Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe?

joypebble · 05-29-2008, 1:10 PM

Does anyone know if this kind of device is safe?

It's an auto charger (for my Nuvi 650) that uses the usb port.

click here

I like the cord-shortener feature. The side mount power is easier to connect and unconnect (lunch-stop security) when driving
than the bottom/back cell type port.

Thanks

GG

Max · 05-29-2008, 2:26 PM

Safe? - I haven't used that specific one, but I have used about 5 different types of USB chargers with the Nuvi 680 and none have had ill effects.

I use a Griffin Powerjolt for my ipods and things, and also have a mini-usb cable that comes along with it that I use to charge the Nuvi(s).

However....If you are looking to charge the unit - you're fine.
It likely will not keep the unit functional when the power is applied, because it will think it has been connected to a PC and will go into usb mass storage device mode.

I believe the 6xx Nuvi's handle anything on the USB side as a connection to a PC. The newer Nuvi's (200+ series specifically) actually run on a mini-usb power jack and will accept different voltage inputs/etc. via different pins of the jack (depending what type of cable is used) and it can function, or charge only based on what type is plugged in. When the device is plugged into a PC though, it cannot be used.

Am i making sense or is this more confusing?

...and another thing, rather than try some third party deal on Amazon, I would rather go into a best buy, walmart, target, etc. where they sell stuff like this, and get something like this:

Griffin Technology: PowerDuo Universal

I have a few different setups for USB charging and of them all, the Griffin is the most well put together and provides enough current for just about anything.

I know you liked the retractable cord feature. Honestly for a frequent use application such as moving and removing an automotive GPS from the dash a couple times a day, you're going to want a sturdy cable. The retractable units often fail quickly unless they're some really expensive ones.

I've used one of these in the past:
Belkin : Retractable USB 2.0 mini-B cable 5-pin - 0.8M (2.6 feet)
and it was well designed, but in the end I used cord wraps and a traditional USB cable in my travels.

Good luck

joypebble · 05-29-2008, 4:00 PM

[quote=Max;5214]... Am i making sense or is this more confusing?

/quote]

No, you're very clear. Thanks.

I suspected that the Nuvi 650 wouldn't be able to differentiate between auto power and computer power and would, therefore, just slip into charge-only mode.

Too bad.

The other usb solutions you show, with the coil cord, ends up with too much wire in the cabin.

Too bad they don't make a cell phone-type quick charge from an AA battery so when I forget to turn it off, it can be powered temporarily from that little "spare" that I use for the iPod.

Thanks again.

GG

CatFuzz · 05-30-2008, 12:42 PM

I think you can trick it into being functional with a charger connected to the side. I haven't tried but I often see my Nuvi connected there being fully functional. It does go into Mass Storage Device mode also. I'll do some experimenting.

Edit: Nope, you can only use the side connector for regular use on a computer where you can tell the computer to disconnect. Then it can stay connected while charging from the side port. No way to do that with just a usb power cable.

joypebble · 05-31-2008, 9:55 AM

OK:

I ordered and received a cheap auto power adapter with a coil cord that plugs into the Nuvi's usb port.

The unit still charges (bars increase) and navigates BUT the screen dims to a nightime level. It's readable in the relative shade of the cabin except when raw sunlight strikes on or around the unit.

So, the answer seems to be that it will do all when powered by the device I have.

I made a velcro attachable folding black hood that allows for easy screen use when this adapter is attached and the screen has dimmed.

Here's the eBay url (click here)

gg

(eBay item # 320255279098 )

Max · 06-01-2008, 3:58 PM

Hmm, glad to see it works like that

Weird that the screen dims though

. I'll have to see why that is...I haven't gotten a chance to try an actual Garmin (Nuvi 200) Charger on the Nuvi 580 yet, but I will today. I'll be interested to see if it also dims, or what it does.

05-29-2008, 1:10 PM	#1
joypebble Join Date: May 23 2008 Location: Hudson Valley Posts: 11	Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe? Does anyone know if this kind of device is safe? It's an auto charger (for my Nuvi 650) that uses the usb port. click here I like the cord-shortener feature. The side mount power is easier to connect and unconnect (lunch-stop security) when driving than the bottom/back cell type port. Thanks GG

05-29-2008, 2:26 PM	#2
Max Chicks dig waypoints. Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 1,272 Blog Entries: 5	Re: Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe? Safe? - I haven't used that specific one, but I have used about 5 different types of USB chargers with the Nuvi 680 and none have had ill effects. I use a Griffin Powerjolt for my ipods and things, and also have a mini-usb cable that comes along with it that I use to charge the Nuvi(s). However....If you are looking to charge the unit - you're fine. It likely will not keep the unit functional when the power is applied, because it will think it has been connected to a PC and will go into usb mass storage device mode. I believe the 6xx Nuvi's handle anything on the USB side as a connection to a PC. The newer Nuvi's (200+ series specifically) actually run on a mini-usb power jack and will accept different voltage inputs/etc. via different pins of the jack (depending what type of cable is used) and it can function, or charge only based on what type is plugged in. When the device is plugged into a PC though, it cannot be used. Am i making sense or is this more confusing? ...and another thing, rather than try some third party deal on Amazon, I would rather go into a best buy, walmart, target, etc. where they sell stuff like this, and get something like this: Griffin Technology: PowerDuo Universal I have a few different setups for USB charging and of them all, the Griffin is the most well put together and provides enough current for just about anything. I know you liked the retractable cord feature. Honestly for a frequent use application such as moving and removing an automotive GPS from the dash a couple times a day, you're going to want a sturdy cable. The retractable units often fail quickly unless they're some really expensive ones. I've used one of these in the past: Belkin : Retractable USB 2.0 mini-B cable 5-pin - 0.8M (2.6 feet) and it was well designed, but in the end I used cord wraps and a traditional USB cable in my travels. Good luck __________________ Nothing free is good, nothing good is free.

05-29-2008, 4:00 PM	#3
joypebble Join Date: May 23 2008 Location: Hudson Valley Posts: 11	Re: Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe? [quote=Max;5214]... Am i making sense or is this more confusing? /quote] No, you're very clear. Thanks. I suspected that the Nuvi 650 wouldn't be able to differentiate between auto power and computer power and would, therefore, just slip into charge-only mode. Too bad. The other usb solutions you show, with the coil cord, ends up with too much wire in the cabin. Too bad they don't make a cell phone-type quick charge from an AA battery so when I forget to turn it off, it can be powered temporarily from that little "spare" that I use for the iPod. Thanks again. GG

05-30-2008, 12:42 PM	#4
CatFuzz Join Date: Mar 09 2008 Location: Sitting Posts: 34	Re: Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe? I think you can trick it into being functional with a charger connected to the side. I haven't tried but I often see my Nuvi connected there being fully functional. It does go into Mass Storage Device mode also. I'll do some experimenting. Edit: Nope, you can only use the side connector for regular use on a computer where you can tell the computer to disconnect. Then it can stay connected while charging from the side port. No way to do that with just a usb power cable. Last edited by CatFuzz; 05-30-2008 at 12:58 PM.

05-31-2008, 9:55 AM	#5
joypebble Join Date: May 23 2008 Location: Hudson Valley Posts: 11	Re: Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe? OK: I ordered and received a cheap auto power adapter with a coil cord that plugs into the Nuvi's usb port. The unit still charges (bars increase) and navigates BUT the screen dims to a nightime level. It's readable in the relative shade of the cabin except when raw sunlight strikes on or around the unit. So, the answer seems to be that it will do all when powered by the device I have. I made a velcro attachable folding black hood that allows for easy screen use when this adapter is attached and the screen has dimmed. Here's the eBay url (click here) gg (eBay item # 320255279098 ) Last edited by joypebble; 06-01-2008 at 5:58 PM.

06-01-2008, 3:58 PM	#6
Max Chicks dig waypoints. Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 1,272 Blog Entries: 5	Re: Auto/USB Side Power for Nuvi...safe? Hmm, glad to see it works like that Weird that the screen dims though . I'll have to see why that is...I haven't gotten a chance to try an actual Garmin (Nuvi 200) Charger on the Nuvi 580 yet, but I will today. I'll be interested to see if it also dims, or what it does. __________________ Nothing free is good, nothing good is free.