16 replies to this topic

[dangerousdowning]

Anyone come across a USB connector that you could fit into the dash?

Seeing as the mini have no 12v cigarette lighter socket; rather than installing one and then plugging in a charger for phone or satnav, I thought it would look better is i have a USB socket nearly fitted in the dash - I only want it for power and not audio.

[lrostoke]

Did a quick google, theres lots of USB chargers that plug into a 12v socket, didn't see any stand alone ones...Some of them look suitable for fitting direct but you would need to modify the wiring slightly ...pretty easy though

Edited by lrostoke, 27 April 2012 - 01:24 PM.

[Davethepioneer]

I think this could be done. People build computers so I'm sure you could get a flush fit USB connection from somewhere like maplins. I honestly don't know the power of these but saying that I have a ad stereo that allows you to plug a memory stick in so you can play music straight from that and that's 12v

[dangerousdowning]

looking into it, I think I would have to get a flush fit one and then buy a 12v cigarette lighter socket to fit to the dash. I would have prefered a smaller hole, so it was a little more discreet.

[Davethepioneer]

Is this what your after or am I on totally the wrong track lol

http://www.maplin.co...0-sockets-43990

[matthewrussell]

I want to do this to my mini too, but hate electrics !!! , so I think I might have to take it to a garage to get a fag lighter fitted in the dashboard :) would ahve no idea where to start in wiring it, i know from the ignition but I probs would mess it up.

[paul_s]

If you fancy making one, what about something like this?
http://www.instructa...sformer-great-/

It looks like it would do what you're after.

Or, you could buy one of the cigarette lighter / USB socket things and just put the internals it in your own case?

[dangerousdowning]

Or, you could buy one of the cigarette lighter / USB socket things and just put the internals it in your own case?

That sounds like a good idea!

[Alex_B]

I like the sound of it because it looks neat but you would blow anything that uses usb as it runs at 5v as already said, unless you could regulate 5v out of it :)

Incidentally if you have an old gamecube, you can pinch the power regulator out of that, put 12v dc in and get 5v out :) its also quite efficient.

(have hacked up a gamecube to do just this )

Edited by Alex_B, 27 April 2012 - 06:29 PM.

[eeae6000]

here ya go

http://www.datapro.n...unt-cables.html

[Zulu162]

I like the sound of it because it looks neat but you would blow anything that uses usb as it runs at 5v as already said, unless you could regulate 5v out of it :)

Incidentally if you have an old gamecube, you can pinch the power regulator out of that, put 12v dc in and get 5v out :) its also quite efficient.

(have hacked up a gamecube to do just this )

YOU HACKED UP A CUBE?!!?! WHY!?!?

[dangerousdowning]

Right, i've pulled one apart. then guessing a case of cutting a hole in the dash, a bit of glue on the back, then wire up.
But, can I wire straight to loom? Does a 12v cigarette socket alter the power or is it just a form on connectivity?

Edited by dangerousdowning, 30 April 2012 - 02:47 PM.

[Eonblue]

There are lots of products like this:

https://www.roadpro.... Socket&id=1044

[dangerousdowning]

There are lots of products like this:

https://www.roadpro.... Socket&id=1044

Thanks, but that's not the really that discreet.