USB Charging Ports

**flyingwil** · 03-23-2007, 03:25 AM

It seems an increasing number of products are using USB ports to charge them. Does anybody make a 12v USB port that I could mount in the vehicle?

**pwc** · 03-23-2007, 03:53 AM

A quick search gets me this
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/z...wer.html#12vdc
and this
http://www.sailgb.com/p/12v_usb_car_charger/

I know there's also a cool universal travel charger, that has all the plugs in one unit and has a USB tap as well as AC.

**paulj** · 03-23-2007, 04:21 AM

Is the kind of thing you have in mind:
http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-Retr...23482&sr=1-136

It appears to be a 12v plug with a usb socket, and cable with usb plug and device specific plug. There are more like that on Amazon and its resellers.

paulj

**flyingwil** · 03-25-2007, 04:45 PM

I want to eliminate the Male Cigarette adaptor and just cut and install 2 or 3 USB ports that charge only, later on down the road they can be converted for the CarPC to transmit data, but for now I only want the ports that charge with out the ugly look of the male cig plug.

Any other suggestions?

**paulj** · 03-25-2007, 05:07 PM

The USB voltage is 5v. So you need a 12v to 5v converter. You might ask at a computer shop that specializes in upgrades and parts. I don't know if there are laptop power supplies that work from 12v, or if most start with 18. Those shops (or Radio Shack) would also have USB sockets, such as you might see on the back of your desktop.

paulj

**staceyfb** · 03-25-2007, 05:58 PM

As for the usb that comes in a computer. These are corded that run to the power supply. Might I suggest a car pc. You can then wire in as many usb ports you want.

**paulj** · 04-06-2007, 02:10 AM

I just saw at Sams Club a portable battery pack, about the size of paperback book, with outlets for USB 5v and 120AC. It is rechargeable with AC supply.
Pocket Power Portable Power
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...688&pCatg=5734

**shawkins** · 04-06-2007, 04:30 PM

Why couldnt you just get one on those cigarrette lighter to USB converters and strip the 12v to 5v converter out of it?

**flyingwil** · 04-12-2007, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by shawkins

Why couldnt you just get one on those cigarrette lighter to USB converters and strip the 12v to 5v converter out of it?

I am afraid to... after my last slice of a cig converter, I started a nice fire in the cab of my truck...

I just might have to resort to this option.

**Robthebrit** · 04-12-2007, 07:12 PM

Given the max current from a usb port is 500mA you could use a LM7805 1A voltage regulator to convert 12v to 5v, each regulator would power 2 ports. The circuit would be tiny and mountable in the dash or in a little box, connect the input power directly to a fuse.

Rob

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