USB power onboard

whipper_snapper

whipper_snapper

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Now that so many devices have standardised on USB for charging, we need lots of USB power sources, I guess they will replace the dreadful cig. lighter socket.

I have noticed that some adapters will not charge some devices, I guess that is to do with their power demands. So rather than a proliferation of adapters and computers to provide USB, it would be nice to have a powerful, regulated 5Vdc supply that could be wired straight from the boat's 12V and straight into a bunch of sockets.

Can anyone recommend a tough and reliable regulator that will take boat nominal 12Vdc (ie a noisy 10V to 15V!) and deliver a safe and regulated 5Vdc?

Has anyone done this? Any other suggestions ?


Thanks
 
But that needs a USB input. I was thinking of something like a dc-dc converter such as these (but they don't sem to have a 5V o/p version) and wiring it straight into a bunch of USB sockets so that power would be effectively unlimited and no extra machinery and wires required to be drifting about.
 
whipper_snapper said:
But that needs a USB input. I was thinking of something like a dc-dc converter such as these (but they don't sem to have a 5V o/p version) and wiring it straight into a bunch of USB sockets so that power would be effectively unlimited and no extra machinery and wires required to be drifting about.
Click to expand...

Yes I know. That's why I said "like".

You can by them with direct power input. Not sure where. Mine is several years old.
 
Blue Sea 1016. Dual USB socket at 2.1A. So will charge 1 Ipad or similar and 2 of almost anything else. All in a ciggy lighter type housing

PBO says £9.90
Most suppliers are around £30!! .
Found one in the US at about £10 but £13 postage, but that will cover more than 1'
 
robp said:
A 12V powered hub like this http://www.amazon.com/DC-Powered-4-Port-USB-CNX-P5USB-systems/dp/B004NDU37A will power most USB devices. It can take from 7V to about 32V I think, even with cranking in progress. You might find it in UK if you search the model no.
Click to expand...

The ports on that device will only supply up to 500mA so won't charge most recent smartphones. Most require a 1A supply and larger devices such as the new iPad require 2A.

Addendum - the iPad doesn't actually require 2A. It will charge from a 1A supply, however will just charge very slowly. (This is true up to the iPad 3, don't know about the very latest model).
 
Cardo said:
The ports on that device will only supply up to 500mA so won't charge most recent smartphones. Most require a 1A supply and larger devices such as the new iPad require 2A.

Addendum - the iPad doesn't actually require 2A. It will charge from a 1A supply, however will just charge very slowly. (This is true up to the iPad 3, don't know about the very latest model).
Click to expand...

Fair enough , I didn't get as far as checking the ratings. We make a 5V 1A supply, which is indeed what much equipment needs now. One with multi o/p's such as a powered hub is useful though.
 
prv said:
Also costs £30, for no good reason I can see :)

Pete
Click to expand...

Must admit I've not tried to buy one, although they said £9.90 in the mag which sounds more in line with expectation. I just prefer the built in to an adapter and I think if I were starting a new boat the extra few quid would be worth it in the long run. Don't get me wrong, I'd be feeling ripped off, just that longer term it's a nicer solution I think.
 
lustyd said:
Must admit I've not tried to buy one, although they said £9.90 in the mag which sounds more in line with expectation. I just prefer the built in to an adapter and I think if I were starting a new boat the extra few quid would be worth it in the long run. Don't get me wrong, I'd be feeling ripped off, just that longer term it's a nicer solution I think.
Click to expand...

I'm with you on built-in rather than an adapter, my point is that there are other solutions for built-in; that Blue Sea item isn't the only way to do it.

When searching for them, the Blue Sea item has generally come up as well, and has always been offered for around £30. Not seen £9.90 anywhere.

Pete
 
prv said:
Here's a selection.

3 amp
3 amp with a USB socket already attached
Another 3 amp
10 amp
20 amp (!)

That's not an exhaustive list, but I got bored copying the links :)

Pete
Click to expand...

I have ordered one of the 3amp USB items (from China) I will let you know how it goes. Interesting topic: I am using this to install a TP Link 3G/4g wifi router on the boat that I can plug my USB 3G dongle into and share the Internet connection with the children's iPad and laptop. Also, I am hoping that it will allow me to use splashtop2 Remote Desktop programme to allow my iPad to display my PC's chartplotter whilst in the cockpit. We shall see whether this is in fact usable.
 
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