For all thise wanting to do the same thing that I do and that is to charge usb on the bike. Remember that the vibrations have an effect on the usb charger adapter. I have gone through several over the past year. Some of them can not take the abuse. So if you mount a 12 volt plug and the plug in one of the usb chargers you might want to put an extension on that and put the usb adapter in a bag somewhere.
Today at Lowes I came across a cig plug inverter (70w), with a 110 plug on the back, and along side that was a mini usb plug. I ordered a Powerlet power cord that will take from the batteries sae on one end, and provide an 18 inch pigtail and a female cig on the other. I wanted the 18 inches, so I could keep it all in a saddle bag. I intend to charge my mini usb camera and my mini usb smart phone from it.
Motoriley.. how's this working for you? This seems like the easiest way to make your own, and you can cut the USB cord to length. Is there a voltage regulator in the USB block or any issues with that.. I want to charge my phone while on the trail.. Thanks!
So far so good. Tried it with my GoPro HD camera and my phone and they both liked it. No long term test yet. The wires it comes with are 3 feet long or so.
Can these things be ordered and shipped to the states? I can't find them online anywhere for shipping... ?!
I looked for a while on the web to see if i could find a better price and haven't come across them anywhere else. PM me and I'll see if the local store got some more. I nabbed the last two on display. I can always mail them to you.
for those not in the know, the original usb standard is only rated to provide 500ma, hence the problems with some adaptors not charging things.. usb is the next power plug im adding to my ttr, has a cradle for my n95 and 12v socket fitted already
I just mounted my dashboard today. I have the USB plug working where it powers my GPS, I don't have rechargeable batteries yet, it uses a Li-ion CR-v3, but should charge them too. It will charge my Ipod. And it will run my cell phone with a dead battery where I can make calls, but will not charge my cell phone even though the phone says "Charging". My cell phone will not charge from the USB on my computer, or from a cig to USB adapter that I have. I have some parts on order to try to modify my circuit and will see if that will fix it. I should have the parts by the end of the week. /
You guys are having the same problem I am. The Canada outfit doesn't ship to the US, and I can't find them anywhere else. The full amp would be nice, though, for fast charging devices that will accept that much charging current.
The Belkin adapter above puts out a full amp--add a $3 lighter socket from any auto parts store and you're in business.
Also keep in mind that some cables limit the charge to 500ma. A true USB should never go over 500ma or it may damage the PC USB port. My unit was two type of cables, one is 500ma and the other is 1amp.
The power limit also means that for devices like my GoPro camera it takes twice as long to charge plugged into my computer as it does when plugged into my USB wall charger.
Yeah, ditto here. I plan to use it for a Veho muvi, and a Vado camera on an Alaska trip. I'll probably snag a super-small laptop or a netbook, but when I camp I'll want a way to charge the cameras while riding.
I grabbed a cheap Acer netbook for my last trip and it was great to have an expendable machine to download pics and video to as well check mail. use mapping software and blog etc... Forgot to bring a little usb hard drive so I was risking it by having my pics and video only on the computer with no back up once I re-used the memory cards. Worked out OK but I'm usually mister back-up when it come to digital media....
Yeah. From what I see there isn't too big a price difference between a high end net book, and a 10" or so laptop with much more processor power and an optical drive... Once I get the USB charger and computer situation figured out, I need to think about a firearm, and maybe a Spot for the trip.
Seems like someone in the know-how here in the States could make these little Powerlet to USB adapters and make a few bucks. The Cig plugs just don't stay connected very well.. a Powerlet to USB with about a 1.5' cord to run to a tank bag and charge up your Phone or Camera on the road would be sweet!!
http://www.robobargains.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=robo&Product_Code=r2815&Category_Code=ACC-013