Gents,
As many of you are, I'm looking at or, thinking about, a GPS unit for the AT. I have red many, many posts/threads about using phones and dedicated GPS units and, it's definitely mind boggling/bending on what's out there, what works or doesn't work, and what's compatible, what it will accomplish and all that. But, also like many of you, I'd like to power whatever I buy, by the bikes 12V system. And, as we all know, at least the '18 AT/AS units come with a power socket, at or very close to the top of the left fork tube, just inside the fairing.
But, in its infinite wisdom, HONDA, in the owners manual, does not say whether or not, the power socket is switched power or not. At least I haven't found where it says or not. So, I just buzzed out to the garage where the AT is presently resting from a morning ride and, stuck a male 12V charge cord for one of my HAM radios in it. That male plug has an indicator LED on it that lights up when power is present at the female plug.
When I stuck it in, no LED light. But, turn the ignition switch on and, ZAP, Houston, we have POWER!!! Now, when I cruised through the owners manual, and found that section on that power plug, page 81, it explains all about that plug and, it's limitations etc. And speaking of limitations, in the little bullet section, the number 2 bullet states:
Set the headlight on low beam while the socket is in use. The battery may run down or cause damage to the socket
Are you kidding me?????????????? I can't even run the HIGH BEAM when that power socket is in use? What kind of charging system does the A/T have, one for a mini-bike? Oh yeah, I remember, mini bikes don't have any charging system.
So, what say you folks that have extensive experience with aftermarket electrical demands on your AT's? I'm thinking of purchasing the Garmin Zumo XT and, I have no idea what kind of demand that unit places on any 12V system. I know it's a battery operated tool but, it will need charging now and then. And, if I'm running at night, and need both the high beams AND the Garmin, what am I supposed to do, reach down and shut off the Garmin when I need hi beam?
Scott
As many of you are, I'm looking at or, thinking about, a GPS unit for the AT. I have red many, many posts/threads about using phones and dedicated GPS units and, it's definitely mind boggling/bending on what's out there, what works or doesn't work, and what's compatible, what it will accomplish and all that. But, also like many of you, I'd like to power whatever I buy, by the bikes 12V system. And, as we all know, at least the '18 AT/AS units come with a power socket, at or very close to the top of the left fork tube, just inside the fairing.
But, in its infinite wisdom, HONDA, in the owners manual, does not say whether or not, the power socket is switched power or not. At least I haven't found where it says or not. So, I just buzzed out to the garage where the AT is presently resting from a morning ride and, stuck a male 12V charge cord for one of my HAM radios in it. That male plug has an indicator LED on it that lights up when power is present at the female plug.
When I stuck it in, no LED light. But, turn the ignition switch on and, ZAP, Houston, we have POWER!!! Now, when I cruised through the owners manual, and found that section on that power plug, page 81, it explains all about that plug and, it's limitations etc. And speaking of limitations, in the little bullet section, the number 2 bullet states:
Set the headlight on low beam while the socket is in use. The battery may run down or cause damage to the socket
Are you kidding me?????????????? I can't even run the HIGH BEAM when that power socket is in use? What kind of charging system does the A/T have, one for a mini-bike? Oh yeah, I remember, mini bikes don't have any charging system.
So, what say you folks that have extensive experience with aftermarket electrical demands on your AT's? I'm thinking of purchasing the Garmin Zumo XT and, I have no idea what kind of demand that unit places on any 12V system. I know it's a battery operated tool but, it will need charging now and then. And, if I'm running at night, and need both the high beams AND the Garmin, what am I supposed to do, reach down and shut off the Garmin when I need hi beam?
Scott