How to fit USB Plug on Puma Dash

[jc109]

G'day all,

I'm away from my vehicle at the moment and can't check this for myself, so I'm hoping one of you guys could help.

I'm thinking of fitting a USB charging socket on the dash of my Puma inside the recess between the air vents. I'm thinking of putting it on the vertical section at the front if it will fit in order to keep it as dust free as possible.

Do you think it would fit? Failing that I'd just put it on the wider section facing upwards instead.

[rick130]

Does it have a conventional cigarette lighter ?

If so Narva make a twin USB panel mount socket that you can remove the panel and the now round USB socket is pretty close to the same size as a normal cigarette lighter.
Remove the cig lighter from the dash, push the USB socket in and tighten the retaining ring behind and connect the wires.

It also sports a rubber dust cover.
I did this a few weeks ago in the Tdi.

[jc109]

Cheers Rick,

It does, but not in that location. That sounds like a great piece of kit though.

X marks the spot in the attached picture, showing where I want to put a socket to power my phone.

[Grappler]

A different location, in the glove box
I used a Blue Sea systems PN 1016

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/208181-usb-socket.html

[Xtreme]

Fairly limited space where you want it. Could you use one of these?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/381.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/382.jpg

[austastar]

Hi,
I have a a usb socket under each sine of the dash in the shelf area, and one in the mirror position of the cigarette lighter socket. Also a usb extention cable up to the windscreen for phones or gps stuff.
Cheers

[jc109]

Cheers guys.

XTreme, you've inspired me to make my own. Is it just a +ve and -ve to connect?

If I can get my hands on something like these (maybe a right angled connector), and neatly apply a judicious amount of epoxy, I think I'll be right.

[Xtreme]

You need the electronics to reduce the 12v to 5v and (I think) to limit the current. That;s what the black box in my photos does and it appears that the same may happen in the units that you have posted pictures of. Do you have a link to a website where the ones you have posted are available? IMHO they look neater than the round one that have currently fitted to my Td5 Defender.

[jc109]

I couldn't remember the search terms I used so I just did an image search and came up with these:

https://www.google.com/search'tbs=sbi:AMhZZitvYAy5OMZfR8CEPu8LVPApzAsf0ND A_1XkRJJg3zjKTr5N_1sS7lzfJg1THgilwoIFmro_1d-Na5i57d_1EuAYDbkPwon1QAOg1WE_1ld4o4xdBSHRGpV3kk0DX kBPBZnGmpF48RaSQAm39jMQpBHwZ81sq5T0kQC-ljSmqgXPOJ2zwDoEwhHaMZgjswZdYPwd4ifOHezLySSI0JIz8F 6cWgNnBDo3aacY3WSFFhXtVoJI1KruH5gt8kG8qfODTtyXQLQg Skc5ZEw06_11BXDGBxk-issRMCu9lewdlKHEMkeLygPTzeBGQ93V6VQj7gXgOHClYCQ7UI TPGoPWvMkFd_1f1wGJZqkem3bV4PlgM4PvmJYQ3T8ju5c1qRg4 SxodFP668EX0ANMhK3pnxAL83OyolbDWle3PHoH95aXSInY_1X 9NoLBmjAjZCdwBGFtvfST3xFlTC69MpaVHZROdRt_1iP0uLsHf hgMepe5ZCQGWk7rIrv4XK5ZtXMQgY5L9-HB6mECX-WvNHdJFNEzn3uYB5DHkecS09ifY-UbrTkL7NUsZFJBlfmZsUdVaJGz8pqbJzA2qshAQeK6y9L2gdn0 Zgje2OBlM2mApMRPYX3SEmcUyjp3GysM7cdG9PQD91oIYsU-Q_1jfPmdHIsDD_1mUxyPgQN0-55l-ou4-vhEnLzc3LXGAE7Dlk_1MT5JexGputImYyaxyvcoVwp70S0uIYS _1yEf13p_1RPAPBzFdV4rLwo8IOlYmIf4r-UPSsFoFXqV2W7bEjRiWZzoZ5nUo0yo_1M6fNVJgx5eurisZ7W1 K3ytioQkx_1QKNGNZ58E38K_15FYNKQR_1Vn7tq-nVC2P9t-6_15lFlZlfUyHMekyl_1UdvPo-uR7PUBKOgAllBbOzbhFhehKTOFsidS6oG1UXVf-2u8bxIALsUgdHJAYpxWOZemTjroJw0JmUG-ZZ9XJTl2ktPUL0xULoJFSaWUtDecVIt-HhoPs2xG5bNQAVnKHzcqNCPdTv4vAUUXpnewzl_1Htgq0MxUVI 0pcOVLk35S4QInOqX5rVRrs9uE5y3Uh_13mmaQWuQIeK2bHGpJ yNbmNeilrMrjk4zbdPd25_1WGaVfHY1FWGuEYZ5sVZMMc5Awsq dq6CxBVHARQOYoakCrKXUbbXjhi80Uh0gOk34gU5t3LccXSUIV Tx5FSQWg5av7CCbWjRFRF1pAZFmeoplKUAS9rId4ezqnUx5kiG wha0aVrP_1DgFyZ2HdJwIAbuPEVPK1LwzBCjaU3E3uI2KpevLt nKrbjUt--_1my2SiMv13bNjr9zbPrW4fuvhJpNSE-hNERlqgZp-JrYD6eB2udEZxfaIaJmXYWDXW6e1IVs4A3KbuglOJiLaMy4-2Hknzoh3oCTDatB_1ICTb-_19mVIrBaVGdmdWv-lkWyQsa9K_12-U614ygmiZBEbwslrUUpibqpfFqor-96K7k2GALrznm6jg5Jm_1fV0pkx4FIeyN9hX0LdTgPccpfgT1X UA&hl=en

and

https://www.google.com/search'tbs=sbi:AMhZZisvdVLxDrnEcKSXG6BE2GJ5GMMF1KA SOBMNAgzFBLBVxnpOL4QkdeXw3ai2Lk7dj_1qeHR-Kq-agzItNswGxxVqz_11Sp8UtT1U8SamUVUDBbY495A_1ynmPGHgt QR1IDV8GdWGeHvRGhLlHhF5ajjw7ONXMZLBffCYLBPmC1pBz4V EQno4EzCk111-_1sbTn8sEI0rRQ51JRtCBDfKg4IrHBIe3yL3yBYUqb_1zUblAJ czuT3cy62kNCr6rRdSMW1CuEG2As4jRZ2Y4vGevxQMLa76jic6 N5Mwt8-GJldLJzBevz9P04AYUMKxpqFUpDiVOUN6p38XprtFcPOsfvXBl AxBaJPEOtfVlJJeMUV50_1W3i8DJ4HP9F98-6iU8R_1mXs7OssIztTP_138Ra3d-AEbsdyuxaSO_1mAC3mLDgkpiVXMbl6qc8xsN5BTSoqKChNDJ_1 RkWA3HjxPtPcR0rGj6Zx4C7dV61IyABERSJ9LL4ZAbwxU01uYy YQ1u-3JRCekP2IwdJu7Z06fiXlNNenPZaqbcLLYUMTb1LxHRbN7j77A IOOvHMRIeII1q_1hbk3iTjuOLzQT7Jdaiyt6BKO0SsRZST2fPi lAloQ_1bcZJcjsaZgVRnS8k2l3v9rUKxWQ226m8NbNS0eDXK5V 1gpzRwsQJcqsUYiUYwDatH0Qu_1GzyYgbjqrGIuLNIs0sci982 J5TLFYV-mFnRqh1lgei22CMHpM2hT7mznmuCj-8HO_1dldFupzW8JRFOVF0-akVhuzbbI_15Gr1u9nEKpzY5E8JZ6XY5NiEaECw1hdoyYPaKrj l4hRSA2CLPGz-1Dmy1onecjx0TnSh-AlK_1SXegA8HxyDnpZQwwF-mQiYa4L9q2nnBqNQA6UTr9fFEtGPE39YZgs6yk5w9syVK1xA3V a1ML0c4m1p0yfN_1BWB40vxiPmA_184gKZ9mJujL2D2bW7XPgV JjkdkYlcWCLqKJB6Gc3vWYscu0tLA1QNu5qsKIswZbgEhzFyfw E2BPVO5mluf9sG315UvG4plODgcCFUd8GehfUvpm875vDR2o0W IMXfgzQ2LvgFVEtpG6S_1ON3lB10TkgeRlQ8KPY9OY2Cz-yR3lW3FieD5JqbdhmgPtCLimhghfeo8rUljObnNiftxeIt9Owr vxtS_1-RmF4D102zsFaBcicMJkbWOlQvZ4RGfCNNt0vRAastgetfzQje0 buPjPRm59EeLfIIE9L4yXwUBCejbnwhzC01scHQiRU56LQIbQp lzVBU3gysuuZggfLcfZX9Z1KaFb2S69pF9gFaZukH8PdDy58XP moLrg1DNSDv4CQE6KqwPBEZhIJEbg7AvY4AgtZzBMUPDAdg5Mj T1qBsca3V-y4JfLmIPgJrCS6pvowZVr09x-zSmjpsrZya4nO_1wfLPY02X_1CBZm8ba5QjZctKYsTfFm8l-WqanNa1Gkpf-NXchezmuOCO37oIj-fQIwiKwbH4GwBus3T2LjJEQydrQaBYl2764zetVOlVqxDu8dqI h2nLS-zXTZKrkqmqLzrokeyisSJZL9xmWIY1jUJlT0T-YMiFSUrg1qrHVyfrpLJrhXFs7MVp_1q5luRc6sEFKMILo&hl=en

After more browsing I think I might try to find a simple right angled f-m adapter and reroute the USB from my stereo's head unit. Should save a lot of heartache with the running of wires. And I think I'll fit it on the right-hand side on the vertical piece running fore/aft.

[alien]

The preferred spot as marked in the photo is not going to be easy.
The two air vent tubes reside below.
I want to investigate putting a usb outlet below the clock.
It would be vertically mounted to the side of the hazard switch if it is possible.
I have a double unit through the dash near the passenger grab handle.
The off the shelf usb units I have bought all have lights in them so glow 24/7 with power.

[rick130]

The off the shelf usb units I have bought all have lights in them so glow 24/7 with power.

Interesting.
The Narva one I bought doesn't, which surprised me.

[alien]

Interesting.
The Narva one I bought doesn't, which surprised me.

I may have to hunt down some that don't have the lights.
The double in the dash and single in the van both run live of auxiliary batteries and glow all the time.

[Toxic_Avenger]

The Narva one I have glows all the time, which also annoys me as I have it hooked up to 12V 24/7 (independent of ignition).

[rick130]

I may have to hunt down some that don't have the lights.
The double in the dash and single in the van both run live of auxiliary batteries and glow all the time.


Narva Pt. # 81134BL

I bought mine at Repco, basically any parts store should have it or can get it.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=104403&stc=1&d=1453020602

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=104404&stc=1&d=1453020606

[jc109]

I'm sure I'd do what you're doing and just replace the fitting, but you could always put a few layers of paint or nail varnish over the bulb. Or maybe a small dab of Sikaflex next time you have a tube open.

[jc109]

Alien's comments noted re the probable lack of room. I went looking for shots of a disassembled dash with no joy. I tried Bundalene's page but all the photos are gone.

On the off-chance that I can squeeze something in there, could someone do me a favour please, when they get a chance, and take a quick measurement of that area I'm focusing on?

[DiscoMick]

I didn't want to cut the dash, so I solved this problem in 2 ways:
Fitting a Narva twin-USB plug in the glovebox area, powered directly by a lead running from the battery under the front passenger seat
Putting a USB insert in the cigarette plug on the dash
It would also be easy to run a lead from the battery box to the front of the cubby behind the gear levers, and then either mount a phone there or just drop it in th cup holders.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[jc109]

Cheers Mick.

I figure that I'll almost always have something up in that spot sucking power, so a small and tidy port won't go astray. I'm quite anal and will be sure to do a neat job of it. And more often than not it'll be obscured anyway.

I have other USB plugs available but I hate having cables running all over the cabin. And I've found that cables running over the dash tend to leave shiny marks over time as they move and slowly polish the plastic. This is to be a semi-permanent install and it's being placed here so I don't need to run another bloody cable up the dash to the sill.

And putting my phone elsewhere means poor reception and probably an occupied cup holder. Neither works for me.

[jc109]

To clarify, I use the TomTom app on my iPhone, so tucking the phone away doesn't suit.

[lump_a_charcoal]

I connected a charge cable to the back of my stereo, and ran the cable out the air vent. That way, only the amount needed pokes out the vent, and it can be pushed all the way in if need be.
Maybe something to consider?

[jc109]

Cheers lump_a_charcoal. I hadn't thought of that. Any chance of a photo?

[Dorian]

If your going to build your own, have a read of my post here, it's not simply 5Vdc connection.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/221294-dash-usb-cable.html

[Andrew86]

Would a stereo head unit upgrade be out of the question? Single DIN head units packed with features can be had incredibly cheaply these days and almost all come with a USB port for charging.

A lot of them also come with Bluetooth which is great for listening to music etc without the need for cables etc, as an added bonus. $150 or so would cover it, and installation would be a breeze.

[lump_a_charcoal]

Cheers lump_a_charcoal. I hadn't thought of that. Any chance of a photo?

Sure, might be tomorrow if that's cool?

[jc109]

Cheers Dorian. I think I've shelved that idea for good now.

Andrew86, I've got the head unit with all the bells and whistles. BT, two USBs at the rear, and one on the front (that I will never use). The BT connection is great for music and calls, but I want a cable connection for charging and for the very remote possibility that I might hook a device up for playback.

lump_a_charcoal, of course! You're doing me a favour here. Any time that suits. I'm away anyway so I won't get a chance to sink my teeth into this until next month. I'm in the planning and e-baying phase now.

[Bushie]

This one from Jaycar (and no doubt a 1000 other places) is pretty good.
Just connect 12v to the back.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/medias/MP3618ImageMain-300Wx300H?context=bWFzdGVyfGltYWdlc3wyNTMzOXxpbWFn ZS9qcGVnfGltYWdlcy9oNDIvaGRiLzg4MzM4Mjc3MzM1MzQuan BnfDE0ZTk0NWNjNDYzOWRhYzYzY2UzOTVkMGU2NDJhNWFmZDA2 MDMwMWZiODhkZTIxNmIzMWQxN2JjNTljY2YwODE

Martyn

[AlecW]

Would a stereo head unit upgrade be out of the question? Single DIN head units packed with features can be had incredibly cheaply these days and almost all come with a USB port for charging.

A lot of them also come with Bluetooth which is great for listening to music etc without the need for cables etc, as an added bonus. $150 or so would cover it, and installation would be a breeze.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3XOTG_0Kq4/VRsbIPDb8qI/AAAAAAAAGX0/X4NkXjNSVjY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-31%2Bat%2B3.07.59%2BPM.png

I went for one of these, runs Android and has GPS Bluetooth and Wifi. Got it for a decent price and will fit in a single. Folds away with no fuss

[DazzaTD5]

Just another option...
I fit these hubs in two main spots on the Defender TDCi (puma), one in the passenger side on the shelf as it then allows such things as a phone to sit somewhere. The second one for the rear passengers, in the centre.

The hubs can be fitted with different units, 12V, usb, combos etc etc...

Regards
Daz

[Andrew86]

Andrew86, I've got the head unit with all the bells and whistles. BT, two USBs at the rear, and one on the front (that I will never use). The BT connection is great for music and calls, but I want a cable connection for charging

Sorry JC, I'm a little confused. Does the existing USB port on your head unit not already charge your devices? Or is the issue that the output is too low and it won't charge quickly enough?

[jc109]

Sorry JC, I'm a little confused. Does the existing USB port on your head unit not already charge your devices? Or is the issue that the output is too low and it won't charge quickly enough?

Hi Andrew. Neither. Only one of the two rear ports was used, and for God-only-knows-what-reason the sole cable fitted was run to the shelf under the ignition key. I didn't give it much thought at the time so have left it as is until now. I think that's the one I'll aim to reroute up to the vent behind the tray. I may even fit a second cable while I'm in there and run it to the same spot. I was hoping to be able to fit an adapter in order to make a neater job of it.

I'm sure the output will be fine as the head unit is only a few years old, although the manual is silent on the matter.

[lump_a_charcoal]

This is my setup - the cable can just be pushed back into the vent when not in use.
Simples.

[jc109]

Cheers lump_a_charcoal. Much appreciated.

I'd thought you were talking about the narrow slit between the windscreen and the dash. That's even neater. I hadn't realised that vent wasn't fully ducted. I'll investigate further once I rip the dash out. How do you stop it from falling out of reach? Would it be worth cable tying or gluing in place?

[lump_a_charcoal]

The vent is fully ducted, but comes apart when you pull the dash centre forwards. I just ran the cable up into the vent from there.
It stays in place because there is some excess in the duct, and the head cannot fit through the vent without bending it, so it stays there nicely.
Completely reversible too if my technology needs change.