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GO Focus Pro Power Options Hardwire Requirement

KStal-9261
Original Poster

Hello,

I'm looking for clarification on the recommended power/install method for the GO Focus Pro when it is being used alongside a GO9 device.

From the documentation, the power consumption between the GO Focus Plus and GO Focus Pro appears to be very close, within only a few milliamps in most modes.

GO Focus Plus

Nominal:

6 W

0.5 A at 12 V / 0.25 A at 24 V

Parking Mode:

<0.4 W

30 mA at 12 V / 18 mA at 24 V

Deep Sleep Mode:

<0.1 W

7 mA at 12 V / 4 mA at 24 V

 

GO Focus Pro

Nominal:

6 W

0.5 A at 12 V / 0.25 A at 24 V

Parking Mode:

600 mW

50 mA at 12 V / 2.5 mA at 24 V

Deep Sleep Mode:

98 mW

8 mA at 12 V / 4 mA at 24 V

 

My question is: Why can't the GO9 be used to power the GO Focus Pro, especially when the documented power draw is so similar?

Also, since the GO Focus Pro has an available OBD-II power harness, HRN-IOXGFPRO-OBD, could an OBD splitter be used so that the GO9 remains plugged into the vehicle's OBD port while the GO Focus Pro receives power from the same OBD connection?

In other words, would this setup be acceptable?

Vehicle OBD port → OBD splitter → GO9 + GO Focus Pro OBD power harness

Or is hardwiring the GO Focus Pro directly into the vehicle the only approved installation method?

I have reviewed the GO Focus Pro wiki/documentation, and I do not see anything that clearly states the device must be hardwired. The documentation also mentions that the GO Focus Pro can be used alongside a GO9, so I'm trying to understand the best/recommended installation approach.

Any clarification on the following would be appreciated:

  1. Can a GO9 power a GO Focus Pro directly?
  2. Can an OBD splitter be used with the GO9 and GO Focus Pro OBD harness?
  3. Is hardwiring required, or just recommended?
  4. What is the official best practice for installing GO Focus Pro alongside a GO9?

Thank you.

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3 Replies

EishiFUN
Geotabber

Hello @KStal-9261​ ,

 

 Thank you for such a detailed and well-researched question these are exactly the kinds of installation details that help the whole community!

 

 Let me work through each of your questions:

 

 1. Can a GO9 power a GO Focus Pro directly?

 

No the GO Focus Pro is not powered through the GO9 at all. This is an important architectural difference from the GO Focus and GO Focus Plus, which connect via IOX and draw power through that link. The GO Focus Pro has its own independent power source and must be powered directly from the vehicle, either via the OBD power cable (HRN-IOXGFPRO-OBD) or the 3-wire harness.

 

 2. Can an OBD splitter be used (GO9 + HRN-IOXGFPRO-OBD)?

 

Yes, this is a workable configuration. The GO Focus Pro does not have an IOX or data connection to the GO9 it operates independently so using an OBD splitter to power the GO Focus Pro while the GO9 remains in the OBD port is acceptable.

 

 3. Is hardwiring required, or just recommended?

 

 Hardwiring is actually not the recommended approach the OBD power cable option is preferred for most installations. The main factor in choosing between the two options is what auxiliary cameras you need, as this can affect which connection method works best for your setup. You can review the

 connection options here: GO Focus Pro Connection Options (https://support.geotab.com/help/cameras/go-focus-pro/go-focus-pro-connection-options)

 

 4. What is the official best practice when using GO Focus Pro alongside a GO9?

 

 Since the GO Focus Pro does not connect directly to the GO device, the installation of each is independent. The recommended approach is to use the OBD power cable for the GO Focus Pro, and the choice of method mainly comes down to which auxiliary cameras you plan to use.

 

 Please let us know if you have any other questions. We are here to help.

 

 Have a great day!

 Eishi FUN

KStal-9261
Original Poster

Thank you, that helps clarify the GO9/GO Focus Pro power relationship.

 

One follow-up question: you mentioned that the choice between the OBD power cable and 3-wire harness mainly depends on which auxiliary cameras are being used.

 

If a GO Focus Pro is installed with the camera harness / auxiliary camera setup, is the OBD splitter method still acceptable?

 

Or does using the camera harness require the GO Focus Pro to be powered via the 3-wire hardwire harness instead of the OBD power cable?

 

I'm just trying to confirm whether the splitter method remains supported when auxiliary cameras are added.

EishiFUN
Geotabber

Here is a link to the documentation that shows the differences between those installs but to answer your question no I do not believe you will be able to use the OBD cable since you will need the hub cable (3-wore) to add in the AUX cameras : GO Focus Pro connection options

 

Still have questions?