Hack in USB Charging
During our travels it seems that we're always looking for charging power. Much of the time it can be supplied by USB. When it is just my wife and me we've pretty much got it covered with 12 volt splitters and adapters. If other people join us there is always a line of vampires hungry for power. Grand kids = more devices.
I decided to add some capability to the shifter console. That led me to applying a similar idea in the back area.
This is what I installed in the console.
The unit came with a voltmeter, 12 volt cigar type outlet, and USB source. The aftermarket black switch above the unit is necessary because the 12 volt power source is always alive. The USB supply is a constant power thief. If left energized I'm pretty certain that it could drain the battery. The black power switch isn't lighted. The voltmeter blue LED display reminds me that the power is on.
This is what I would install now. This unit has USB, voltmeter, and a built in on/off switch.
Update for power drain:
By mistake the USB units have been left energized overnight a few times. There wasn't any problem with battery drain those times. I can't say whether longer time would be an issue.
For now I just tagged it on to the existing 15 amp OEM outlet. When I take the dash apart to work on my ATC lights I plan to move the source over to the never used OEM cigarette lighter supply. I will update with some installation tips after the changes are complete.
Added:
You may have noticed the extra screw above/between the 12 volt outlet and the USB outlet. I was concerned that the screws with Tinnerman clips might not be secure enough so I added that fastener. When I installed the 2 position unit in my 2004 I used some dabs of Goop glue to help secure the unit. Were I to install another 3 position unit I wouldn't bother with the extra screw. I would just use dabs of Goop glue.
This is my rear area USB supply.
I simply used Scotch taps to tie into the existing always on interior lighting 12 volt supply. The negative is also there for the lighting selector switch.
I again included a switch to keep the USB source from draining the battery. The switch has an LED to remind me when power is on. The orange cable tie is to loop a USB cord over before plugging in. I thought that the weight of the cord might unplug the USB cable. So far the cable tie loop hasn't been used. I used a simple cable tie to minimize head bumping hazards.
It has worked so well that I'm planning a similar modification to my 2004.
NCV3 NOTE:
Using the lighting circuit power for a USB sourcemay not work on the NCV3 computer controlled interior lighting. The power supply design/wires would need to be verified.
Manwithgun gives this information.
I removed the USB power unit from a double. That was cheaper than buying a separate USB unit.
Lighted Switch
Sure Bilt #S885915
Black Switch
JR Products #12625
Shifter Console Unit
Cllena Triple Function Dual USB Charger + Blue LED Voltmeter + 12V Outlet Socket Panel Jack Marine For Digital Devices Mobile Phone Tablet
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CU5HI7U
or
https://www.amazon.com/BlueFire-Motorcycle-Charger-Voltmeter-Cigarette/dp/B00W3U9CMW
https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter-Voltmeter/dp/B01GC496T8
Tonsiki Dual Usb Phone Motorcycle Waterproof Cigarette Lighter Socket Set Splitter 12v 2.1a Charger Power Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBKO2YY
(Pack of 4) Super White Energy-saving 5050 Chipset 15-SMD LED Panel Dome Light Auto Car Interior Reading Plate Lamp Roof Ceiling Interior Bulb With T10 / BA9S / Festoon Adapters
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W2GXXX9
Screws, crimp connectors, taps, etc. are common items.
vic
During our travels it seems that we're always looking for charging power. Much of the time it can be supplied by USB. When it is just my wife and me we've pretty much got it covered with 12 volt splitters and adapters. If other people join us there is always a line of vampires hungry for power. Grand kids = more devices.
I decided to add some capability to the shifter console. That led me to applying a similar idea in the back area.
This is what I installed in the console.
The unit came with a voltmeter, 12 volt cigar type outlet, and USB source. The aftermarket black switch above the unit is necessary because the 12 volt power source is always alive. The USB supply is a constant power thief. If left energized I'm pretty certain that it could drain the battery. The black power switch isn't lighted. The voltmeter blue LED display reminds me that the power is on.
This is what I would install now. This unit has USB, voltmeter, and a built in on/off switch.
Amazon.com: Deyooxi 12v Outlet Socket 12 Volt USB Outlet Panel Prewired 3 in 1 Cigarette Lighter Socket Quick Charge 3.0 with Dual USB Socket,LED Voltage Display and Toggle Switch for Marine Boat Truck RV: Automotive
Buy Deyooxi 12v Outlet Socket 12 Volt USB Outlet Panel Prewired 3 in 1 Cigarette Lighter Socket Quick Charge 3.0 with Dual USB Socket, LED Voltage Display and Toggle Switch for Marine Boat Truck RV: Cigarette Lighters & Parts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Update for power drain:
By mistake the USB units have been left energized overnight a few times. There wasn't any problem with battery drain those times. I can't say whether longer time would be an issue.
For now I just tagged it on to the existing 15 amp OEM outlet. When I take the dash apart to work on my ATC lights I plan to move the source over to the never used OEM cigarette lighter supply. I will update with some installation tips after the changes are complete.
Added:
You may have noticed the extra screw above/between the 12 volt outlet and the USB outlet. I was concerned that the screws with Tinnerman clips might not be secure enough so I added that fastener. When I installed the 2 position unit in my 2004 I used some dabs of Goop glue to help secure the unit. Were I to install another 3 position unit I wouldn't bother with the extra screw. I would just use dabs of Goop glue.
This is my rear area USB supply.
I simply used Scotch taps to tie into the existing always on interior lighting 12 volt supply. The negative is also there for the lighting selector switch.
I again included a switch to keep the USB source from draining the battery. The switch has an LED to remind me when power is on. The orange cable tie is to loop a USB cord over before plugging in. I thought that the weight of the cord might unplug the USB cable. So far the cable tie loop hasn't been used. I used a simple cable tie to minimize head bumping hazards.
It has worked so well that I'm planning a similar modification to my 2004.
NCV3 NOTE:
Using the lighting circuit power for a USB source
Manwithgun gives this information.
The basic parts.I just did something similar in the cargo area of my NCV3. I added individual power switches to the usb outlets since they are illuminated when power is applied. Thought the ones I order were not, but discovered otherwise once powered up...
The red wires throughout the rear interior (for the lights) are constant +12vdc with the canbus switching the ground. I just established a frame ground to complete the circuit for my manually controlled items. Tapping off of the red, which is fuse #19 - 7.5amps.
I removed the USB power unit from a double. That was cheaper than buying a separate USB unit.
Lighted Switch
Sure Bilt #S885915
Black Switch
JR Products #12625
Shifter Console Unit
Cllena Triple Function Dual USB Charger + Blue LED Voltmeter + 12V Outlet Socket Panel Jack Marine For Digital Devices Mobile Phone Tablet
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CU5HI7U
or
https://www.amazon.com/BlueFire-Motorcycle-Charger-Voltmeter-Cigarette/dp/B00W3U9CMW
https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter-Voltmeter/dp/B01GC496T8
Tonsiki Dual Usb Phone Motorcycle Waterproof Cigarette Lighter Socket Set Splitter 12v 2.1a Charger Power Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBKO2YY
(Pack of 4) Super White Energy-saving 5050 Chipset 15-SMD LED Panel Dome Light Auto Car Interior Reading Plate Lamp Roof Ceiling Interior Bulb With T10 / BA9S / Festoon Adapters
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W2GXXX9
Screws, crimp connectors, taps, etc. are common items.
vic
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