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GPS City Q&A » Automotive GPS » Operating the Nuvi 5000 way from the Vehicle

Automotive GPS (7 replies)

Item

Original Question

Operating the Nuvi 5000 way from the Vehicle

› Garmin Nuvi 5000

Author

Reply

Doug

Original question asked on Aug 1, 2009, 6:59am

How do I use the Nuvi 5000 away from the car? The user manual is of no help.

There are two mini USB connectors available, one on the back of the unit, which I have used to download map updates, but it does not power up the unit, and one on the back of the mounting cradle, about which no instructions are given by Garmin, what is the function of this one?.

The user manual is not too helpful when it comes to the other connectors on the mounting cradle.

I have seen chargers said to be for the 5000, but they are 5 volt and the 5000 operates on 12 volts, so how would you advise.

Jordan_GPSCity

Reply #1 on Aug 1, 2009, 11:40am

One way you can use it away from the car is by making a 12V battery pack for it.
To make a pack you would need a case to hold the battery, a 12V battery, the appropriate charger and a Female cigarette light cable. Depending on your use you can put the battery in a fanny pack or something that goes on your belt. We have a few cases that could work. The 12V battery should be high capacity. The easiest to get and charge is a lead acid. They can get heavy. I would not recommend lithium unless you are experienced with doing mods to equipment.
You then Just need to plug the vehicle plug into your setup once it is together. Once you have all parts it should only take a few minutes to assemble.
Here are some links to products we have that may hep you. I don't have a suitable battery and charger for you at this time.
http://www.gpscity.com/niteize-black-backbone-case-large.html
http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-female-cigarette-lighter-socket-with-bare-wires.html

Jordan_GPSCity

Reply #2 on Aug 1, 2009, 11:44am

If you want to use the Nuvi5000 on a motorcycle with battery you can also try the GUSB5V from our site. It does plug into the USB but it is wired in a manner that the unit will operate. It works well on other Nuvi GPS. What it does is take the 12V and converts it to 5V for your unit.
http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-bare-wire-power-cable.html

Doug

Reply #3 on Aug 2, 2009, 12:05pm

Thanks for the advice, but can anyone throw any light on the mini USB connectors, particularly the one on the back of the mounting cradle>

Doug
Knaresborough

Reply #4 on Aug 14, 2009, 1:06pm

I've got an answer back from Garmin on the mini USB connector on the rear face of the mounting cradle.

They say that the early units had it designed in as they were going to produce some sort of add on bit and it is not wired. It has been kicked into touch and the latest units do not have it.

GPS City Brad
Las Vegas, NV

Reply #5 on Aug 14, 2009, 1:14pm

Hey Doug:

Thanks for the info. Sorry, what does 'kicked into touch' mean?

Doug
Knaresborough

Reply #6 on Aug 16, 2009, 7:48am

"Kicked into touch" - means abandoned, or discontinued.

Terry
Ladysmith, BC

Reply #7 on Oct 27, 2009, 8:20pm

I just received a Nuvi 5000 last week and was concerned about powering it in the house. The cradle for mine does not have a mini-USB connector but I wanted to leave the cradle in the vehicle anyway. I purchased a Garmin power adapter for older Nuvis and other mini-USB models and it works fine with the 5000. The Garmin part number is 010-10723-00.

It has a 110v plug on one end and a small converter to provide 5v power to a mini USB plug on the other end. I have read elsewhere that it does not provide full brightness, but other than that, it works great for setting up the Nuvi 5000 while in the house.

Terry

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