Bypassing 12 cigarette lighter socket

[Compo48]

I think this should be a simple question to answer, but my experience and knowledge in this area is limited.

I have a 12v cigarette lighter wired to the battery on my Harley. Into this I plug an adapter to supply 5v to my PDA via a USB connector (I use the PDA for my satnav when on the bike). The wiring for this is quite a bulky arrangement where space is as limited as it is on the bike.

I'm wondering if I could connect the connectors at the front end of the 12v to 5v adapter straight to the battery terminals (inserting a fuse of course).

If this is possible, I'd take the small 12v to 5v circuit board out of the cigarette adapter and mount it in a small box under the seat and then run the output to wherever I can plug it straight into my phone.

This would allow me to get rid of the bulky 12v socket and 12v to 5v adapter and replace it with a much smaller arrangement. I guess it's only possible if the cigarette adapter purely acts as a connector and doesn't perform any voltage or current regulation.

I'd appreciate any advice you guys can provide.

Thanks

Neil

[PsYcHe]

That would work fine. The circuit board in the adapter does the regulation and stuff mostly itself and with a fuse in the way it should be fine, especially if the lighter socket is already wired to the battery.

[Compo48]

Thanks Psyche, I was concerned that the cigarette socket may regulate the voltage to 12v before it hot the 12v to 5v adapter, but I've confirmed with a meter that it doesn't.

I've got a socket under the seat on the bike that I attach my battery optimizer to when the bike's not in use. I think I may use that to connect in the charger adapter.

Cheers

Neil

[mb]

That would work well - if the charger is an Optimate then you can get accessory plugs etc from them to make it even easier.

AccuMate & OptiMate Accessories

[Compo48]

Yup it is an Optimate MB, thanks for the link.

Now i just need to find a way of tidying up the several cables that I need between the bike and intercom (which is under the seat), the PDA and my helmet so that I don't feel like a wiring loom!

Neil