Using a vexilar size battery for an H20 portable GPS?

[Avid Angler]

Hi everybody,

Has anyone ever tried this? I would like to figure out a way to use a vexilar battery for my H20 GPS. I am sick of using double A batteries and I don't have a cigarette lighter in my boat. I was thinking this would be slick and I could get more hours of use out of my GPS when on the water. I was wondering if it was possible to do? I looked on-line and couldn't find anything. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Avid

[Whoaru99]

Yes, it will work fine if the H2O has the ability to use a vehicle/12V external adapter cable.

Looks like there is one available and the manual specifically states you must use it as-is and DO NOT remove the cigarette lighter end as it contains a regulator to reduce the 12V down to 3V.

So, you just get a 12V power accessory socket, connect that to the Vex battery (make sure you get the polarity correct), then plug the H2O external power cable into the 12V accessory socket you put on the Vex battery.

[CAMAN]

Go to Fleet Farm automotive and pick up a cigarette lighter plug that has alligator clips wired to it. If you plan on using it primarily on a vex battery cut the aligator clips off and install the correct crimp-on terminals to fit the terminals on the battery. JUST MAKE SURE YOU MARK POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE and connect them correctly, or you will blow the cigarette adaptor for the H2O if not hooked up right.

[MNice]

Yep, the fuse in the cig adapter will blow. Don't ask me how I know.

[Avid Angler]

I have the cigarette lighter plug with the alligator clips already and the external power cord for my H20. So I have two male ends there. Now I suspect I need the 12 volt power accessory socket that was mentioned. Do they sell these with the alligator clips or do I have to re-wire that to add them for the battery connectors? Once I get that part I can connect the socket to my external power cord and I should be in the money. I am just nervous trying to re-wire the cord if the wires aren't color coded.

Any thoughts? Am I missing something?

Thanks for your help.

Avid

[hawgchaser]

Avid Angler, I use the 12 volt adapter sockets on both my boat and snowmobile. You can actually get by with the 4" vexilar type battery as mine lasts for days/weeks at a time between charges. I mounted an oversized electrical box on the snowmobile & the battery fits in it nicely. Have used my H2Oc for years that way. The sockets I buy (at FF) have the ears on the back and side. I put female blade connectors on my battery connecting wires.

[Whoaru99]

I have the cigarette lighter plug with the alligator clips already and the external power cord for my H20. So I have two male ends there. Now I suspect I need the 12 volt power accessory socket that was mentioned. Do they sell these with the alligator clips or do I have to re-wire that to add them for the battery connectors? Once I get that part I can connect the socket to my external power cord and I should be in the money. I am just nervous trying to re-wire the cord if the wires aren't color coded.

Any thoughts? Am I missing something?

Thanks for your help.

Avid

If the 12V accessory socket isn't marked with polarity either with (+) and (-) or black and red color coding, the center terminal is positive and the outer shell contact is negative.

Might be able to find one at Fleet or NAPA or whatever for less cost, but here's an example from Radio Shack. It has color coded leads. Vehicle Accessory Socket

[Avid Angler]

Thanks for your input everyone!!

I think I got it.

Avid

[Whoaru99]

If you have 12V in your boat, why not just wire the 12V accessory socket to the boat electrical system? Saves messing around with the Vex battery.