Retro fitting usb ports for power.

muddyl

Hi all,

I'm thinking about fitting a couple of USB ports to my car for power. Most likely piggy backing the cigarette lighter with in-line fuse (there's a socket both front and back).
This is so kids can use their gadgets on long runs, most likely iPods or small tablets. I know adaptors can be used but find they tend to wiggle loose and stop.

Anyway. Has anyone seen any that would be suitable for this? I've thought about buying cigarete adaptor ones that have a removable face then butchering and fitting. But there must be something available that would be easier, but I can't find it.

Any thoughts?

ianders

Something like this perhaps?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-to-5V-3A-15W-Step-down-Converter-Regulator-female-Panel-mount-USB-screw-/261100143809?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3ccac804c1

bitemebankers

Looks ideal. You'll need to fit an inline fuse on the 12v side though.

molerat

From ianders link

Note:It can't charge iphone!

so be wary

Gloomendoom

I use a three way version of one of these. It charges my phone and iPod with no problems.



NEW 12V 24V 2 WAY CAR CIGARETTE SOCKET SPLITTER CHARGER ADAPTER WITH 2 USB PORT

benjus

Many of these in-car devices only provide standard 0.5A power. You should understand the current ratings of USB ports before deciding what to buy - read this: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/115251-how-usb-charging-works-or-how-to-avoid-blowing-up-your-smartphone

muddyl

benjus wrote: »

Many of these in-car devices only provide standard 0.5A power. You should understand the current ratings of USB ports before deciding what to buy - read this: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/115251-how-usb-charging-works-or-how-to-avoid-blowing-up-your-smartphone

Interesting reading, but I won't worry too much about that.

Unless you have a device that is particularly power hungry it should not be a problem. Even if it can't "charge" the power hungry device it should at lease be enough to keep it running from the adaptor and keep the battery from running flat.

muddyl

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I use a three way version of one of these. It charges my phone and iPod with no problems.



NEW 12V 24V 2 WAY CAR CIGARETTE SOCKET SPLITTER CHARGER ADAPTER WITH 2 USB PORT

I looked at those at it looks like the front can be removed.
id like to know exactly what is inside one of those to get an idea of fixing and wiring.
If I could find one that is only USB ports or maybe one cigarette and the rest USB I could go with that.

forgotmyname

As above the 500mA that the USb provides may struggle for a lot of smart phones.

I have a Galaxy S2, If you have a few apps running and GPS /Satv nav on the go a cheap charger thats only 500mA will still drain the battery.

The correct Samsung charger is approx 700Ah.

USB hubs are cheap. I have an 8 port one on my desk we use to charge the phones and mp3 players etc.

Limey

I've done this mod on my Celica so now have a charging point in the dash blanking plate under the stereo.

http://www.tlocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5764&sid=3fc50c55816baa5ca875ead005d9bdd5

Need to do some soldering but it works well. :cool:

muddyl

Limey wrote: »

I've done this mod on my Celica so now have a charging point in the dash blanking plate under the stereo.

http://www.tlocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5764&sid=3fc50c55816baa5ca875ead005d9bdd5

Need to do some soldering but it works well. :cool:

Read through your install blog and I like it. Great idea, one which I may end up using.

Did you work out why the satnav cradle wouldn't work in The end?

I'll have to have a look around the car for places to fit such an item. There's not much in the way of blanking plates and airflow may be an issue.

Would it be capable of running 3 or 4 ports?