USB Power

[grobinson]

Has anyone created a clean USB power source, like a cigarette lighter, but doesn't connect to the cigarette lighter adapter. Just like an in dash setup, powered off the battery. How could I get power to a female connector, and does it need to be a smaller current than the normal 12V?

 

[Robthebrit]

the general specs for USB are 0.5 amps per port and 5v (the amperage is not going to be an issue but it needs exactly 5v). I made a USB power adapter with a simple 7805 voltage regulator, the hardest part is finding suitable female sockets. You can find them but you normally have to buy in bulk, I think I cut up a USB extension cable.

You can also buy them ready made and some new cars have them built in. The wife has ready made one for her iphone, its just a cig adapter with a usb socket in the end, she uses the normal usb cable to charge the iphone.

Rob

 

[Martyn]

Wagen makes very nice adapters. You could cut of the socket on the end and hard wire the unit.

 

[jsolorza]

my cobra power inverter has a usb adapter.

 

[BriansFJ]

Try this company: http://www.onehalfwatt.com/index.php?crn=218

They even make one with a sealed dust cap.

 

[peekay]

all accessories, e.g. cell phones, mp3 players, radar detectors, GPS's, etc., should use the USB. that would make life so much easier! but it'll never happen as every company wants to make a few extra $$$'s from selling their own 12v power kit.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Try this company...

Those are really neat, I might do a couple of those for the GPS and camera

 

[grobinson]

Yeah I like that idea. Just then got to figure out the wiring for it. I suppose my other option is to buy an already built cig lighter all in one adapter, and snip the lighter end off, then wire it with a fuse in between. I just would like to be able to have a clean install, with little wires, and not take up my cigarette lighter adapter for other uses.

 

[BriansFJ]

Yeah I like that idea. Just then got to figure out the wiring for it. I suppose my other option is to buy an already built cig lighter all in one adapter, and snip the lighter end off, then wire it with a fuse in between. I just would like to be able to have a clean install, with little wires, and not take up my cigarette lighter adapter for other uses.

If you look at the onehalfwatt website, they have little PC boards already built that you attach their USB outlets to. Ultra clean.

 

[chet]

I have one built into the front of my stereo. Very convenient.

 

[telwyn]

Great idea - I've wanted to add usb for some time to my Lightweight. I just ordered the dual port USB charger and 2 of the USB connectors with dust caps from www.onehalfwatt.com as recommended.. Will either install in the dash of my Lightweight or on my m416 build I'm working on.

 

[grobinson]

If you get to it before I do, let me know how it goes and show some pictures!

 

[esh]

I am having a hard time swallowing $80 for a 2-port charger vs $5 from Frys for a dual USB 12V socket charger?

(can't find the one I bought, but this is like it- http://shop1.frys.com/product/5325758?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG).

I might hack one apart and see what I can do with a piece of plastic panel and epoxy. Maybe get a couple for 4 ports and have two of them switched and 2 on ignition.

USB has been awesome, and my devices continue to grow- gps, cell, camera, ipod.

 

[telwyn]

I'll post pictures on the build, but can already report I'm very impressed with the communication from the guys from www.onehalfwatt.com.

Got an email from him same day as ordering telling me that his usb ports require a special tip for them to work with ipods and that he doesn't know if that's my intent or not, but he's going to include one for free with my order. That's great service!

 

[yubert]

Walmart also sells a dual USB car charger for $4.88 which could be disassembled and used for a custom fit.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5691047

And if you have an extra cup holder and want to keep you cigarette plugs available, Walmart also sell this Wagan dual USB and cigarette adapter for around $8. Can find it on Wamart's website but Amazon also has it.

http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-Twin-USB-Holder-Adapter/dp/B00198GE8Y