Add USB ports center console, how hard is it?

[Lancer1993]

I want to add some USB ports to the center console of my VRX, like these on ebay so we can charge phones and stuff while traveling.

So first I need the right type with enough power.

And I know I need a panel to replace the tiny pocket behind the gear lever but for the wiring where does that need to tap in. I want them so they are only one with ACC or when the car is running.

Would I need an electrical to run wires from the fuse box?

As for the panel and black switches whats the best option, I know the dealer has the parts but they cost a bit and wreckers are a lotto if they have them.

[aspir3]

No need to wire it to the fuse box as they take next to no power, I would just splice them into your accessories wiring (cigarette lighter) wiring loom near the handbrake

[Lancer1993]

I just didn't want to over load the fuse as that's where I have the power for my GPS and dash-cam coming from, add a couple of phones charging and it could be too much?

I guess any sparkie should be able to make sure?

[aspir3]

A cigarette lighter will use a lot more power than all those things. If you start blowing the fuse then you could divided the power but trust me it will be fine

[himynameisdaniel]

actually most usb devices take very little power however things get rather interesting when it comes to the new charging standards.
the version number of the end only signifies the data signaling standard.
which is technically supposed to control power delivery.

USB 3.x mandates 900mA 5V and 4.5w
USB 2.0 mandates 500mA 5V and 2.5w

now smartphone and phablet manufacturers have been complaining that these above standards are not enough to quickly charge their devices so they have come up with the following.

USB 3.0 Type C which can be up to 3A 5V 15w
there are also custom ones out there that can go to a whopping 5A 5V and 100w but i highly doubt you have any stuff that can do that.

what does this mean for you?

you will need to look at the draw of each device you plug in via USB and add up all of the max possible draw.
most cig sockets in the car should be able to handle up to 10-15A 12-16v and around 180w which is quite a lot.

you will be fine.

[Lancer1993]

Thanks, so what about the tiny plastic panel and blank switch, best just going to the dealer?

Can't remember their prices right now but they were high for a bit of plastic.

[Speedie]

You want them to be at least 2 amps as most high end phones wont charge and be able to be used at the 1 amp most USB plugs are.

[Lancer1993]

One other option I thought of was somehow putting some USB ports in the back of the car, maybe attached to the center console?

If I have time I'll ask an auto electrician I know what they charge to wire it up.

[gange]

I have one of these in my cigarette lighter. works fine


https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct= ... 6027664772

[Lancer1993]

That would be good if there was a lighter power plug in the rear.

I'm probably gonna add a switch panel to my center console and run an extension lead to the rear.

[toc]

Sounds simple enough to me.
Find desired USB ports from wreckers or ebay with plastic.

Find suitable 12V supply (cigarette lighter).
Buy suitable voltage regulator to provide 5V, and components required (capacitors, diode).
Create Circuit on PCB and test.
Wire into car, fit to suitable location.
Find and wire to USB port terminals (5V and gnd).

Done.
If the PCB component sounds difficult, you can likely find a ready made regulator PCB on ebay good to go (check Amp rating, if your going to do it, do it with 2A @ 5V available), just buy a small plastic enclosure to house it.

An even simpler method exists too - you can buy the female cigarette lighter sockets (these: http://www.jaycar.com.au/Interconnect/P ... t/p/PS2003), buy some cable to go from existing cigarette lighter (or other circuit as desired).
Install this into the new socket:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/Power-Products ... r/p/MP3667

Then, for the plastic, you could dremel some plastic out to accommodate two male to female USB leads and mount in suitable location.
Fairly simple method .. Could likely get the plastic from Jaycar too.

Note: I don't like Jaycar, overpriced on most things. Just saying how it could be done with Jaycar.

[ash06]

Yes quite a simple mod if you are handy at taking the centre console apart, I've done this to my car; makes the interior a little more neat when charging your devices.
Search ebay for 'motorcycle 12v female adapter' and you'll find some nice purpose made items for this mod.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Waterproof-C ... SwQItUI8~Z

[Lancer1993]

So test fitted the new switch panel and moved the garage switch.


I did have an issue, this was the last switch panel in AU according to the Mitsy dealer.


Superglue to the rescue, I'll just get a replacement later if needed.


They used this wiring that is for the power socket inside the center storage bin.


Next day I saw this, damn super glue!


So used some Armor All and it looks better now!

[Skrallex]

Looks good, I'm thinking of doing a similar thing (already hard wired my gps) from the blank plastic bit where the seat heater switches are on leather-seat models. I don't have a dremel though, which is the only thing stopping me from doing it, I want it to look neat but don't want to spend the cash to get a dremel. Trying to find something on ebay that might fit and can sit close to flush.