iPad mount and powering

WingnutWick · #1 10-11-2014, 03:37 PM

Hello all,

I am looking to re-do my panel and use a mounted iPad vice buying something like a sky view. My question comes to powering the iPad. Looking on Spruce there are a couple of USB changes with significant price range depending on whether you just wire right to the electrical system or use a step down (24V-5V) system. Does anyone have any input on this and installing USB charging ports in general in your plane?

Thank you!

Charles

YellowJacket RV9 · #2 10-11-2014, 03:51 PM

I used these http://steinair.com/storedetail.cfm?productid=601 and like how they turned out. Wired from a fuse block on the subpanel.

Chris

humptybump · #3 10-11-2014, 03:59 PM

I installed a standard cigarette lighter style power plug and use altra-low-profile dual USB adapter. The result is about 3/16" proud of the panel and I can always use the power for other things if needed. It also gives me an LED indicator that they are energized.

WingnutWick · #4 10-11-2014, 04:11 PM

What about the voltage difference?

WingnutWick · #5 10-11-2014, 04:22 PM

For instance, will something like this fry my IPad? : http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...?clickkey=6431

humptybump · #6 10-11-2014, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingnutWick

What about the voltage difference?

Scosche USBC202M Dual 10 Watt (2.1A each)

cfiidon · #7 10-11-2014, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingnutWick

For instance, will something like this fry my IPad? : http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...?clickkey=6431

According to the dimensional drawing link on the ACS link, the output is 5V and 2.1 amps. That is just what you need for the iPad. Before you permanently install it, I would power it, your iPad, and radios to make certain there are no noise issues.

I had an inexpensive one that plugs into a cigarettel lighter adapter and it was noisy. I then bought a nice and quiet Belkin. The el cheapo went to my car.

Good luck.

Don

ColoRv · #8 10-11-2014, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humptybump

Scosche USBC202M Dual 10 Watt (2.1A each)

Thats what I use and it works well for my iPad.

SteinAir · #9 10-11-2014, 09:05 PM

The issue with all of those (including ours) is the 2.1A limit, which is just BARELY enough to float an iPad with the GPS and maps running. They will charge if you dim the screen or turn off some apps, but not generally charge.

That said, we are testing some higher amp panel mount units now (for noise, capability, interference, etc..) and hopefully within some weeks we will have a result to report back on. Also, generally the cig plug type are slighlty less good than dedicated units (we carry both), but they will work.

Anyway, just letting you know we're working on it!

Cheers,
Stein

greghughespdx · #10 10-11-2014, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteinAir

... we are testing some higher amp panel mount units now (for noise, capability, interference, etc..) and hopefully within some weeks we will have a result to report back on.

Excellent. Have been looking for higher power options to include permanently in the plane, so looking forward to what you all come up with. What sort of power outputs are you looking at, and I assume they trigger the "smart" circuitry of the tablets etc that would be charged, so they can use the full available power?