Hard-wiring +5V for USB Power?

[mimalmo]

I would just add on an additional cigarette lighter behind the dash by tapping into the existing cigarette lighter wiring then use one of these:

White Universal 12 Volt USB Car Charger for Apple iPod or USB Charging Device

[Oli77]

This one looks better, plus, it apparently does not draw power when device is charged.

from here

That's if you o that way.

[mimalmo]

Apparantly you missed the part where I said it would all be behind the dash.

[Oli77]

Sure did!
Was just trying to help OP while looking around the net for an alternative 5V source in the headunit area when I came across that one.
I kinda like the low profile, apparently, you can close the ashtray door over it.

[mimalmo]

I'd like to do the Eurotray and inside of it install a USB charger along with an aux-in.

[pyreguy]

^Just ordered one. Thanks!

[Crickett]

I appreciate the suggestions, guys, but I'm already using a Belkin Micro USB Car Charger that is small enough to close the ashtray cover on when not in use:



But I'd still like to use a switched power source rather than the cigarette lighter socket. The only battery trouble I've had has been when I've left that plugged in (even without anything plugged into it); I'd like to be able to leave my iPod plugged in & know it's only drawing power when the car's on.

Also, I had considered a hidden second lighter socket tapped off the first to use one of these adapters, but I came across an article (perhaps it was the Wikipedia page) cautioning that the cigarette lighter electrical standards were never designed for powering of devices & that doing so (as has become ubiquitous) can be unreliable. Hence my search for a hard-wired solution. (Plus it's a lot of fun DIYing simple electronics!)

[johnrando]

Maybe this is too OT and deserves it's own thread, but now you've got me thinking about a USB playable source for our stock HK unit. Dice adds IPOD capability, and the Belkin port adds USB charging... how about a USB port that allows you to play music off of a USB memory stick (without changing the head unit)? The idea being that I'd feel much better leaving a USB stick in my VERT than an IPOD. John

[mimalmo]

I think the Dension lets you do all of that.

[johnrando]

I think the Dension lets you do all of that.

Thanks. I wasn't familiar with their products. I checked it out, it actually provides more capability than I need as I already have IPOD capability with my DICE, so I'd rather not spend the type of money they are asking... was hoping for something less expensive, unless I'm just not looking at the right product. Cool stuff though, would have definitely considered that instead of my DICE had I known, because I like the USB feature.