Charging via the standard 'Cigar Lighter' Socket

[PCPeteUK]

Hi Guys,
I have an optimate that I used to use on my previous beast and wanted to find out if I could plug it into the standard socket on the dash rather than wire it direct to the battery.
Have any of you done this? Can you provide a few pointer please  guys as I wouldn't want to unintentionally destroy anything

[Debs]

The socket on the dash is wired through the ignition.. You could do what I have done. Ive wired the socket direct to the battery enabling me to plug in my charger there. If you dont want to do that you could add an extra socket somewhere.

[PCPeteUK]

Ah - makes sense Deb's. Didn't think logically I have a 'spare' all weather marine plug that I can mount in the left hand blank. That should sort it.
Thanks for the prompt (and useful) answer. Appreciated.
Another little job for the time off over the festive season....

[alibx11]

Debs just beat me to it....

Was about to say that you would need to check with a multi meter if the Ciggy socket was permanently live, which I would doubt, if it was then there shouldn't be a problem using that to charge through but just as easy to run the proper wiring socket directly to the battery.

[PCPeteUK]

Thanks alibx11

[Rusty]

Pete ... I am an idiot when it comes to anything technical  but "YES" you can ... I use my Optimate 4 straight into the socket and all is well .. it was new 18 months ago and the dealer did the wiring ... I am told a very quick and easy job !!! 

[PCPeteUK]

OK - I 'think' I will need to do as alibx11 suggests and check with the multimeter then as both he and Deb's think it is switched via the ignition. If that is the case then the charging couldn't take place - or am I still being silly 
Would be great if you are correct Rusty - so little work. Or the dealer could have just rewired your standard socket direct I suppose.

[alibx11]

Let us know Pete if it is permanent live, out of curiosity.

Unfortunately I'm not near my bike till next weekend to check mine for you.

[Debs]

On my 09 its not perm live... You can easily check by plugging a phone charger in to it to see if its live. After I wired mine to the battery I installed one like this and have it in the 'glovebox' to power other things via the ignition. Its wired to the leads that are taken from the existing socket.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Draper-12V-3-Way-Car-Extension-Socket-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Ext-/200865933114?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item2ec48ae73a&_uhb=1

[Kwikasfuki]

It's not permanent live. It's easier to wire to the battery

[O.C.]

Whilst on the subject of Optimizers.......basically an Optimizer wont re-charge a completely flat battery...BUT here's a tip for anyone wanting to try to do that..


"When turned on the optimiser doesn't have any lights and 0v output.

It needs some voltage to start the regulator working (and I don't know why), so connect it to something with a voltage already.

Once the lights are on you can connect to a completely flat battery and it will start to trickle charge it which is not ideal for one in that state but it will eventually pick up OK.

Ideally for a completely flat battery you should give it a proper charge (as above) from a battery charger because it would normally take a lot of current when flat, which the optimiser simply is not designed to do "

I have unashamedly stolen this tip from a pal on another forum, it could prove useful sometime 

[PCPeteUK]

Appreciate all the useful advice guys - is there an easy way to route power from the battery via under the tank to the front pocket on left fairing? (11 plate GTR)
I will go that route to be safe.

[O.C.]

Pete, I don't use an optimizer, but would have thought the easiest most direct route is via the battery panel on the right hand side of your bike

[PCPeteUK]

Battery Panel? Sorry very new to the bike...

[doebag]

The removable panel by your right knee when sat on the bike. My dealer fitted the optimate cable here when I ordered the bike.