USB Panel?

I am looking to wire-up a couple of USB ports for charging stuff (Sat-Nav, MP3 Player etc). Whilst I can find loads of converters for standard car cigarette lighters, I can't find something that I could hardwire in. Has anyone come across anything suitable?

Thanks

no but i should think one could be made

Blue90 said:

I am looking to wire-up a couple of USB ports for charging stuff (Sat-Nav, MP3 Player etc). Whilst I can find loads of converters for standard car cigarette lighters, I can't find something that I could hardwire in. Has anyone come across anything suitable?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Buy a load of plug in usb chargers and take them apart, inspect the wiring then modify to suit and add as many new USB connections as you require, and fit into a new enclosure

USB uses 5Volts and is current limited - not many cars run 5Volts.
get yoself a PC USB extension lead and the guts out of a ciggy lighter adapter and make summat out of both.


like this...

The Mad Hat Man said:

USB uses 5Volts and is current limited - not many cars run 5Volts.
get yoself a PC USB extension lead and the guts out of a ciggy lighter adapter and make summat out of both.


like this...

Click to expand...

Int that what I just said???

or you could fit an inverter and while yer mp3 is charging you could make a cup of tea

redhand said:

Int that what I just said???

Click to expand...

except...... they are current limited so the circuitry wont supply enuf power for more than (maybe) 2 sockets.

Which is why I said buy a load of usb chargers and fit them into a new enclosure.

Sounds like a mini-project to me

Will have a go and let you know how I get on.

Thanks for the advice.

Or... buy a cheap 5V voltage regulator IC from somewhere like here

Rapid Electronics - 1A Buck voltage regulators LM2575

and wire it in to a USB extension lead as above.

Dont worry too much about the limited current, the device won't draw more than it needs, and the voltage reg is limited to 1A max anyway.
Total cost - pittance.