Thread: Hard-wired USB ports for charging

Originally Posted by Wallyb

I have one of these from Jaycar. It does a 1A and 2.1A outlets

3.1A Dual USB Car Adaptor - Jaycar Electronics

At this stage it is just sitting in the cig lighter socket. The longer term plan was to pull it apart and permanently mount it in the dash.

Given the interest I will do that tonight and post pics.

I did that about 6 months ago in the work car. Best mod ever.
But first, prise the cap off and put a blob of black silicone over the blue led inside. I wired mine for always on (head-unit fused supply) to keep power to the things I like to charge when the key is out.

Originally Posted by Wallyb

I have one of these from Jaycar. It does a 1A and 2.1A outlets

3.1A Dual USB Car Adaptor - Jaycar Electronics

At this stage it is just sitting in the cig lighter socket. The longer term plan was to pull it apart and permanently mount it in the dash.

Given the interest I will do that tonight and post pics.

I have one that i opened up and soldered leads to that run direct to my battery and is hidden behind the fuse box cover below the steering wheel.
Been meaning to mount it in the dash but its been working fine for 5 years as is.

Originally Posted by Fluids

I looked at these recently to setup power for my new iPad ... but max' output is 1A and the iPad needs 2.1A

Would be OK for all the other USB powered stuf, and a great idea for reducing dashboard clutter.

Well arent you lucky They do an iPad version

BAINTECH Single USB Socket Surface Mount

Why, thank you sir!

... but it's ...

Max output power: 1Amp

The one I listed specifically does 2.1A - I suspect aimed at the Apple market

I just want a single (or bank) of the rectangular female outlets with a tab each side for a screw mount or glue on.

Maybe mod this, XC4946. 10 ports, switchable, so 1-6 can be turned off (power saver for home use). May be able to split up to share between a couple of people or run some in front & rear.



What's the limiting factor in the ratings? The supply fuse (just run a fresh supply from battery with dedicated fuse, or fuse each port). Or is there internal components to the port that don't cope?

Originally Posted by clubagreenie

I just want a single (or bank) of the rectangular female outlets with a tab each side for a screw mount or glue on.

Maybe mod this, XC4946. 10 ports, switchable, so 1-6 can be turned off (power saver for home use). May be able to split up to share between a couple of people or run some in front & rear.


What's the limiting factor in the ratings? The supply fuse (just run a fresh supply from battery with dedicated fuse, or fuse each port). Or is there internal components to the port that don't cope?

USB power is 5 Volts not like the 12V from a car - so we need to convert it down. It is that converter that limits what is usually available.

The example you linked is a Jaycar unit comes with a 5V 2A power supply .. so the most it can supply is 2A in total.

We could build a 12V to 5V adaptor that will supply 10A so the above unit could supply up to 10A

Then we have physical limits. A USB connector is probably only good for up to 5 Amps of current "though" it.

Hope that helps

Could you do a diagram for the 12 x 5v unit?

Is that 5A to a port/connector and so can only run 2 ports per power supply unit?