[C320-list] Install 'cigarette lighter' chargerat ignition switch housing

[Jon Vez]

Bill,

Just as an FYI, I've run my GPS off the hot side of the starter with no
problems. I have it fused with at a very low amp--

Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582
Boston, MA

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bill Sloane
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 3:14 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Install 'cigarette lighter' chargerat ignition
switch housing

I plan to run my GPS off this outlet. I think this is a low draw. The only
other thing I could see my self plugging into this outlet would be a hand
held search light ( as I arrive late at an unknown marina as I have been
known to do). This might draw more current than I want. I could use the
charger outlet in the galley.  To me it makes sense to use the hot side of
the nav instrument power because my GPS is a nav instrument. I can still
function pretty well with no nav instruments, but I am not in such good
shape if I blow a fuse on the hot side of my ignition switch and can not
start the motor.

Bill.
Olympia Washington
No. 554 'Endless Summer'

On Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 7:11 AM, <crashley at gte.net> wrote:

> Bruce,
>
> While I agree that adding a low rating fuse to the additional power port
> will protect the instruments from a "brown out", I wouldn't think that
> anything plugged into the engine pod should be drawing a lot of current.
The
> problem with fuses is you need to carry spares in case one blows, which is
> why I would go with the breaker alone.
>
> CRA
> Rosebud #882
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <bruceheyman at cox.net>
> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 4:40 AM
>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Install 'cigarette lighter' chargerat ignition
> switch housing
>
>
> While the circuit breaker will protect the line fro catastrophic failure
>> (fire) it will not insure that the instruments are seeing 12 volts.  It
is
>> quite possible to place a additional current load at the helm that will
not
>> trip the breaker but will cause a significant voltage drop across the
line.
>>  The result is your instruments could reset or go off line till the
voltage
>> is restored.
>> The best but not the easiest solution is a separate circuit with the
>> proper gauge line.  Failing that a the addition of a fused socket that
>> insures only low current items are plugged in should keep the instruments
>> running reliably.
>> Bruce
>> Somerset 671 SoCal
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: <crashley at gte.net>
>>
>> Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:16:53
>> To:<C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Install 'cigarette lighter' charger
>> at ignition switch housing
>>
>>
>> That's what circuit breakers are for....
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "warren updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
>> To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 2:56 PM
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Install 'cigarette lighter' charger at ignition
>> switch housing
>>
>>
>> Bill, if you do use the nav power source, you should fuse the connector
>>> with
>>> a 2 or 5A fuse and never use the connector for anything with a high
draw:
>>> fan, air pump, etc.  Having a high draw on the nav circuit will cause
the
>>> auto pilot and or instruments to reset.  The best approach is to tap the
>>> hot
>>> side of the key switch and install a breaker in the engine dash.  That,
>>> you
>>> can use for nearly any application.
>>>
>>>
>>> Warren & Pattie Updke
>>> Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
>>> Middle River, Chesapeake Bay
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> Thanks for all the advice Paul and others. It sound better to connect to
>>> the
>>> nav instruments power supply than the ignition switch. Where do I put
the
>>> in-line fuse? Inside the housing of my ignition switch?
>>>
>>> Bill Sloane
>>> C-320 No. 554 'Endless  Summer'
>>> Olympia, Washington
>>> On Sun, Jun 1, 2008 at 6:03 AM, <Vpweikel at aol.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> Bill,
>>>>
>>>> I did this several years ago for the same reason.  Not hard or
>>>> complicated.
>>>> I used a small volt meter to find the battery side of the 12  volt
>>>> supply to the nav instruments.  I can check where I made the actual
>>>> connections next time I'm at the boat and let you know.  My GPS hooked
>>>> up  direct without having to use a "cigarette" style plug, but yours
>>>> would be  basically identical.
>>>> Make sure you put an in-line fuse in the  wiring.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Paul Weikel
>>>> Second Chance
>>>> #361
>>>> Georgetown, MD
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>