Hardwiring and extra power outlets...

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Jan 6, 2002 | 08:31 PM

ND4SPD

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Hardwiring and extra power outlets...

I just bought a Garmin GPS V unit, and was already tired of having to leave my ashtray open to use my handsfree phone unit for my Motorolla phone. Now I need another power outlet. I was considering hardwiring the GPS unit, and also wanted a more hidden power outlet which would also allow me not to have to open the ashtray to use either. I don't smoke nor use the cig lighter, I use it as a coin tray (would also like suggestions for this as Audi didn't seem to find it important enough to put in a coin holder). So basically I need to know about hardwiring a GPS unit (and possibly adding an external antenna for better reception), the GPS is currently mounted on the dash just to the right of the instrument console, I was considering going through the vent openings on the top of the dash. And also I need to know about adding another power outlet for the handsfree unit. I would hardwire it, but I need it for my other cars. Any help?

Jan 6, 2002 | 08:36 PM

Larrytt

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You need to let everyone know that you have an A4 and not a TT

That will make a difference as to the various accessory outlets that people would have shown you. For instance:

My Accessory outlet in my TT:

<img src="http://images.fotki.com/free/8311/2/23131/42549/headunit05-vi.jpg?1002463795">

Jan 6, 2002 | 09:40 PM

ND4SPD

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Actually I have a TT, was my login used by someone else previously?

I would use that but I have heated seats and ESP.
2002 225TT Coupe Quattro. Something like this would be really nice though.

Jan 7, 2002 | 06:06 AM

Ron G

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I ran wires under the center console, and then under the passenger seat ...

where I installed a 3-way outlet (from Radio Shack) and mounted that to the bar under the back of the front seat using tie-wraps. Works great for GPS, laptops, cell phone, etc.

I'd post some pictures, but my TT is now at the salvage yard.

Jan 7, 2002 | 01:49 PM

ND4SPD

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What bar? And how about hardwiring the GPS unit and hiding the wire for an ext. antenna?

I wanted to do an external antenna and a power unit for the GPS which comes up out of the dash maybe from the vent so there aren't a whole bunch of wires hanging around. Also I wanted to put a convinient outlet (or more than 1) for the phone hands free kit. Any ideas?

Jan 7, 2002 | 03:57 PM

Larrytt

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I think he means one of the bars under the seats.

Sorry about before. I had read of someone in th OT Forum installing a Garmin V into their A4. I thought you were the same person.

Jan 9, 2002 | 01:18 AM

Ron G

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As Larry says, the bar under the seat. I didn't want to hardwire the GPS, as ...

I use it for hiking, etc. I run the external antenna up under the passenger door sill, behind the passengers footwell, and up to the windshield, where the antenna is suction cup mounted (at the bottom of the windshield).

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Jan 10, 2002 | 04:53 AM

Ron G

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I installed this system 2 1/2 yrs ago, so didn't know Audi

had anything at the time.

I don't like hardwiring things in, as you change your mind once you work with something, and you may want it somewhere else.

For me, the GPS was just the receiver (and sat under the passenger seat), with a serial connection to my Fujitsu flat-panel touch-screen laptop. That is where I had Delorme mapping s/w and other stuff.