In Dash USB Charger

[ZREM]

So I swear I've seen (on Mud) a guy who made a blank for the stock 60/62 switch locations that had 2 USB ports built into it. They were just for charging. I have searched here and google with no luck.

Anybody else know what I'm talking about? Just seems simpler than buying a new car charger for each electronic device, they all charge via USB now. And yes, I have seen the USB deal that fits into the 12v cig lighter, I just like to keep the dash as clean as possible, and I want 2 ports.

 

[1loudLX]

Griffin makes a dual usb cig plug one now. it sits flush with the cig plug face.

Now, I know you said you wanted one that doesnt take up space. I saw a FJC guy over on the blue forum that put them into a blank.

I just cut apart a single usb port belkin last night, and will be flush mounting it in my dash somewhere.

 

[ThirdShore]

Do those pull any energy at all when left plugged in? Just curious.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Do those pull any energy at all when left plugged in? Just curious.

depends on what you plug into it. It's just like any old 12V plug in a car - if the circuit is open, then there is no draw; there's no circuit.

however, if you leave things plugged in, it can make a difference. I leave my Zune plugged into The Mule 24/7, often in tandem with my phone, and not a single issue; plugging something bigger, like a laptop, fan, inverter or such would cause trouble.

 

[1loudLX]

Do those pull any energy at all when left plugged in? Just curious.

all of your 100s 12v accessory plug turn off with the key, so nothing to worry about.

 

[Bogo]

Waytek Wire ( http://order.waytekwire.com/ ) sells one that can be built into the dash, but adding a couple extra lighter sockets plus buying a couple of the Belkin converters posted earlier is cheaper and more versatile.

 

[1loudLX]

I have a few of those wayteks on order from last week. We'll see how they are.

 

[Bogo]

Looks like they have two different ones now.


http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/11008/USB 12V POWER / CHARGER/

and


http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/11009/USB POWER OUTLET / CHARGER/

No idea how they work. Top one looks interesting as it looks like it can be packed into tighter spaces.

 

[1loudLX]

just add 12v and ground them. Very simple. Held both in my hand last week.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Waytek Wire ( Waytek Inc, Home page to buy fuses, circuit breakers, cable ties, wire and other electrical supplies By Waytek Inc. ) sells one that can be built into the dash, but adding a couple extra lighter sockets plus buying a couple of the Belkin converters posted earlier is cheaper and more versatile.

I added five sockets to The Mule.
Got tired of trying to decide on charging the music, the phone, or the bluetooth (before it ended up in the laundry) in my one emasly socket in my Olds, so when I got my truck, I went overkill. It's pretty convenient.

 

[SHREDwagon]

So, can you charge a lap-top off these? No inverter?

 

[Combat Chuck]

Depends. I know Toshiba makes a 12V charger for use in cars, but it depends on the manufacturer.

BTI 19V/30W Universal Notebook Auto AC Adapter for Mini Laptop - Toshiba

 

[Bogo]

So, can you charge a lap-top off these? No inverter?

I'd highly doubt a laptop as most of them draw allot more than 5 Watts. Smaller devices like PDAs, iPhones, Ipods, etc.. My Garmin 60CSX can be powered by one. For a laptop you would use a 12V charger specifically designed for it.