Adding USB ports for charging

[mr_miles]

my latest and greatest idea is adding a few USB ports for charging things, phones, gps, etc etc. has anyone done or attempted this? I'm thinking of adding four total, two to the right of the cig lighter, and two either in one of the glove compartments, or in the slot next to the e-brake handle.

and a question towards CtScott, if he reads this. I'm doing research to figure out how to get it down to correct voltage, but you may know faster than me. What would i need to get it proper?

So, keep your heads up, this may be done pretty soon :)

[CTScott]

You need a 5V regulator circuit to drop the 12+ Volts down to 5.0V. The easiest way to do so is to purchase a premade one, gut it and mount it as you want it. This Griffin one would be a good choice:


http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=217527284&sellerid=22498279

[sex]

I've been researching this myself. LM7805 and LM2576 come to mind since I'm looking to power an ipad (2A). This person made a guide with a 7805:

http://timothyb.net/DIY_iPad_2_USB_Charger.html

[CTScott]

I've been researching this myself. LM7805 and LM2576 come to mind since I'm looking to power an ipad (2A). This person made a guide with a 7805:

http://timothyb.net/DIY_iPad_2_USB_Charger.html

That's a nice design for making one from scratch. You can use a LD1085V50 ($0.79 each from Mouser) instead of the expensive CUI module. The LD1085V50 will require a heat sink, but they run less than $0.25.

[mr_miles]

Don't know why i didn't think of gutting a premade one, that would be a lot easier. I got the idea from looking at the usb charger i have. Lol. Maybe I'll gut it and add a second port, also. i think that little square spot by the cig lighter would be just the right size. i need to fill it anyhow, i kinda' broke the tab when i was fidgeting with it seeing if it was removable.

[enviri]

i wanted to do that, but then i found a "bullet" usb adapter for the cig. lighter. I obtained it right before i got laid off :) There's a slight issue that causes my radio to static a little bit but its not at all annoying. (I use an ipod video out connector to attach to my scion monitor)

[Revsson]

You might also want to take a look at a previous DIY:
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9431

Sounds like this is what you want to do with that area by the 12v Outlet.

[mr_miles]

Well look at that! guess I'm not the only one who had the idea, lol.