Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 24

Alternate Adaptors

Anyone tried any alternatives? Results please!

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 68

I bought an all-purpose DC car adapter (about $8), set it to 12V, center positive, and plugged it into my Magellan companion. All I noticed was a slight increase in the battery level reported by GPScomp, but the unit seemed to work fine. I got a fix quickly, but I didn't have time to experiment any more.
I am wondering though, why is the battery meter not jumping to 100%?
Also, Magellan recommends leaving the batteries in the unit, even when connected to a DC power source. I have not yet tried to remove the batteries and use the DC adapter. Is there any risk in doing so?
I guess it's the only way to know if the unit can really work on my DC adapter.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 68

I finally did it tonight: removed the batteries, plugged in the universal DC adapter set to 12V, and the module works perfectly. The battery level displayed in GPS comp is zero, so it seems it really measures battery level, not module power.
So, to sum it up, it is perfectly possible to use a universal DC power adaptor with the Magellan Companion for Visor instead of the Magellan one. The requirements are:
-voltage 9 to 35VDC (according to Magellan support, I've only tested 12V myself)
-center contact is the positive contact

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 24

Generic GPS Companion Accessories

Thanks Olivier,

Finally did the same thing and works great. For others following this thread the size of the connector for the GPS is "h", center positive.

Also I got a Samsonite Universal PDA bracket, the 807G, which is a goose neck unit with a suction cup which mounts easily to the windshield. Took a Dremel tool and cut openings for the back of the GPS Companion and another at the bottom for an ICS(?) recharger connector for rechargeable batteries. The setup looks like a hospital patient with the two lines from the unit to the cigaret lighter but it works. I will probably add a clip-on book light for night driving.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 68

I found that the built-in backlight (on my VPL) is fine for night driving, and it fits nicely with the color of my dashboard lights
Only in lit urban areas, it becomes hard to read.

I still have to get an ICU adapter to power the Visor itself, and find a way to hide all the wires... and then I can drive days without worrying about batteries.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 16

quote:

---

So, to sum it up, it is perfectly possible to use a universal DC power adaptor with the Magellan Companion for Visor instead of the Magellan one. The requirements are:
-voltage 9 to 35VDC (according to Magellan support, I've only tested 12V myself)
-center contact is the positive contact [/B]

---