Is there an (easy) way to install a 12V or 5V (usb) connection in the glove compartment of a Punto Evo?

We need to run a GPS logger in our cars (all Evo's) and they run on 5V. Currently they are installed via the 12V plug, but the main issue here is that the 12V outlet is only active when the car is running. This means that the GPS has to start up every time the car has started and therefore takes too long to find a good fix.

Of course it is not desirable to have your 12V outlet on when the car is not running (a coolbox or other more heavy loads would drain it quickly), but these devices only need something like 2 watts and could run for years on the car battery.

The perfect solution would be a 5V usb connection which would always give 5V, no matter if the car is on or off. Any help is highly appreciated!

Please note that I have found some instructions on the forum how to extend the 12V ciggy lighter into another one in the glove compartment, but this will still results in the power switching off when the engine is off. What I am looking for is a 5V or 12V connection that is always on.

Also: all cars have B&M installed, so we do have a USB connection with 5V, that we might use as well, so we do not need the 12V converter.

Thanks for any tips!!

The radio usually has a continuous supply so it can be used with the ignition off.

5V can be supplied via a dc to dc voltage converter. I have used these to drive LED lights on motorbikes and they seem to be reliable even with the higher vibrations found on many bikes.

There are GPS tracking systems no bigger than a mobile phone that run off 12V. I checked one out for a bike but the running costs were not justified.

Thanks! I don't think it will be easy to fix in a Punto Evo, because the radio seems very well built into the car, so removing it to attach a 12V plug will probably be hard. Please note that our GPS Trackers have a mini-usb, so a continuous 5V supply would be perfect as USB uses 5V.

Can a mod move this to the grande section? OP will most likely get more replies there!
Members on this section aren't usually familiar with their interior layout

Bred's right, but the radio must be removable - surely its not a dash out job if the radio fails in some way. Failing that, find a continuous live feed at the back of the fuse box. It might even be possible to get a USB 5V power supply that works off a car system (nominal 12V).

This is worth a punt -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-Triple-Sock...CarParts_SM&hash=item27b55887ef#ht_4214wt_934

Or this -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-UK-Power-...ayerCarKits&hash=item230a49e1db#ht_500wt_1098
Though it would need to have wires soldered on and be wrapped to protect the bare contacts.

my friend has wired a double socket into his car, so i could say this is possible to do with the right equipment..

WhiteSei said:

Bred's right, but the radio must be removable - surely its not a dash out job if the radio fails in some way. Failing that, find a continuous live feed at the back of the fuse box. It might even be possible to get a USB 5V power supply that works off a car system (nominal 12V).

Click to expand...

The radio is removable:


The miniISO block C3 pin 15 should give you a permanent +12v supply (legacy for CD multichangers etc)