Been tossing around the idea of adding some USB power ports somewhere for ipod, phone, whatever else I charge while driving. Does anyone else done this?

I'm trying to think of the best locations to run the power. I can't decide whether I want to have the jacks inside the armrest console and have the wires running out, but then be able to tuck them away easily, or have them somewhere convenient so passengers can plug right in without rummaging through my stuff. hey, I might just do both.

The first question I have, and I admit this is my initial research phase right here, is what sort of transformers and whatnot will I need? I seem to remember reading that usb is 3v or 5v or something like that. So I probably shouldn't run a straight line from the battery right to the power port...

 

I've done it a few times.

You're overthinking it. Easiest way to do it is to get one of these (they're very cheap) - then cut it open and extend wires to +12v. All the voltage regulator circuitry is already included. Just flushmount wherever.



Or...just plug it into your cig lighter and call it a day.

 

DJ,

That's BRILLIANT. Love the idea, don't know why I didn't think of that.

How did you do the flush mounting? One thing these cars don't seem to have is an overabundance of blanked switches.

 

I had a GXE which had blank plates everywhere. Depends on your trim level.

Personal preference is going to dictate where you want the ports. Can range anywhere from glove box to armrest to shifter surround, to coin tray. Hope you're good with a Dremel. Getting USB to look good flush mount is difficult unless you're using the USB ports that actually come with flushmount capability and include bezels.

I did this a LONG LONG LONG time ago. Be creative.

https://maxima.org/forums/audio-elec...m-project.html

 

I would put it right below the hazard lights swicth. I put a 3.5mm jack into my 03 and was going to flush mount the USB ports there instead but never got around to it

 

I hate to be critical, but it's more like common sense.