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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:43 am Post subject: USB ports and 12v power |
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Anyone hardwire and install a usb power source without having to go throught a cigarette lighter or have a clunky adapter kicking around?
Want to power up the USB for another phone. My iphone charges off the ipod interface of the audio unit, but the wife was asking if I could install something for her droid (and my droid too).
Was thinking a USB port would be best idea, not having to have clunky adapters and such taking up space and getting in the way. Maybe mount one up front and one in rear somewhere.
Have seen some adapter type items (three 12v plugs and a USB) that look to be able to be disassembled and installed, but I was wondering if anyone went this route yet?
LP _________________ Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory. |
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rubbachicken Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2004 Posts: 3058 Location: socal
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:20 am Post subject: |
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i know some inverters have USB outlets |
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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:36 am Post subject: |
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Still trying to determine which inverter I wanted to go with. That is for later this winter to determine. I was hoping this port could be separate from anything and running off aux battery. _________________ Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory. |
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fairweather Samba Member
Joined: August 26, 2007 Posts: 663 Location: Aspen, CO
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:51 am Post subject: |
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I put this under the passenger seat, got it off ebay.
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squeegee_boy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2008 Posts: 758 Location: Langley, BC, Canada
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:51 am Post subject: |
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I did this:
They use a cigarette lighter outlet, but are anything but clunky
Whatever USB power solution you use, be certain that it supports at least 1 amp of current. If it won't supply that, many devices won't work right (iphone especially).
Robyn _________________ 1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit
1971 Super Beetle with an EJ22. Oh yes. Daily driver |
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shepherdsond Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2005 Posts: 439 Location: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:05 am Post subject: |
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squeegee_boy wrote: |
I did this:
They use a cigarette lighter outlet, but are anything but clunky
Whatever USB power solution you use, be certain that it supports at least 1 amp of current. If it won't supply that, many devices won't work right (iphone especially).
Robyn |
Robyn,
Just to clarify, are those USB outlets or USB adapters inserted into a 12v output? Do you have a URL?
Thanks |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15119 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:14 am Post subject: |
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they're USB adapters,
they're all over Fleabay for $5ea to $2ea shipped.
I order them by the (5) pack..
they're $10~15 ea at local retail shops & truck stops.. _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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WAgrower Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2011 Posts: 182 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:23 am Post subject: |
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If you want a truly hard wired one, you could use a 7805 voltage regulator (radio shack) to supply power to pin 1(+) and pin 5(-) of a USB port.
Less then $5 worth of parts and only a little soldering.
Let me know if that's what your looking for and I can give you a better explanation. |
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whafalia Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2009 Posts: 685 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:54 am Post subject: |
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Hey grower, do you know what that would give in amps? My android runs at a deficit plugged into its adapter when using nav. |
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bosruten Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2011 Posts: 544
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:30 am Post subject: |
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_________________ '87 Syncro Weekender |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:36 am Post subject: |
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I(peak) is 2.2AMPS - BUT, BUT, BUT it is gonna get hot!
Sticking in a 7805 and the like for low current draw applications is simple.
But, for higher current and noisy environments they can leave something to be desired.
http://www.engineersgarage.com/electronic-components/7805-voltage-regulator-ic
These days cheap off the shelf boost buck converters like you can buy enmasse for many voltages tends to be a better solution.
PLUS wiring to and mounting most standard (surplus) USB connectors can be a challenge to the hobbyist.
Best just spend for something off eBay. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:40 am Post subject: |
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bosruten,
I *REALLY* likes that cup holder.
Where you get that????? _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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squeegee_boy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2008 Posts: 758 Location: Langley, BC, Canada
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:47 am Post subject: |
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shepherdsond wrote: |
squeegee_boy wrote: |
I did this:
They use a cigarette lighter outlet, but are anything but clunky
Whatever USB power solution you use, be certain that it supports at least 1 amp of current. If it won't supply that, many devices won't work right (iphone especially).
Robyn |
Robyn,
Just to clarify, are those USB outlets or USB adapters inserted into a 12v output? Do you have a URL?
Thanks |
They plug into generic 12v outlets that I bought at Canadian Tire, but AutoZone will have them, too.
Here's the product data:
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=489423
I do have to note that you should buy a good unit. The $3 ones on eBay may or may not support 1A of current, and even if they say they do, they may not actually do it in real life. Really weird behaviour will result, ask me how I know. Yay for spec inflation.
Stick with a name brand if you want everything to be guaranteed to work.
Edit: Yeah, you're right, r39o, if you have an iPad, you need something with more current capacity. The above won't allow you to charge and operate it at the same time.
Edit again: Ahh, here we go: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=51740
Belkin makes one, too, in the same form factor as the ones I currently (hah!) have: http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=525940
Robyn _________________ 1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit
1971 Super Beetle with an EJ22. Oh yes. Daily driver
Last edited by squeegee_boy on Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:03 am; edited 3 times in total |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15119 Location: Syracuse, NY
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bosruten Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2011 Posts: 544
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:09 pm Post subject: |
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r39o wrote: |
bosruten,
I *REALLY* likes that cup holder.
Where you get that????? |
...Canadian Tire. Had to saw the bottom few inches and paint it, screwed it to the wall. I want easy access to the back so this works for me. _________________ '87 Syncro Weekender |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:41 pm Post subject: |
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bosruten wrote: |
r39o wrote: |
bosruten,
I *REALLY* likes that cup holder.
Where you get that????? |
...Canadian Tire. Had to saw the bottom few inches and paint it, screwed it to the wall. I want easy access to the back so this works for me. |
No Canadian Tire stores near me.
Got a part number or URL to it? _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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vanis13 Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010 Posts: 3079 Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:45 pm Post subject: |
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I just picked up a handful of 12v-> USB cigarette lighter plug-ins at Dollar Tree for $1 each. each of these have 2 USB ports.
for a $1 I could think alot of uses for them like changing some LED lights I really like which run on 3xAAAs into something I can power from the 12V westy power. _________________ 83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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bosruten Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2011 Posts: 544
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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r39o wrote: |
bosruten wrote: |
r39o wrote: |
bosruten,
I *REALLY* likes that cup holder.
Where you get that????? |
...Canadian Tire. Had to saw the bottom few inches and paint it, screwed it to the wall. I want easy access to the back so this works for me. |
No Canadian Tire stores near me.
Got a part number or URL to it? |
Sure... http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/Vehic...?locale=en _________________ '87 Syncro Weekender |
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randywebb Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3815 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:52 pm Post subject: |
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anyone know if that cup holder can be purchased in the US? _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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WAgrower Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2011 Posts: 182 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:23 pm Post subject: |
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whafalia wrote: |
Hey grower, do you know what that would give in amps? My android runs at a deficit plugged into its adapter when using nav. |
Good question with two answers...
There are a plethora of regulators out there, rated from 500ma to 5a. So get a larger one and you can make a USB power hub of sorts.
In fact the ones I've gotten from radio shack were rated at 1amp.
You could create a pass transistor circuit with a PNP transistor rated at your desired amperage.
Most data sheets for the 7805 will show you a pass circuit.
Just remember to mount it to a heat sink- could use the dash or any metal bit in the van- use a little toothpaste as heat sink compound. |
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