Garmin Varia eRTL615 wiring

[Scottydog]

I ordered a eRTL615 rearview radar for my 22 Topstone Neo 2. The bike is already internally wired for rear light to the Bosch battery. Has anyone wired this up to the bosch light circuit? Do I need another cable? I know I'm lazy but recharging the Garmin while I have a huge power source seems pretty silly.
Thanks!

Scott

 

[RunForTheHills]

The eRTL615 is designed to work with an input voltage of 6-12V. A lot of ebike tail lights are designed to work off of battery voltage. So you may need to use a buck converter to step the voltage down.

 

[Scottydog]

The bike already has a light and motion rear light wired into the internal factory cable. This light runs on 6-12v. was just wondering if it comes with a correct cable or will I need to splice etc. I could run both lights, but of course I'm lazy and don't want to bother charging the Garmin.

 

[fooferdoggie]

The bike already has a light and motion rear light wired into the internal factory cable. This light runs on 6-12v. was just wondering if it comes with a correct cable or will I need to splice etc. I could run both lights, but of course I'm lazy and don't want to bother charging the Garmin.

I think you would have to splice it. with these you just need to cut the wire slip them on and heat them up with a lighter. https://www.amazon.com/YNZDRWA-Conn...prefix=low+temp+wire+connector,aps,261&sr=8-5

 

[RunForTheHills]

You won't have to splice if you can buy or make a converter cable from one connector to the other. Garmin sells some adapter cables for it. If you do have to splice, it should only be two wires.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/874099/pn/010-02788-00/#accessories
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=2gbFj9g2xr4D3wHUPVWp26

Varia eRTL615 eBike Adapter Cable FAQ's​

In order to use and control a Varia™ eRTL615 radar tail light, you must connect the light using a Garmin® adapter cable. The follow content serves as answers to the most common questions about the installation of the light and cable. For more information about the eRTL615, refer to Top FAQs for the Varia eRTL615.

What Cables Does Garmin Offer?​

A variety of cables can be purchased as a bundle with the eRTL615 or sold separately:

• Bosch
• Shimano
• USB-C
• USB-A
• Yamaha

 

[stompandgo]

You can use an adapter cable, but you may have to drop the motor. We usually splice at the shop. If the Varia doesn't work right after hooking it up, you may need to have the light wattage bumped up using the Bosch diagnostic at your shop.

 

[Scottydog]

Good advice @stompandgo! I really don't want to drop the motor. My current rear light is spliced in. Maybe I'll post some install photos.
Thanks to everyone.

 

[stompandgo]

I use solder seal butt splices, staggered so that they do not overlap, and cover the assembly with adhesive heat shrink tubing.