[dicko]

I notice that the fuse-box has two spare, non-switched slots. If I want to add a 12v outlet to charge a phone, or for heated hand-grips, do I connect to one of these somehow? There is a spare insulated wire hanging behind the fuse-box. Does this wire belong to one of the spare fused slots?

[Stuart Ostroff]

You have a few options for aux power outlets.

I purchased the 12V outlet 'kit' for this machine, which is probably the cheapest accessory they offer. It is a standard cigarette-outlet style which is mounted in the trunk (OK for charging something but not much else). This uses a connector already in the harness system but only is powered when the machine is running.

I installed two separate Powerlet (BMW-style) outlets on the Spyder - one up near the handlebars to power my GPS and a second down by my left foot. (see photo attached) Both are wired directly to the battery via in-line fuses, so they are powered all the time. I want my GPS to stay on when I stop so I can preview maps, and also to track "stopped time" for overall averages, etc. The outlet by my foot is for my heated gear, AND to plug in a battery tender.

Stuart

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[dicko]

All I did on my XV1600 was to run a line direct from the battery with an in-line fuse. I used a power outlet intended for a boat as they are recommended for harsh conditions (eg handlebars on motorbike). Will probably do same on Spyder.

This post has been edited by dicko: 05 May 2008 - 08:59 PM

[Danimal]

What do you guys think of these?

http://www.manicsala...d_connector.htm

I kind of like the look... and the install is a breeze!

The one on the left is standard SAE... like your battery tender......

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This post has been edited by Danimal: 05 May 2008 - 09:30 PM

[pphantom538]

Danimal, on May 5 2008, 10:29 PM, said:

What do you guys think of these?

http://www.manicsala...d_connector.htm

I kind of like the look... and the install is a breeze!

The one on the left is standard SAE... like your battery tender......

great find. I like it. What's the consensus, SAE or BMW?

[Danimal]

SAE - for various reasons.

You can't plug it in wrong.
It's a tighter fit.
It's more weather-proof.
It's compatable with tons of stuff.

[pphantom538]

Danimal, on May 6 2008, 09:52 AM, said:

SAE - for various reasons.

You can't plug it in wrong.
It's a tighter fit.
It's more weather-proof.
It's compatable with tons of stuff.

Thanks

[hevnbound]

Danimal, on May 6 2008, 09:52 AM, said:

SAE - for various reasons.

You can't plug it in wrong.
It's a tighter fit.
It's more weather-proof.
It's compatable with tons of stuff.

Gotta disagree!! BMW is the way to go.

You can't plug it in wrong
It's a tighter fit but not so tight that it is a chore to pull apart.
You can plug into it on the fly.
Weather-proofing is good with spring loaded caps so when it's not in use, water (rain) won't get into it.
It's compatable with tons of stuff with a simple conversion; BMW to Cigar style male connector (I have one converter that I use with cell phone chargers, J&M Integratr, MP3 charger, FMSR Radio charger, etc. etc.
Can easily be mounted in various places flush with the surface
Most of the heated gear manufacturers that have been using the SAE for years are getting away from this outdated hook-up system.

This post has been edited by hevnbound: 06 May 2008 - 08:08 PM

[Danimal]

Hmmm.. interesting. The site I posted above said you can plug them in wrong... at least that was the way I read it.

I like the simplicity of the BMW... but was under the impression that was an 'older' style of connector.

I would get other opinions from riders with more experience than I have on the road..... perhaps hevn is correct on this one - I have a feeling that Scotty would agree.... ;-)

Speaking of which.... I thought he was just joking when he said he was leaving this forum the other day????

I hope he didn't really leave for good!

[pphantom538]

Danimal, on May 6 2008, 09:33 PM, said:

Hmmm.. interesting. The site I posted above said you can plug them in wrong... at least that was the way I read it.

I like the simplicity of the BMW... but was under the impression that was an 'older' style of connector.

I would get other opinions from riders with more experience than I have on the road..... perhaps hevn is correct on this one - I have a feeling that Scotty would agree.... ;-)

Speaking of which.... I thought he was just joking when he said he was leaving this forum the other day????

I hope he didn't really leave for good!

Thanks. I agree Scotty's insight would be useful. I hope he hasn't left.

[Danimal]

I'll email him or give him a call on the phone and see what's up....

[Danimal]

Here is some info from the site with the zip-on plugs comparing the SAE to the BMW/ 12mm style:

Q. What is an SAE connector?

A. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) connector standard is a family of all-weather low-voltage, medium current connectors. It is defined by a standard contact form, spacing, and arrangement, and in certain motor vehicle applications, the purpose of each conductor is also specified. For our purposes, suffice it to say that on the side of the connection that produces the power (battery side), the rubber-shrouded female conductor is the hot wire, going to the + terminal. The most common place for an SAE connector in the life of the average person, is the connection used to plug in a trailer towed behind a vehicle, so the lights on the trailer work in sync with the lights on the car. In motorcycling, the two-conductor version has been adopted by many companies as the standard power connector for 12V systems. Among the companies supplying SAE power connections on their products are: Aerostich, Battery Tender, CyclePump, and older Gerbing equipment.

Q. What are the advantages of the SAE connector?

A. Three principal advantages: They fit tight and don't pull out accidentally. They are small. They are polarized, so you can use them easily with electronic equipment.

Q. What are the disadvantages of the SAE connector?

A. They are hard to grip with gloves. They can require a hard pull to connect and disconnect.

Q. What is the 12mm connector you mention?

A. 12mm refers to the spacing between the conductors. This connector style was designed as an antenna connector, in Germany. However, the contact area is sufficient to carry a great deal of current. Between that and ready availability, I suppose we can understand why Widder decided to use it as their connection for electric clothing. For a time, Widder made gear for Harley-Davidson, so until recently Harley electric clothing used this connector. BMW uses it as well, for some of their gear. From my limited experience, it appears Widder has standardized on the female connector as the battery side, and as you look down at the screw terminals with the sockets pointed ahead, the hot wire is to the right.

Q. What are the advantages of the 12mm connector?

A. Easy, smooth feel. Easy to plug in and unplug. Highly serviceable, with screw-down wire attachment. You need a jeweller's slotted screwdriver.

Q. What are the disadvantages of the 12mm connector?

A. Nonpolarized. That means that the plug can go in backwards, which generally won't work for electronic equipment, including Widder's own electronic heat controller. Some electronic equipment can be DESTROYED by reversed connections, so we recommend you not standardize to this format, unless you take care to polarize your connectors. They can also vibrate, or even fall out when they get loose. You can alleviate this by using a pocketknife to spread the split pins apart a little. The screw-down wire attachments can also loosen on their own. We recommend thread-locking compound on those screws, and our units come manufactured with thread-locking compound to keep the screws in. It should be noted that Widder now manufactures their products with one-piece rubber molded connectors, removing this problem.

Q. How do I polarize the 12mm connector?

A. Happily, the extra connectors available from Widder, have identical bodies for the male and female side. So you can stick a pin and a receptacle in the same plastic body. If you take a cue from the SAE folks and put a receptacle on the hot wire coming from the battery, and a pin to the ground wire, you get a polarized plug. Unfortunately for polarization, Widder now manufactures with rubber-molded connectors, which cannot be mixed and matched in this way.

[hevnbound]

Regardless of which way you go, here is a source of connectdors, cables, etc.: http://www.powerletproducts.com

I'm not associated with them in any way ... just a happy customer over the years. Check out their FAQ section also. Good information. Also, a call to them could answer all of your questions.

[dltang]

hevnbound, on May 7 2008, 07:37 AM, said:

Regardless of which way you go, here is a source of connectdors, cables, etc.: http://www.powerletproducts.com

I'm not associated with them in any way ... just a happy customer over the years. Check out their FAQ section also. Good information. Also, a call to them could answer all of your questions.

Hi Hevnbound,
Okay, I went to the powerlet site and I am going to order some outlets for Brian and me. I am thinking of the SUPER DUPER POWERLET PLUG, do you know if I need the standard socket or the standard socket with lead to go with it? Also, you have yours in the dash were we want ours. Is it safe to assume there is room for this plug or did you get the right angle ones? Thanks in advance for your help.
Deb

[hevnbound]

dltang, on May 7 2008, 05:11 PM, said:

Hi Hevnbound,
Okay, I went to the powerlet site and I am going to order some outlets for Brian and me. I am thinking of the SUPER DUPER POWERLET PLUG, do you know if I need the standard socket or the standard socket with lead to go with it? Also, you have yours in the dash were we want ours. Is it safe to assume there is room for this plug or did you get the right angle ones? Thanks in advance for your help.
Deb

Deb ... I've never used the "Super Duper Powerlet Plug" and am not sure what you mean about needing the standard socket or the socket with the lead on it? The Super Duper Plug is for use to change your standard cigar plugs to the BMW type .... or, at least that is the way I read it? I don't think I would want to attempt that on my cell phone charger cord..!

I use all my standard cigar plug cords and have the CIGAR ADAPTER - PAC-001 that I plug them into. They did not have the CIGAR CABLE - PAC-002 with the 10" extension when I bought mine about four years ago. I would go with it now. The reason I put the plug-in where I did on the dash is so the bars would clear it on a full left-hand turn so, I guess the answer to your question about the "room for this plug" is yes.

I would recommend at this point you make a call to Powerlet and discuss your needs with them. If you are like me I've gotten to where I want to do everything onlilne and I really hate the phone calls to vendors but they are good people and are willing to help - give them a call.