be that; When you turn the moov switch on, it powers from the battery side of the circuit, which will have voltage protection. If you adjoin a voltage rail to the switch side from an external source, you will forfeit the power protection built into the unit. RISKY

ZOOM

The Gonz · **Reply #15: October 07, 2013, 10:12:19**

I appreciate the thought, Zoom. Unless I'm confident I know what all the switch contacts are really doing, I'm not making a Moov (

). To make it really safe, I'd have to do everything the switch is doing through a relay and that's becoming more trouble than it's worth.

Zoom · **Reply #16: October 07, 2013, 10:21:45**

Yes, best to use the moov voltage and go through a voltage free contact via a relay. just not worth the risk. sorry i couldnt be more helpful.

The Gonz · **Reply #17: December 13, 2014, 03:34:13**

Srill soldiering (?) on with the Moov but might just spot a good deal today when we go shopping. In the meantime, I've put pliers to wire and tweaked the Moov's viewing angle to hide better from direct sunlight and heat.

Let's see what Santa brings, anyway, ahead of my solo drive to Melbourne next month.

Dazzler · **Reply #18: December 13, 2014, 03:47:54**

The Gonz · **Reply #19: December 13, 2014, 06:47:04**

Anyone have comment to make about this?

Garmin Nuvi 42LM GPS Navigator - GPS Navigators - GPS - Phones, Accessories & GPS | Harvey Norman Australia

Phil №❶ · **Reply #20: December 13, 2014, 07:03:50**

Looks like a simple machine for the price.

No mention of Bluetooth for you phone or live traffic updates, but if you don't need it why pay for it. Hopefully it has safety camera alarms, as they are on the increase in Oz.

Free map updates always a bonus. My Garmin updates are easy and simple to do too.

The Gonz · **Reply #21: December 13, 2014, 07:11:58**

I still don't use a mobile phone and a review specifically mentioned it goes off with the ignition.

tla · **Reply #22: December 13, 2014, 07:46:53**

This is the GPS I have in my car.

Yes, it turns on/off with the ignition (accessory), and it does have safety camera proximity alarms.
Boot time is around 10 seconds, and it locks onto satellites quite well. Map updates require Windows software.

The only negative is the 10 second boot time. I believe some of the more expensive models have an instant-resume feature.

The Gonz · **Reply #23: December 13, 2014, 08:45:53**

Thanks, TLA. It's now between it ($98) and the Move30 ($68) because Navman are running a special offer of free lifetime maps as well. I just need an answer soon from them about whether it powers off with the ACC feed as well.

GPS Promotions, FREE Map Updates | Navman GPS Australia

CraigB · **Reply #24: December 13, 2014, 09:15:08**

If you don't mind a refurbished unit with lifetime maps and traffic ( still comes with full warranty )

Navman MY350LMT 5? REFURB GPS Unit - CatchOfTheDay - Amazing Brands, Crazy Prices!

I've bought several items from catch of the day and they're a reliable Aussie company

tla · **Reply #25: December 31, 2014, 05:43:57**

Quote from: The Gonz on December 13, 2014, 08:45:53

Thanks, TLA. It's now between it ($98) and the Move30 ($68) because Navman are running a special offer of free lifetime maps as well. I just need an answer soon from them about whether it powers off with the ACC feed as well.

GPS Promotions, FREE Map Updates | Navman GPS Australia

If you haven't purchased a new GPS already, I noticed the Garmin 55LM on special for $88

Garmin 010-01198-41 Nuvi 55LM 5" GPS at The Good Guys

Dazzler · **Reply #26: December 31, 2014, 06:21:24**

Nice find tla ...

The Gonz · **Reply #27: January 14, 2015, 10:46:34**

Introducing the new Gonz Positioning System: Navman EZY255LMT

$115 via a special Defence arrangement, $169 pricetag still on the box.

Dazzler · **Reply #28: January 14, 2015, 10:50:23**

Well done Gonz... Do you reckon that thing can find the airport on Sunday?

Did I give you the flight number and time? I forget!

The Gonz · **Reply #29: January 14, 2015, 22:25:34**

You kidding? I can find the airport in my sleep (often have), pretty much my second home. I have the details.