power to ipod
hey guys .. right now i'm using
a cig light plug to power my ipod
but soon i hope to have docking station inside the car
and i want to be as clean as possible
is it possible to power dock to car's battery without
plugging in the cig lighter?
# 3 Re: power to ipod
Easiest way would be to tap into the circuit for the lighter socket somehow. You could either dismantle the charger and hardwire it into the circuit, or buy an additional socket, add it to the circuit, and plug the charger into the new socket.
I'm sure there are several other solutions as well. Once you step away from off-the-shelf ideas, you're going to get pretty creative.
# 4 Re: power to ipod
Use "T" taps to get power from the existing cig lighter. I have heard them called "vampire clamps" also.
These are folding little plastic connectors that do not need to cut/splice the wire. No solder solution. They have little edges that make tiny cuts thru the insulation when you close them and make the connection. A standard crimp on terminal holds them closed and allow the connection of the new wire/cig socket. Get the correct wire gauge size for your harness.
Best part is that they can be removed without trouble and do not damage the wiring.
# 5 Re: power to ipod
Best part is that they can be removed without trouble and do not damage the wiring.
everything was right but that
they can be a pain to remove if you dont purchase one specifically made to be uninstalled
and after you take them off it would be wise to wrap electrical tap around the two puncture sites on your wires.
otherwise that was a very great suggestion
# 6 Re: power to ipod
Everthing is right, including that statement.
If you get the correct gauge for your wire, all that is left are two small slits on either side of the wire. If you get one thats too small, it *will* cut your wire. If you get one thats too big, it will not make the connection. They come color coded, same code as crimp connectors. No brainer.
As far as removing them, its not a pain. You must be thinking of some other type-perhaps for U-Haul tail light wiring or??
T-Tap 1 (http://atlas.walagata.com/w/armano/T1.jpg)
T-Tap 2 (http://atlas.walagata.com/w/armano/T2.jpg)
Folds over the wire, push on the crimp terminal. To remove, pull off the crimp terminal, open the tap and its gone. The two slits are so thin that you typically just push/squeeze the insulation back together. I doubt that anything would manage to short out in there...unless it is razor thin and manages to line up perfectly with the slits.
I have a friend in the custom high end ($10K and up) mobile install biz. He uses these and has had no problems. If he did not point out the exact spot where the tap was made, I doubt that you could ever find nor see them after removal.
Just need to use the right tools and parts for the job. You think that cutting and splicing and soldering and TAPE-YUK!! is better than the simple install/high reliablity/no damage products available to installers today? Welcome to the real world!
