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View Full Version : USB in Dash ~ + 2 20 amp toggles



Infidel Edition
08-28-2013, 02:31 PM
I've been looking to add a couple toggle switches for a while now and decided the wiper switch was a good spot (with a stick, the other side is empty).
And while cutting, I decided to add a dual USB as well.

The switches were basic LED toggles from Amazon for $7.99 for a 10 pack.
The USB was $4.99 at Ross (outlet).

I took the basic cig.lighter USB charger and removed the cover
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Then pulled out the actual plugs and board
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I removed the wiper switch plate
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Then cut / modified the holes for the 2 toggles and USB into the main piece...
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Then cut the cover plastic
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... and put it all together
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2 20 amp LED toggles in place, 1 dual 2.5 amp USB charger.
Maybe an hour (plus shopping time).

Brasscatz
08-28-2013, 06:12 PM
Very neat idea with the usb ports... do you have a more detailed writeup for the install?

XJ Wheeler
08-28-2013, 06:24 PM
Very cool. I've actually been thinking of adding some usb ports too, just not sure how to go about it.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

prerunner1982
08-28-2013, 06:30 PM
There is an article in JP Magazine April 2013 regarding adding USB ports.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/electrical/154-1304-april-2013-randys-electrical-corner/

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8670

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/images/products/large_8670_1016.jpg

NW99XJ
08-28-2013, 06:31 PM
NICELY DONE, PRETTY CLEAN INSTALL TOO!
What did you do to secure the small pcb on the back of the panel?
(in other words, what is preventing the usb ports from being shoved into the dash?)

NW99XJ
08-28-2013, 06:39 PM
Also, I think one of our vendors Prime4x4 has some USB options (http://www.prime4x4.com/shop/OffRoad-Electrical-Accessories--Components/USB-Devices.htm) for this sort of stuff.

Infidel Edition
08-28-2013, 08:06 PM
Very neat idea with the usb ports... do you have a more detailed writeup for the install?

Not really much more to it than the pic's.
I picked up a couple connectors at Home Depot and ran ground to ground / power to power with the cigarette lighter... The car adapters are already 12 volt.
When you open the USB case... there's a red (+) wire and a black (-).


NICELY DONE, PRETTY CLEAN INSTALL TOO!
What did you do to secure the small pcb on the back of the panel?
(in other words, what is preventing the usb ports from being shoved into the dash?)

The USB ends are flaired by standard. So I cut the opening the plastic just a bit thinner than the putter edges ~ so the front slides on to the plastic.
I was thinking about glueing it in place w/ silicone ... But the ends were secure as is.
Just to be sure, used a zip-tie to secure it down.

Infidel Edition
08-28-2013, 08:07 PM
There is an article in JP Magazine April 2013 regarding adding USB ports.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/electrical/154-1304-april-2013-randys-electrical-corner/

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8670

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/images/products/large_8670_1016.jpg

I originally looked for something like this... But when I couldn't find 1 for cheap, I decided to make my own

Infidel Edition
08-28-2013, 09:36 PM
I did learn the hard way though...
The USB plugs are a little higher than I thought with the dash in place
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It virtually puts the cable against the dash...