|
Post by detlion1643 on Jul 1, 2018 13:09:22 GMT -5
I know a lot of people around here normally run their own powered usb hubs for things to run, but before even thinking about another full blown pc in the vehicle, I'm starting much more simple and much more useful. My wife bought dual usb lighter socket ports to use in our vehicle and I never really cared for them. They are long, obnoxious, get in the way, cords everywhere, and don't provide enough power. For example, my current phone and my wifes phone plugged into the same "socket" severely diminishes the current draw to each phone so that both are constantly "connecting and disconnecting" while fighting each other for enough power to charge. We have 3 total cigarette lighter sockets in our vehicle for a total of 6 usb ports. Two of these sockets are in the front console and 1 in the trunk area. We have a vehicle with 3rd row seating, so sometimes there are cords from the center console back to the 3rd row. I can't stand it.
So, about 2 years ago I picked up a few items with intention of installing them. One item is a 7 port powered usb hub which takes an input of 12v and 5a. It provides 60w across 7 ports and claims that each port can provide 2.1a each (not combined, each). I'm not an electrician so if that is not possible please don't shoot the messenger. The other item is a little unit that accepts a variable voltage range (suitable for vehicle cranking) and steps down / regulates to variable voltage and amperage outage (you set the outages). The unit can provide 12v and 5a outage, so I will use this little unit to power the usb hub.
I will be ordering 1 of the dual port 6ft items to start with (for the driver and passenger to use). If they work out well enough, I will be ordering another dual port and 3 single ports. One single for each side of the 3rd row passengers (3rd row is 2 seats) and the dual and single for the 2nd row passengers.
As an FYI I have not seen the same usb hub available since I purchased them, so there is that. I have one attached to my Xbox One that people use for charging anything and plugging in controllers and it works to charge and send data with 6 ports in use (the 7th port doesn't work). So I'm hoping this 2nd unit I have all the ports work.
I know it's a lot of a write up, but I finally get to put a few things together. I'll make sure I update this when I get things working.
|
|
|
Post by gwynethh on Jul 1, 2018 17:30:59 GMT -5
Nice
|
|
|
Post by jhornbr225 on Jul 2, 2018 9:21:39 GMT -5
I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the wattage. Cars, while running, typically put out close to 14V. 14V x 5A is 70W. If the output is truly 5V, which I hope not, as some will go up to 5.25V, just to ensure good charging, even with cable voltage drops. So 5V x 2.1A is 10.5W, x7 is 73.5W. If they are 5.25V out, then they are about 11W per output, 77W across 7. So you are within a few watts of claims. I suspect that voltage out may droop under load, and you probably won't get the full 2.1A output. Lets just say that with those numbers, it's nowhere near the most outrageous claims made by an electronics manufacturer. You could always try one of these: www.amazon.com/DROK-Digital-Power-Voltage-Tester/dp/B00LL5UJY0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1530541045&sr=8-7&keywords=drok+usb+testerFor $10 it gives you 2 USB outputs, and shows you volts and amps. I have the older model, it shows amps and volts at the same time, but only has one output.
|
|
|
Post by detlion1643 on Jul 2, 2018 10:27:40 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by jhornbr225 on Jul 2, 2018 11:17:10 GMT -5
OK then, your limiting factor is going to be the voltage converter. If it's only 60W, that's probably all you're going to get. If you try to draw more out of the hub, the voltage will sag and the available amps at each port will drop. Looks like there are some poor reviews on the hub, Good Luck! Either way, if the Hub works OK, you'll have much more 5V power available than you do now. And it sounds like it will be installed all nice and clean. Fuses are not a bad idea, either. Get some of those inline fusholders. I don't like those cigarette lighter things either. A couple years back, I bought something like this: www.amazon.com/Ailavi-Converter-6V-24V-Output-Module/dp/B00XPZ7I4I/ref=sr_1_20?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1530547382&sr=1-20&keywords=12v+to+5v+converter+usbI can't remember where I bought them. I got a 10 pack, and I do remember they were cheap. It might have been ebay. I see these, www.ebay.com/itm/10PCS-6-24V-12V-24V-to-5V-3A-CAR-USB-Charger-Module-DC-Buck-step-down-Converter/112555369628?epid=13018292512&hash=item1a34d2a49c:g:yHEAAOSwSVJabr76. They look exactly like what I bought. They end up being $0.84 each. Hook them right to your car's 12V, and get 5V 3A out, and a USB port. I put one of them in one of my cars' center console for a phone charger and bluetooth receiver charger. I fused it as well. I have not used it much, but it seems to work well. It gets a little warm at full output, but not bad. You have to insulate them, or put them in some sort of case, as they are open boards. And they are not going to install cleanly into a panel without some fabrication. They do make those nice USB ports in a circular port that look nice. You could run a cable to one of those to make it look pretty. Just some cheap ideas...
|
|
|
Post by detlion1643 on Jul 2, 2018 12:40:15 GMT -5
The voltage regulator thing I can't remember where I ordered it from. I do remember it supports cranking voltages, so I think 6-24. It has adjustable outputs as I had a hard time finding a specific one for 12v5a. I do have a circular dual usb port on the way (linked in first post).
On the hub, I have 2 of these. The first is attached to my Xbox One. I have 1 controller plugged into it, and the other 5 ports are used for charging various devices (phones, vita, tablets...), the 7th port doesn't function anymore though but overall it was still worth the buy.
I have not tested the hub going into the vehicle yet, the box has never been opened.
Woah, I found the product again!!!
Attached is a picture of the voltage regulator.
Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by jhornbr225 on Jul 2, 2018 12:54:48 GMT -5
That link says 10V, so it may not survive a crank. But 100W is plenty for what you want to do. Those BATIGE dual USB ports look nice.
|
|
|
Post by COMpulse on Jul 6, 2018 8:34:29 GMT -5
Ordered a 2-port round USB 3 flush mount. I've already got a powered hub under the dash, so this should work out great. Then I can consider going back to USB tethering instead of WiFi tethering.
I ordered the 6 ft. Pretty sure 3 ft would have been fine. Now the tricky part will be figuring out where to stuff an extra 3 ft of USB cable.
|
|