Electrical charger for Ipod???

So I have been enjoying the hell out of my bike now that the weather is here.

So much so I've been going on long enough rides to desire music. Only problem is I've got an older Ipod and it doesn't hold the charge it should, so after an hour or two, the battery is toast.

So I was thinking of installing a charger to my bike to be able to charge it while riding.

I've seen the cigarette lighter adapters on some people's bikes installed to be able to charge cell phones, gps, or ipod units... how easy are they and any recommendations to which brand I should get?

Do I install it off of the battery or off a hot lead like the headlight so that it's only running when the power is on vs always on???

Thanks!
koi

 

Depends on how the adapter works. If it's like an inverter with an on/off switch, then battery would be fine.

Otherwise, like you said, I'd put in somewhere in the electrical line where the key holds the power.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Car-Moto ... ccessories

looking at something like this... read a couple write-ups on installing one and as long as my unit is unplugged it shouldn't drain the battery when it's not running... ie don't let it charge something if your not riding it...

any thoughts?

 

Looks like it would work as good as any.

However, you're basically just getting the wires with the proper plug on the end, unlike an inverter where it regulates the voltage/amps for you. I'd check to see how accommodating your accessories are to voltage, since the battery doesn't stay a flat 12v, it fluctuates depending on riding. Plus, the amperage could be different. Just a thought.

Now, headphones that stay in my ears when I put my helmet on -- that's another story. -_-

 

I thought I had some pics on photobucket of my project, but I couldn't find them...

If you don't NEED a 12V charger for anything else in the near future...

Get a 12V adapter than often has Cigarette and USB combined into one unit. Get one with a CORD that plugs into the 12V plug instead of a direct hard connection. Something like this:



What I did was cut off the part you would normally plug into the cigarette lighter. (Long enough so I could reuse for other projects if desired). I then wired it into the bike with a FUSE and a RELAY so it was only one with the bike key turned to on.

Then I hid it under my seat (well technically in my rear "tool box" area on my 750 Maxim). I have a long enough USB plug so I can charge my phone while it is still in my pocket while riding.

One note: Cutting into those types of plugs... The gorund wire was loosely wrapped around the insulated power wire. I had to get creative and twist the ground wire and tape it up so I could connect it.

The reason I did it this way was:
* I didn't have anywhere I wanted to mount the 12V plug like you showed. (Make sure you use a marine/waterproof one if you stick with that style).
* I didn't want to mount the plug into my fairing because didn't want the charging wire draped across my tank.
* I wanted to charge the phone in my pocket with a USB cord not a 12V plug adapter.
* If I ever used "heated" gear or other 12v accessories I could easily plug them in by popping on and off my seat.
* The plug I bought had 2x 12v and 2x USB ports.

I'm tearing apart the area around my adapter very soon. I can take pictures then.

 

it's just an ipod i'm looking to keep charged while riding

I bought a set of sony earbuds and haven't had a problem w/ them staying in my ear w/ the helmet on, once I get it on. but one out of 8 times it will knock them out putting the helmet on.

 

Buy helmet speakers that velcro inside the helmet. Most helmets have pockets near your ears where they fit. (This is how those helmet bluetooth kits do it).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ATV-Moto ... erchandise

 

Hey thanks for the link. Can't go wrong with that price...might try em out. My buddies and I use radios that those ear speaker would do well with, also.

 

Or, spend your money on a new i-pod, lol. Another option might be to check out that little solar power recharger doo-hicky I've seen around. Interested in how well that might work myself.

Mac

 

My last ipod was 200+ as a lil 8g just isn't enough for the amount of music I listen too.... might as well spend 300 on a helmet w/ built in mp3 if I'm going to do that ya know?

 

I bought a USB adapter and fitted a connection to plug it into my battery tender socket (C-Tek) when needed.

The socket contains the 5 volt regulator and fuse.

 

Where'd you score that?????? That is exactly what I was hoping for, I got one of those battery tender Jr's hooked up

 

So I wound up finding one through Battery Tender's website.

I do have a battery tender jr that I use to keep my battery topped off, and already had the leads installed.

Found a connector to female cigarette adapter through they're website for 9.95.
Great!
Go to place order.... 18.50 in shipping?

Are you high?

So i call them, see if they can give me a true quote vs the computer's instant quote.... True quote? 18.84. I know your high!

So I go on ebay and find the same unit for 12.95 and free shipping...

I also found an inverter unit for 3 bux w/ usb and cig ports..

Hopefully this will keep the ipod charged and the tunes blaring!

 

You should get hold of MaximX he stopped in at my place on his way to Friday the 13 in Port Dover and he has a set up to power his GPS. It was on his Bandit not his Maxim. But I think its exactly what you are looking for.

 

Moving thread to appropriate forum.