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Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:43 am

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

Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:20 am

i know some inverters have USB outlets

Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:36 am

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.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:51 am

I put this under the passenger seat, got it off ebay.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:51 am

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

Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:05 am

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

Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:14 am

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..

Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:23 am

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.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:54 am

Hey grower, do you know what that would give in amps? My android runs at a deficit plugged into its adapter when using nav.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:30 am

Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:36 am

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.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:40 am

bosruten,

I *REALLY* likes that cup holder.

Where you get that?????

Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:47 am

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

Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:50 am

you could mount an Jeep/motorcyle all weather USB plug like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USB-All-Weather-Pow...35b4f4ee61

Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:09 pm

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.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:41 pm

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?

Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:45 pm

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.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:49 pm

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

Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:52 pm

anyone know if that cup holder can be purchased in the US?

Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:23 pm

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.