12V connection to GPS

[LandyAndy]

I have an older handheld GPS that came with my boat.
Its a Lowrance GlobalNav 212.
The 12V cord is damaged and is no longer available in Australia,they are available ex USA via EBay.
I have read the book of words,the unit runs on 5V to 16V.It automatically switches to external power if it is greater than the batteries(4 x 1.5V AA).
Can I connect 12V power thru the AA battery compartment without causing damage via over voltage???
I have tried fixing the power plug,not possible,its not a generic plug either.

Probably better off just buying a USA based cable.

LOWRANCE CA-2 CIGARETTE LIGHTER POWER CABLE 99-11 NEW | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LOWRANCE-CA-2-CIGARETTE-LIGHTER-POWER-CABLE-99-11-NEW-/160584091848?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25638ec8c8)

Ideas thanks.
Andrew

[dswatts]

I don't think it would be a good idea to put 12 volts to the battery terminals. But you could get one of those adapters that fit into cigarette lighter and have multi voltage outputs.

[dswatts]

Is the end that goes into the GPS ok?
could you cut the cable and put a new end on it?
will have 5 or 6 wires,
Red 12volt +
Black 12 volt -
Green
Brown
White
maybe a yellow and or a shield.
Just isolate all the unused wires except the red and black

[jik22]

I wouldn't connect anything to the battery terminals - there's a good chance the voltage regulation is done either elsewhere on the board between the external power input and the other circutry, or in the cable itself.

[LandyAndy]

Is the end that goes into the GPS ok?
could you cut the cable and put a new end on it?
will have 5 or 6 wires,
Red 12volt +
Black 12 volt -
Green
Brown
White
maybe a yellow and or a shield.
Just isolate all the unused wires except the red and black

Its the plug that joins to the GPS thats stuffed.Was suggested that I open it up and fit my own 12V input.
My boy has a PayPal account,will get him to buy me a new cable ex USA.Cant afford a new GPS at the moment,so I dont really want to stuff this one up.
Andrew