My GPS setup.
Navigation device - Samsung Omnia i900 Smartphone with iGO software.
I don't like when single 12V socket is occupied and cables are stretched across dashboard in unsightly fashion.
So more stationary in-car cradle was made this way:
Splitter/fuse tap. Accepts 2 fuses, inserted in the radio/cd fuse slot in the fuse box - provides fused power source:
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=...s_SM&_dmd=1&_odkw=2+into+1+port+car&_osacat=0
From here I did cut off the single lighter socket with piece of wire. I did not need the full splitter, but it was the cheapest way to obtain the lighter socket:
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=...s_SM&_dmd=1&_odkw=2+into+1+port+car&_osacat=0
Lighter socket phone charger:
Samsung CAD300SBEC Car Charger: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo
So, connect the lighter socket + to the fuse tap output. Lighter socket ground - via bolt & 2 washers attached to metal hole inside the fuse box.
Insert phone charger in the lighter socket, fix with duck tape to prevent jiggling/falling out.
Attach the whole assembly inside the fuse box with some wire/duck tape (plenty of space inside). Only the charging wire goes out, additionally fix it by screwing the fuse box lid over it.
Finished setup looks like this (when unused, I put end of charging cable inside ventilation duct, handy way to prevent it from jiggling around):
Universal pda&phone holder. Short, thick and rigid leg with screw fixings - to prevent vibration. Big and robust suction cup:
http://computers.shop.ebay.co.uk/i....=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=pda+car&_osacat=38329
The whole setup from driver position looks like that:
Almost like factory setup
And for the fraction of the cost of the full GPS - but no less functional (even more in fact, since smartphone allows a lot more customization). Also easy to take it with you to prevent theft.
