adding cigarette lighter charger

Hi, I recently picked up a small maier fairing and would like to add a little mount onto which I would put a cigarette lighter charger for charging my phone MP3 player and in the future a GPS. I was planning on splicing into the headlight circuit as this is a switched power source. How can I find out the power demands of these small electric devices? ie. I would like to find out how big of a fuse to add before the charger so as not to fry my electronics. Also, would the fluctuating voltage from the R/R be ok for these charging applications or do I need a steadier voltage?

In my experience, most every device has the maximum current draw spec. on the model/SN label/sticker.

The spec. for the maximum amplitude of the Ripple Voltage it can tolerate riding on the 12 Vdc is a tougher one.

Same for the maximum aplitude and duration of transient pulses

Best of success.
Bill

has anyone tried using another regulator after the normal R/R unit to keep the flow steady at let's say 12V? Are there any small regulators that can be bought at like radioshack or something?

I am running a regulator from a KZ750 on my GS1100. I have a Vetter fairing with an Alpine radio and a small amplifier, and a cigarette lighter. I have had no problems with this setup. If I fire up the lighter at idle the radio will cut off, so now I use the lighter at 1500 rpm's or more. Here is a link that has some regulator info for different bikes that will interchange. Good Luck.



www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread...ht=voltage+regulator

things you have plugged into the lighter have not broken then?

I recently replaced my stator and after checking voltages I was getting almost 15V at cruising speed, I am just wondering if this kind of voltage would fry my cellphone.

I have only charged my cell phone when the bike is parked and not running so I could'nt tell you about frying the phone. I have ran a mini air compressor to fill my tires and a few gadgets with no problems so far but if I were you I would check the max voltage therory to make sure you don't fry anything

I will, but assuming it's less than what my alternator puts out how can I regulate it? That is why I was wondering about a second regulator unit

9am53 wrote:

I will, but assuming it's less than what my alternator puts out how can I regulate it? That is why I was wondering about a second regulator unit

I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to electronics but there are a few electrical wizards here that could help you a little better. loudhvx is one off the top of my head that is knowledgeable with electronics.