Panel USB Power
 

I know there have been some threads before about adding USB jack (Power only) to you panel. I have been searching around for a solution that was not a cigarette lighter with a USB adapter plugged in. It seems to me that there should be someone producing these as USB power ports are coming on cars.

Finally I found these:

For a single plug or:

Which takes in 12 volts and has 4 ports. I would then probably wire front panel jacks to this.

Anyone else found anything better to panelmount USB Power jacks?

I was at Walmart the other day looking around in the automotive section and there were at least 4 or 5 different products on the shelf similar to this. Some had USB power ports, 12v sockets, etc.

Inexpensive as well.

Hi Bill,

Could you share where you found the above (single port USB adapter)? I've been looking for that very thing and have only been finding board mount type connectors. Was about to resign myself to installing a standard cigarette lighter plug and using a USB adapter.

Thx!

Source
 

Single plug
http://www.burnsmoto.com/waterproof-...anel-mount.php
4 port DC powered mountable hub
http://www.amazon.com/Industrial-4-P...9&sr=8-2-fkmr0
This could be combined with
http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7751

to give a profesional look.
$50 for the 4 port hub, and $10 for each panel mount and you can mount 4 USB ports for under $100. I think this is what I am going to do. 2 on the dash and 2 on the center armrest console for the back seats.

Something similar: http://www.rocketmoto.com/index.php/...ower-port.html

Question
 

Do the hard-wired mounts lower the output voltage to 5 volts when hooked up to 12 volts?

The single round one does, but the ones that are just panel mounted cables do not, they are just cables.

That is why I am thinking/planning on the 4 port usb hub. The one listed previously takes a 12 volt input, and puts out 5 volts at up to 1 amp on the usb ports. Then the hardwire mounts on the panel and connects to the USB hub.

Bill

Just remember you will need a 2A USB port to charge an iPad, most are 1A and the iPad will not charge while in use.

For panel mounting, something like this might be better so it's flush with the panel surface.



http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-...e-a-cable.html

Cycle Nutz
 

Got this unit from Cycle Nutz. It has a 12v to 5v regulator and it supplies up to 1 amp. I am going through a full panel rebuild right now and this seems to fit the bill. The unit is pretty easy to mount. I cut a hole with a key slot in the bottom to keep it clocked the right direction and the silver back shell just screws on and clamps the panel between the backshell and the plastic face. http://www.cyclenutz.com/All-Weather-USB-Panel-Mount-Kit_p_636.html

(as Charlie said) for those planning to use the USB to power / charge an iPad, it requires 2.1A. I would not be surprised to find some of the Android tablets with a similar requirement.

I opted for a dual cigarette lighter receptacle under the panel and a low profile high power USB adapter in one of them.

I like the fit and finish of a USB port on the panel but I also like the flexibility of being able to use the cigarette port for other things.

YMMV