Mod a TomTom One GPS to charge via USB

I had a TomTom One unit which although being quite old now still works, however the DC charging socket on it was broken so once the battery ran out it was impossible to charge it up again, thus rendering an otherwise working unit useless.

Originally I tried replacing the internal DC socket with an external one, and although this worked the connection was a little temperamental and would only charge if the plug was in a certain position and looked a little ugly with wires hanging out of the unit, this wasn't really that useful either.

After a bit of head scratching while thinking of the best way to proceed I suddenly thought of the mini USB connector which is used to connect the unit to a PC to transfer data to / from the SD card. Mini USB plugs are readily available and provide an excellent electrical connection once they are plugged in and USB car chargers can be found on ebay for under £3 each. Initially I intended to remove the PC functionality from the unit (as I had an SD card reader), but I found that the unit can charge the battery and still works as it should when connected to a PC even on the 500mA a PC USB port provides.

The modification is very easy, involving soldering a single wire inside the device and means I now have a fully functional GPS unit again.

Step 1 Tools / Materials

TomTom One GPS unit
Automatic centre punch
2mm Allen Key / screwdriver
Basic soldering skills & equipment

Comments

[kolleykibber]

Anybody have any idea why TomTom chose to include the DC charger socket and not charge by USB in the first place?

[greyneon]

Just done this modification and it works GREAT! Man it would have taken ages for me to figure out this xD Thanks man

[Decepticon]

I take it this is for the earlier generation of TomTom Ones as the one I have actually uses the mini USB connection for both data and for charging.

[ElevenOf9]

That's right, this version originally didn't have the ability to charge the battery via USB.