In-Dash USB Power Ports

[TomoHawk]

I use a couple devices that get power via a USB port connection. Both require about 500mA.

Has anyone seen a product that could be wired into the car's electrical system (probably the cigarette light circuit) and installed permanently? I would probably put it near the hazard switch under the radio.

Yes, I have a USB power port that plugs into the cigarette lighter jack, but you have to take it out for shows, and an installed unit would be more convenient to use and have an OE look to it, if done well.

thxZ

BTW-

I might get a new radio with a USB data port in the face, and that might be useful for charging things. Does anyone know what the current output of the faceplate-mounted USB data port is capable of?

Edited January 14, 2014 by TomoHawk

[SteveJ]

Amazon.com: usb socket: Automotive

[Zed Head]

You could easily modify the cigarette lighter unit. The two electrodes, one on the side and one in the center, just connect directly to the battery, there's no resistors or other electronic gizmos. Either cut the electrodes out or just connect directly to them, hidden behind a face plate. You could even tap off of the lighter circuit for power.

[TomoHawk]

Don't forget it needs to have a protective cap. All my 12V jacks are capped when not in use- either by inserting a cigarette lighter element, or an attached cap.

Most of the DIY writeups I've seen so far have you cut apart a cheap USB adapter and glue or adapt the guts into a hole in the vehicle's dashboard or into a square hole you cut into a removable plastic panel. I would rather pay a little extra for a nicely made unit designed for the purpose than hacking up a car that might go to a show.

I did run across the dual USB socket SteveJ noted. It would work and probably looks nice installed, even with the two screws. I was looking for the same kind of thing with a threaded body and a big nut so it looks like the aux 12V jack that would be next to it.

You could glue a a 12V dual-USB adapter into the 12V jack (sans elements) and solder wires to the contacts. The cap hides the guts when not in use.

Tapping the lighter circuit is no problem, as long as you don't run a few 12V accessories off the same circuit and overload it, which probably won't happen, my aux 12V jack has a 10A circuit.

Until I find just the right thing, I will use a 12V splitter unit that has dual USB ports, but you have to plug it into a 12V jack to use it. At least you can hide it when not in use.

Edited January 15, 2014 by TomoHawk

[Zed Head]

I don't think that the USB port needs a protective cap. I can see inside my computer's USB ports right now. The world is full of open USB ports.

Sounds like you have some options though. Good luck.

[TomoHawk]

I don't usually get a lot of dust in the computer ports in the house or at the office. But in the car, everything gets dust, or sometimes rain, in it.

I always cap the 12V jacks because a friend had one in an old van, next to the coin tray, and a coin fell inside and the smoke started coming out. :eek: I just don't like the open, unused holes.

[TomoHawk]

I read one DIY writeup from a Honduh owner that put together a 5V regulator and a female USB cable into an armrest. Maybe it worked for him, but the armrest was cut up and it's not very convenient having to fish out a cable, then try to plug something into it in a hurry (at a light or just not wasting time.)I'm not intending to enter my car into a highschool industrial arts show; I drive my car a lot and show it off occasionally.

Besides, Mr K. didn't design the S30 that way...

[TomoHawk]

This looks like the best option so far:

Dash Mount USB Power Supply it's a little expensive right now.

But That Amazon.com product looks like it has a threaded body and you could just remove the flange to clean it up.

Edited January 15, 2014 by TomoHawk