Keep USB Powered to keep GPS alive

**MeanGT** · 11-20-2003, 04:15 PM

Has anyone else tried this?

I plan on taking my USB cable and splitting it open, and runing the +5v and ground leads to an external regulator, in the hopes that it will keep my NAVMAN locked on position, sometimes it takes 3-4 minutes for the thing to get a lock on my location! and in my eyes, that is not acceptable.

I will let you all know if it works.

**Zensay** · 11-20-2003, 05:03 PM

Why don´t use a USB HUB with independent power suply?????, would that not work??

**MeanGT** · 11-20-2003, 06:19 PM

That might work, but the only problem is that my goal is for the GPS to stay alive without having the power inverter on. (so my car battery doesn't drain) and I think external hubs are all 120v powered.

**shakes** · 11-20-2003, 06:21 PM

usb hubs usually have a "pregnant plug" that converts to DC ... just find one that takes 12v in (or something you can convert to easily)

**fluffy2097** · 11-20-2003, 07:21 PM

My USB hub takes 5v in from a wall wart. It also runs unpowered. I think it's a belkin.

**MeanGT** · 11-23-2003, 03:14 PM

In case anyone was waiting for my results:

Well, I successfully accomplished my goal. I simply used a 12v to 5v Voltage regulator from Radio Shack, and cut and spliced into the voltage lines running into the gps unit itself.

Now even when the computer is off, the GPS unit stays on, and keeps it's Satellite Fix, so that way when I power up the computer again, my position is immediately displayed in MediaCar, rather than having to wait 5+ minutes for a fix to be established.

**fluffy2097** · 11-23-2003, 03:19 PM

Great job man.

**R3l0ad** · 11-23-2003, 03:26 PM

Good job man, I'm going to have to try that when I get my GPS

**MeanGT** · 11-23-2003, 03:41 PM

oh yeah,, try this at your own risk

.

**inniss777** · 11-23-2003, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by MeanGT

I simply used a 12v to 5v Voltage regulator from Radio Shack, and cut and spliced into the voltage lines running into the gps unit itself. Now even when the computer is off, the GPS unit stays on, and keeps it's Satellite Fix, so that way when I power up the computer again, my position is immediately displayed in MediaCar, rather than having to wait 5+ minutes for a fix to be established

.

That was a great idea. Is your GPS unit usb powered and is there a 5vdc connector right on the GPS unit itself?