USB Socket in car - Page 2

wuzerk · 26th October 2011, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryDog

The powerjolt doesnt look like i can dismantle it and modify it for wiring from the back of my cigarette socket? I dont know if the Belkin one is similar......

As far as I can see you would not have to dismantle the USB unit, just run the wires to the side and the centre contacts and solder them? If you are going to fit the unit into the drivers side cup holder panel then there is plenty of room behind it. You could add an in-line fuse for safety.

HarryM1BYT · 26th October 2011, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormbind

I suggest a great mod would be to wire a USB sockets in the back (i.e. the rear ashtray) because:

1. The rear ashtray gives easy access to everyone in the car

2. It frees up the lighter socket for other accessories

3. You don't need to dismantled anything

I'm not sure how to wire it up though..

Just tap across the existing lighter socket and run the cable to anywhere you like. I fitted a multi outlet under the centre arm rest, for phone chargers and etc..

Mine are live all the time and I use it to keep the battery topped up via a 'battery maintainer' in the garage, as the car is not in regular use.

What I would like, is a socket which is clever enough to turn itself off when I have forgotten and left something on, yet still allows me to use the socket to keep it charged

Dragrad · 26th October 2011, 22:52

Then again there is always this option

RoverInTheWoods · 27th October 2011, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

What I would like, is a socket which is clever enough to turn itself off when I have forgotten and left something on, yet still allows me to use the socket to keep it charged

Would it be possible to take a feed from the interior lights for that?

They stay on after I've left the car, but turn themselves off after 20 minutes or so, I always assumed the cig-sock did the same?

Edit: just been to check mine and mine turns off with ign.

HarryM1BYT · 27th October 2011, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoverInTheWoods

Would it be possible to take a feed from the interior lights for that?

They stay on after I've left the car, but turn themselves off after 20 minutes or so, I always assumed the cig-sock did the same?

Edit: just been to check mine and mine turns off with ign.

You could wire across the interior lights, but to use the socket, the interior lights would need to be turned on, your extra 500mA load for the USB should not be an issue.

On early cars the ciggy socket goes off with the inition key. On later cars it is on all the time. I've never understood why the choice of which way they worked was no a user option - as simple as moving a fuse from one socket to another to decide which, or maybe two sockets, one of each type.

spyder · 27th October 2011, 17:01

I have fitted this to my armrest, most of the time it has a USB charger for my HTC plugged in. The feed is alwas on, and has a red LED in the unit also alway on-I keep this out at night fo security

.
The car stood for a week and no problem with a dead battery.
It is easy to feed wires from the dash, and remember the radio wiring has a +12V feed that is alway on, so easy to get to and wire up.
Having it in the armrest means it is out of sight and more tidy.

26th October 2011, 22:52	#13
Dragrad This is my second home *None DROWNED** Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cardigan Posts: 33,339 Thanks: 1,257 Thanked 1,664 Times in 1,081 Posts	Then again there is always this option __________________ Andrew Ich Dien Problem solving is... lateral thinking SEARCH FIRST ...ASK LATER...

27th October 2011, 17:01	#16
spyder This is my second home 75 CDT Auto Tourer , Rover 45 , Astra, Zaffira, Chev Captiva Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wilts Posts: 3,342 Thanks: 203 Thanked 436 Times in 360 Posts	I have fitted this to my armrest, most of the time it has a USB charger for my HTC plugged in. The feed is alwas on, and has a red LED in the unit also alway on-I keep this out at night fo security . The car stood for a week and no problem with a dead battery. It is easy to feed wires from the dash, and remember the radio wiring has a +12V feed that is alway on, so easy to get to and wire up. Having it in the armrest means it is out of sight and more tidy. __________________ Chrome skull caps, EGR cleaned (original housing), Mondeo lower mounting, 12V outlets in the armrest and tourer boot, cat fixed, working FBH, Lidl plenum covers, DD with reverse camera.New speakesr/Tweeters with MDF rings. wood dash, Memory leather seats, wooden finished steering and handbrake, Xenon headlights.