Charging a 2020 12.9 iPad pro with USB-C on a 12V system

alexincornwall

alexincornwall

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Hi All,

I definitely wouldn't purport to be an electrical expert but I like to try to work these things out myself. Sadly the internet doesn't want to be my friend on this one so hoping for some advice.

Not so long ago I took delivery of a 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 (the big one). It's a 'work expenditure' ;) but it just so happens that iPad's have also served us very well on the boat over the years (Navionics, films for the kids, music etc.). It's a great bit of kit but I didn't realise when buying that Apple had abandoned the regular USB charging connection for USB-C. No problem I thought, I'll just pick up a 12v cigarette adapter with a USB-C fitting.

Unfortunately this doesn't want to work and I'm wondering if a 12V system is incapable of charging the most recent iPads? I can find absolutely nothing online about the power draw of the new iPads so wondered if anyone had any pointers?

We have a genny on board so it's not the end of the world, but I'd hoped to be able to charge underway (without firing up the genny). I didn't really want to go down the inverter road...
 
alexincornwall said:
Hi All,

I definitely wouldn't purport to be an electrical expert but I like to try to work these things out myself. Sadly the internet doesn't want to be my friend on this one so hoping for some advice.

Not so long ago I took delivery of a 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 (the big one). It's a 'work expenditure' ;) but it just so happens that iPad's have also served us very well on the boat over the years (Navionics, films for the kids, music etc.). It's a great bit of kit but I didn't realise when buying that Apple had abandoned the regular USB charging connection for USB-C. No problem I thought, I'll just pick up a 12v cigarette adapter with a USB-C fitting.

Unfortunately this doesn't want to work and I'm wondering if a 12V system is incapable of charging the most recent iPads? I can find absolutely nothing online about the power draw of the new iPads so wondered if anyone had any pointers?

We have a genny on board so it's not the end of the world, but I'd hoped to be able to charge underway (without firing up the genny). I didn't really want to go down the inverter road...
Click to expand...
It should be fine - I’m not sure why it wouldn’t be. Does it work in your car so is it just the boat. Some of those cigarette chargers are very ropy in general. On the boat I replaced the cigarette style with 12v USB outlets. The first EBay set were useless - working with some devices but not with others, but the second have been great for a couple of years.
 
Last edited:
alexincornwall said:
Hi All,

I definitely wouldn't purport to be an electrical expert but I like to try to work these things out myself. Sadly the internet doesn't want to be my friend on this one so hoping for some advice.

Not so long ago I took delivery of a 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 (the big one). It's a 'work expenditure' ;) but it just so happens that iPad's have also served us very well on the boat over the years (Navionics, films for the kids, music etc.). It's a great bit of kit but I didn't realise when buying that Apple had abandoned the regular USB charging connection for USB-C. No problem I thought, I'll just pick up a 12v cigarette adapter with a USB-C fitting.

Unfortunately this doesn't want to work and I'm wondering if a 12V system is incapable of charging the most recent iPads? I can find absolutely nothing online about the power draw of the new iPads so wondered if anyone had any pointers?

We have a genny on board so it's not the end of the world, but I'd hoped to be able to charge underway (without firing up the genny). I didn't really want to go down the inverter road...
Click to expand...

I don't think there's anything wrong with your 12V system. The IPAD pro requires an 18W charger. I suspect the 12V usb c connector you have bought is not rated to provide this.

For background, not all USB Cs are equal there's a range of standards, and what charge you receive is dependant on the rating of the charger, the cable and the device being charged. Apple gear may also be particularly 'sensitive' to not being charged from official apple kit as well.

Something like this should do the job you require

Anker 18W charger
 
Ok, thanks everyone. To put a bit of meat onto the original thread, the charger was indeed a cheapo Chinese thing from eBay. It was assumed functional because it would charge my head torch, which obviously draws a lot less.

I'll acquire the Anker charger as per fifer's suggestion.
 
It will be the wattage of the USB adapter you have. Ipads need a particular wattage to charge. Its the same issue if you use an phone charger for an ipad.
I've seen this a lot when people try to charge cameras, etc from a battery charge pack.
 
I charge my MacBook off 12v to USB-C adaptors - I always use Belkin car chargers. They have a guarantee, and I'd now be reluctant to use any "lesser" brand, having killed my last MacBook with a cheap USB-C hub.
 
Any old Apple usb charger will work, or a 12v USB adapter. You then need an adapter from lightning to usb c or a usb a to usb c cable. The iPad Pro works fine on a lower powered charger. It just takes a bit longer.
 
davidpbo said:
I now try and avoid cheap chargers and rightly or wrongly go for known branded ones if possible. It is something we all leave on unattended, sometimes at least.

Having said that I am p'd off that the MK mains and USB sockets I fitted to the boat have failed after 2 years very very light use.
Click to expand...
With you on MK. I had always chosen their stuff until a 13A rated rubber socket and plug melted with a 13A Dimplex heater attached.
 
alexincornwall said:
Just to update, bought myself this:

USB C Car Charger, Anker 49.5W PowerDrive Speed+ 2 Car Adapter with 1 30W PD Port for MacBook Pro/Air (2018), iPad Pro (2018), iPhone XS/Max/XR/X/8, and 1 19.5W Fast Charge Port for S8 and More: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Even higher power than the one suggested and charges the iPad no problem. Even powers a MacBook Pro, very happy with that!
Click to expand...

Good choice. Hopefully more devices move towards usb-c charging. Would make using laptops on board much more straightforward.
 
alexincornwall said:
Ok, thanks everyone. To put a bit of meat onto the original thread, the charger was indeed a cheapo Chinese thing from eBay. It was assumed functional because it would charge my head torch, which obviously draws a lot less.

I'll acquire the Anker charger as per fifer's suggestion.
Click to expand...
I have found problems with the charging wires rather than the adapters. Is the wire an Apple one?
 
I think I've asked this before, so if I don't have a cig charger thing on board (hate them) but do have lots of usb sockets, how do I go about buying a PD thingie that connects to 12-30v in and outputs the two or more wires I'll then hook up to the vimar sockets I have onboard? Couldn't find anything brick like with plain wires in both in and out...

Cheers

V
 
vas said:
I think I've asked this before, so if I don't have a cig charger thing on board (hate them) but do have lots of usb sockets, how do I go about buying a PD thingie that connects to 12-30v in and outputs the two or more wires I'll then hook up to the vimar sockets I have onboard? Couldn't find anything brick like with plain wires in both in and out...

Cheers

V
Click to expand...
I've been down that route. There are plenty of DC/DC converters on Ebay. Some with USB flying leads. None work for i-things. The reason is they need some cross over wiring with I think an resistor in the circuit. You could do it yourself, but I just ended up buying bulkhead usb sockets.
 
I've also gone the resistor route and have various of 1.5A and 2.1A usb sockets around the boat. They are not power delivery (afaik)
I can keep on charging new mobiles and an ipad wife has using them no problem, just takes lots of time to do...

IIRC, resistors for signaling the usb device, can only go up to 2.1A

cheers

V.
 
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