TheGuv

I'm interested in having my USB GPS connected to a 5v supply constantly so there's no time-to-first-fix periods... Anyone done this? Would a powered hub work?

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Crinos

How much do the GPS unit consume... You might risk draining the car's battery to below cranking level (something that demands quite a lot from the battery).

A powered hub do not draw all that much, but combined with the GPS, and all other accesories in the car.. it might be enough.

Normaly the GPS units only have a few seconds to get a good fix, so I realy don't see a problem on waiting... Unless you are in the need of "throw your selves in the car, crank it, and instantly have a route to your destination" type of setup

TheGuv

That generally is the case lol...

I don't think it'd draw enough to cause concern tbh, it'll be less than what a normal headunit would draw for the flashing LED and settings memory I'm sure.

Also being a Ford, after a couple of hours the car automatically cuts all power to non-critical components anyway. But I often find myself jumping in the car or van in a rush only to have to wait for TomTom to find a bunch of sats! And being in London with a ton of 'noise' and bouncing signals it takes ages sometimes!

millsy

I leave my holux unit on all the time connected by usb to the computer and leave the battery in,so when the computer is off it runs on its own battery,which will last a couple of days or more,when computer is on it charges holux battery,always ready to go,takes no power when computer is off.

TheGuv

The Holux has it's own battery or you're carpc is based on a laptop? What's the model number of that gps unit?

millsy

holux 236, it is in the console with the computer,i use external aerial,it is turned on all the time,so is always ready,doesnt need start up time to get a fix

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