Getting rid of my "cigarette lighter" plug

[WingedFrog]

At a time of glass cockpits and USB plugs I find this outlet disgraceful... (not withstanding the fact that in my case it does not work!) I tried and almost got it to work at my last annual but it stopped working right after I screwed the some 80 screws closing the seats cover (I suspect there is a kind of insulating coating on it that I was unable to remove completely).
Stratux time!
As you may have read on some other threads, ADS-B in is coming strong and cheap lately thanks to this little jewel called Stratux. There is one problem though, the little sucker is sucking lots of Amps and has got potential to suck even more via it's 4 USB ports. So I decided to remove the cigarette lighter plug in my RV-12 and replace it with a panel mounted USB plug. I found this one that seems to fit the bill and ordered it:
http://www.powerwerx.com/oem-connect...e-charger.html
The main point in addition of providing more amps (4.2) than a standard USB port is that its shape seems fit (or close enough) to insert in place of the cigarette lighter.
Comments are welcome!

[kritsher]

The questions that jumped to my mind are: what circuit is the power outlet on, what else is drawing current on that circuit, and what is the fuse rating for that circuit? No sense installing a 4.2A USB outlet if your fuse blows when you try to draw more than, say, 3A.

Assuming no issues there, I like the idea and would like to know if this device fits in the existing hole or if you need to modify the sheet metal at all to mount it.

[WingedFrog]

Originally Posted by kritsher

The questions that jumped to my mind are: what circuit is the power outlet on, what else is drawing current on that circuit, and what is the fuse rating for that circuit? No sense installing a 4.2A USB outlet if your fuse blows when you try to draw more than, say, 3A.

Assuming no issues there, I like the idea and would like to know if this device fits in the existing hole or if you need to modify the sheet metal at all to mount it.

See this thread mentioning the 5 Amps fuse and (almost) its location:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...arette+lighter
I will follow-up on my installation issues if any.

[Johnnybgoode]

From West Marine is another kind I've had success with - I'm in the process of changing them out in my trucks now too. Well made and they have a couple options to replace OEM lighters or to install as panel mount.
Patrick

[engineerofsorts]

I like the idea of replacing venerable cigarette lighter with the more useful high-power USB ports. With such a modification, I would think the amperage limitation of the 12 V input shouldn't be an issue if this 12V-to-USB power adapter reasonably limits itself to the spec'ed 5V@3A Figure that to be 15 Watts plus loss in the conversion (which should be minimal), you should be well within the 60 Watt (12V@5A) limit of the input hidden fusing.

[flightlogic]

Have done this in the RV9A already. Found some of the replacements for 12 volt socket from China. Around 2 amps which is sufficient. I still talk to pilots that think all USB are the same though... learning about current draw and current capability is important these days. The old resistive heater element of the cigar plugs was pretty crude in the day, but lends itself to conversion.

[scsmith]

You might also consider switching to a Powerlet socket and plug. They are 15A I believe. Kind of similar to a cigarette lighter socket in concept, but a bit smaller, MUCH higher quality, with a positive snap lock in place.

They are common on high-end motorcycles for plugging in accessories such as heated vests, intercoms, etc. I have mine wired straight to the battery with a 15A breaker, and I can use it to charge the aircraft battery, or power all kinds of accessories.

[sblack]

how are you going to light a cigarette?

[AAflyer]

I installed a cigar lighter plug with the anticipation of not only using for electronics, but potentially for heated clothing. The post about smaller, "tighter" plugs that motorcyclist use is intriguing, but I wonder if it would limit me to a specific brand of heated vests, etc.
I've never used this apparel, so am unsure about the variety and plugs, etc.
I'm still a year from flying, so it's one of those things I'll worry about later?unless I get sucked in to re-wiring my plugs...

[Phantom30]

install the USB hookup in parallel.....keep the cigaret plug to run 10 gal ferry fuel bladder fuel pump. (just not @ the same time)