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Hardwire USB from dashboard to car battery

  • 26-01-2015 01:11AM
    #1
    doniem
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 245 ✭✭


    Is it possible to have a USB cable connected directly to the battery the same way the radio is so it's only comes on when the key is inserted. I have a GPS mounted on the window and would like to be able to charge it without having a wire stretching from the cigarette lighter. I would like to have a USB port discreetly mounted on dash if possible.


Comments

  • #2
    Quazzie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,647 ✭✭✭✭Quazzie


    doniem wrote: »
    Is it possible to have a USB cable connected directly to the battery the same way the radio is so it's only comes on when the key is inserted. I have a GPS mounted on the window and would like to be able to charge it without having a wire stretching from the cigarette lighter. I would like to have a USB port discreetly mounted on dash if possible.

    It can be wired from behind the cigarette lighter.


  • #3
    doniem
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 245 ✭✭doniem


    Quazzie wrote: »
    It can be wired from behind the cigarette lighter.

    Thanks. That seems much more straightforward.


  • #4
    Kevin McCloud
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,797 ✭✭✭Kevin McCloud


    Take into consideration you may need to fuse the supply down to protect the device if the supply you are connecting into is fused higher.


  • #5
    keithclancy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    doniem wrote: »
    Is it possible to have a USB cable connected directly to the battery the same way the radio is so it's only comes on when the key is inserted. I have a GPS mounted on the window and would like to be able to charge it without having a wire stretching from the cigarette lighter. I would like to have a USB port discreetly mounted on dash if possible.

    Easiest and Cleanest would be a fuse tap:

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Add-A-Circuit-Mini-Blade-Holder-20amp/dp/1550063227/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430820175&sr=8-3&keywords=fuse+tap

    You just need to identify the live side on the socket and use the part furthest away from the wire (the spade) on that.

    Check your make/model as there may be some spare sockets, some that only come on when the car is turns on/off and other that are permanently on.

    This way you don't need to go splicing any wires.


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