Some tomtom install pictures

jamieo · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 2

Just thought I'd share some photos of my tomtom cradle install I carried out today in my 2002 BMW 325i. I've mounted the cradle in the driver's storage compartment which allows charging of both the tomtom unit and pocket pc (cradle has spare 5v barrel socket).

I've modified the cradle a bit so I could route the power cable to it invisibly. For now I'm using the cradle as a charger only and just sit the tomtom on the dash when in use - this could be avoided with an external GPS aerial. I'm going to make a short charger lead for the pocket pc since the one in the photo is a bit long and has a bulky barrel -> ppc adapter on the end.

All in all, I think it's a very tidy install and since the gps and pocket pc are bluetooth, most of the time I won't even need any leads hooked up.

Pocket PC on charge - power is taken from tomtom cradle

View from low down to see tomtom fitted in storage compartment

View from seated position, tomtom cannot be seen.

mallettron

I notice that your installation includes the Docking station, did your system come with this?, if not, where did you get it from

Ronnie

jamieo · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 2

mallettron · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 10:18 pm Post subject:

you dont know where i could get a docking station from????

its either that or im going to have to get out the soldering iron again Sad

Ronnie

mallettron · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 9:21 am Post subject: TOMTOM incar charger - DIY

I needed a quick charger so i made one out of a 78l05 (5v 500mA voltage regulator) together with a cable, plug etc.
It charged the BT reciever in about 2 hours but got very hot (checked the chip, it was sending 150ma max to the BT).
Out of curiosity I remade it, this time with a 7805 (5v 1A version), I expected this to stay cool and not be stressed since I was expecting about 150mA as well.
The chip got hot and the BT was charged in less than 30mins (current was nearly 1A !!!!).

The BT reciever is still ok and works with no problems

So what I really need is some kind of current limited system, i am going to buy a car charger for a IPAQ 3600 series and use that (well actually chop and change it so I can hardwire into the car)

Ronnie

Scott · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 9:14 pm Post subject:

Linear regulators like the 7805 aren't a good choice for your application.

The 'unused' voltage gets dropped across the IC which means that the one in your last example is dissipating 7W ( = (12V - 5V) * 1A). I can't remember what the maximum power rating is but I don't think its 7W! At the very least you'd want to add a heatsink.

Hardwiring a proprietary charger sounds much more sensible.

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