Electrical Accessories Project

[Teague]

This post will describe graphically how to go about powering all of your handy devices while you're on the road. We've all been there before... two hours left of riding and your MP3's battery is dead and you get to enjoy some monotone wind noise for the rest of the ride home. Well, fear no more!

This project was done in preparation for my Spring 2008 mountain trip on my 03 VFR800. The first year I went up I was sorely unprepared in many aspects and having to run on batteries just killed me as we rode the entire day and by 2:00 PM everything was dead. No tunes, no GPS, no communications, just silence.

I looked at what Powerlet had to offer and I like their product but not their prices. Like J&M products, they are nice but crazy expensive. I know I can get my final solution on par with what they have to offer on my VFR for a fraction of the cost.

What devices do I have on my VFR?

• GPS - Garmin Quest I (SAE connector)
  
  
• MP3 - Creative Zen Micro Photo 8GB (mini USB)
  
• COMM / MIXER - J&M Integrator (Cig adapter)
  
  
• PHONE #1 - HTC Mogul 6800 (mini USB)
  
  
• PHONE #2 - RIM Blackberry 8703e (mini USB)
  
• RADAR - Passport 8500 X50 (Cig adapter)
  

How do I power these things?

Cigarette adapters, SAE connectors, and USB cables will make your charging experience a dream. Chances are you have a cigarette charger for most of the devices you already have (mini USB cigarette adapters, iPod chargers, phone chargers, etc) so the investment there is minimal and eBay has a slew of products on the cheap. SAE connectors can be picked up from Walmart, auto parts stores, and Skycraft .

Where do I start?

Planning is key with projects like this. You need to plan ahead for what you will be adding on in the future. If you're just going to charge a cell phone and MP3 player then your project will be very simple. Be careful if you're going to add devices like heated gear, additional headlights, or other high wattage devices then you need to plus up on the capacity of your fuse box and gauge of the wiring.

1. Write down all of the devices that you plan on charging and do your research.
   
2. Tally up exactly which type of connectors you will need (SAE, cig adapters, USB, etc)
   
3. Note how many and what kind of fuses you will need (main 30A fuses and individual fuses for each device (1A-10A typically). The more devices you will have or add in the future, the more ports you need on your fuse box.
   
4. Start shopping!
   

Blue Sea Marine 6 port Fuse Box w/ Common Ground

Got the stuff, lets tear into the bike....

Step 1

Nekkid time! :shifty:

Step 2

Find a suitable location for the fuse box. I wanted to place it under the rear sub-frame but there just wasn't enough room. Luckily after removing the rear brake fluid reservoir I found a great spot right off the back of the battery tray. This spot typically stays away from the elements and is somewhat accessible on the road if need be.

Step 3

I'm using an automotive grade inline fuse holder that will come off my batteries positive side and run to the relay. This will protect the relay if a short does occur between the battery and fuse box.

Step 4

Start cutting your wiring to length and always remember to use heat shrink!! Exposed metal on the positive side of the circuit can easily cause a short touching any metal on your bike that is part of the ground (or negative side).

Step 5

Find a suitable switched 12v DC source that will activate your 30A relay when you turn your key into the ON position. This will prevent you from draining your battery when the bike is off. Every bike is different, but I found that tapping into the rear brake lights is the easiest most of the time.

Step 6

Start wiring up your fuse box... if you can leave a little bit of slack so you can move your fuse box around during installation.

Step 7

This part seems to be the most difficult for people sometimes. You have a four pronged relay that will supply your fuse box power when you turn your ignition into the ON position. The four prongs are 12v IN (from battery), 12v OUT (to fuse box), 12v switched (some source that is only on when the key is in the ON position), and a common ground. Fairly simple, just a little over whelming to people that haven't had experience with electrical projects before.

Step 8

Running two sets of cables up to the front of the bike for GPS and tank bag. Be careful with your routing, the engine obviously gets very hot.

Step 9

By now, your garage should be extremely messy! :thumb:

Step 10

Protect your wiring with wire loom when possible.

Step 11

Step 12

Your fuse box should start filling up....

Here are two images of the J&M integrator I picked up a month ago.... I'm going to eventually do a full write up on the device on what I like / don't like.

Verdict

2,000 miles in the mountains going through heat, cold, rain, and wind.... everything did it's job and I never lost a single fuse. Take your time with the project and ask whatever questions you may have!

Full Photo Gallery

[Guest DarkKnight]

Want to see where everything externally was mounted. Looks great and thanks for the detail!