My USB port write-up

EEtaco · 08-06-2009, 08:53 PM

Problem: Not enough 12v outlets.

Solution: Consolidate any devices drawing power from a USB port to have its own port.

What I used:
12v to USB adapter (See end of post for information on picking out an adapter)
12AWG wire? (can't remember exactly, but what I used was overkill since it was all I had on hand)
Crimped Eyelet
Add-A-Circuit
20A Fuse(stock fuse didn't fit in AAC)
Dremel, soldering iron, etc.

Finding a fuse to tap into was easy. Since I have a Prerunner I could tap into the 4x4 circuit without affecting anything.

I gutted a 12v to USB car adapter so that I could fit it in one of the buttons below the radio. I was getting impatient as my dremel was low on charge so it's not as prefessional looking as I would have liked.

Another picture showing the amount of wire used. The red crimp shown is where I connected the ground later.

The most time consuming part was feeding the wire through the back of the dash.

Once that wire was complete I went back and connected the ground to the radio mount.

Then just push the button back in.

The USB port is actually sitting flush unlike how it was in the earlier pictures. I could have taken it slower while fitting it and make it look more professional, but due to it's position you don't pay much attention to it. This mod works great if you have a mp3 player since it's right next to your Aux jack, but it could be placed anywhere.

If you plan to use this with an Iphone or Ipod please take note of the following:

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntingr

CAUTION - Many of the USB Cig Lighter Adapters do not provide enough current to charge your iPod/iPhone unit(s). The one I have puts out 400mA (.4A) and it will not charge my iPod Nano. The iPod/iPhone needs at least 1Amp to charge. When you purchase an adapter for this mod, make SURE it is rated for at least 1Amp for the +5VDC output.

Reference: http://forums.ilounge.com/showthread.php?t=93001
.

Suggestion: ElectronMan did the same mod, however takes a different approach and mounts a fully fuctional USB port with the ability to hook the port to an aftermarket HU should the need arise. I'd suggest reading his thread which is located HERE.

wolfpack_5150 · 08-06-2009, 08:56 PM

Nice writeup, tigerdirect/newegg for the adapter?

EEtaco · 08-06-2009, 08:58 PM

Found it at radioshack, but it would most likely by cheaper at either of those places.

TacoNut · 08-06-2009, 09:05 PM

good job!

we did something simmilar on my friends first gen. tapped in to a cig outlet and hid the usb in the center console

Colton · 08-06-2009, 09:19 PM

Nice job man! Good writeup!

socalman22 · 08-06-2009, 10:09 PM

Nice i need something like this when can you come over?

EEtaco · 08-06-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalman22

Nice i need something like this when can you come over?

When the plane ticket comes in the mail.

Stewie · 08-31-2009, 07:50 AM

Nice work! I need to get on that!

irshliquor · 08-31-2009, 10:58 AM

This is exactly what I have been wanting! I don't have much experience doing this kind of stuff though, did you have to solder the wire onto the USB adapter?

Also, how did you feed the wire behind the dash? Did you have to disassemble anything at all? I have a 2 port USB adapter that I would be completely willing to disassemble and put inside the dash if I could figure out how to get this done exactly...

EEtaco · 08-31-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irshliquor

This is exactly what I have been wanting! I don't have much experience doing this kind of stuff though, did you have to solder the wire onto the USB adapter?

Also, how did you feed the wire behind the dash? Did you have to disassemble anything at all? I have a 2 port USB adapter that I would be completely willing to disassemble and put inside the dash if I could figure out how to get this done exactly...

Yes, I soldered the positive wire to the USB adapter and crimped the ground to the existing wire on it due to the lack of soldering space on the USB adapter. You could crimp both, but I just prefer soldering when possible. As far as feeding the wire goes you just need to remove the climate controls. Removing the plastic piece below the left console vent (where the 4x4 switch is usually located) is optional, but it provides you a good view of guiding the wire. The wire actually snakes up from the switch to the climate controls, left through a support bracket to behind the 4x4 switch, then down towards the pedals where it can be grabbed and pulled across to the fuse box.

Modifying your 2 port USB adapter could prove tricky as I had just enough space in the spare switch to mount my one port, but I'm sure it could be done.

thestrangebrew · 08-31-2009, 01:56 PM

This is a great idea and write up. Nice job!!

digit748 · 09-06-2009, 11:26 PM

EETaco, thanks for the idea- great mod! I did change it up bit though to fit my needs. I used a double USB car adapter from Best Buy (19.99), I know a bit more expensive but I couldn't wait. More importantly I placed the "Mini Add-A-Circuit" in the #6 Slot (Door Lock System) so that the the USB ports would have constant power. Great for charging iPhones, Mp3 Players, etc when the truck is off!! I am a newbie so if someone knows of a reason I shouldn't do this I'm all ears. 2009 4x4 DBL CAB TRD OFF-ROAD

calfire88 · 09-29-2009, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digit748

EETaco, thanks for the idea- great mod! I did change it up bit though to fit my needs. I used a double USB car adapter from Best Buy (19.99), I know a bit more expensive but I couldn't wait. More importantly I placed the "Mini Add-A-Circuit" in the #6 Slot (Door Lock System) so that the the USB ports would have constant power. Great for charging iPhones, Mp3 Players, etc when the truck is off!! I am a newbie so if someone knows of a reason I shouldn't do this I'm all ears. 2009 4x4 DBL CAB TRD OFF-ROAD

the idea of hardwiring the plug in is a great one actually. i took a 3 plug cigarette lighter 12 volt adapter and did the same thing so i can charge my ipod and phone if either one dies and im not driving. its awesome

glandnut · 09-30-2009, 04:42 PM

OK, so I have a question. Wouldn't this just provide an output voltage of 12V? I was looking at the 120v to usb plug and cable that comes with all iPhones, and it converts that wall current to an output of 5v. Someone unknowingly just taking a usb to ipod cable and plugging it up to this mod would possibly fry the device, right? The actual cables don't regulate or convert voltage.

EEtaco · 09-30-2009, 05:46 PM

The 12v USB adapter is what converts the 12v to 5v. This mod just simply hard-wires the adapter so that it is not taking up one of the accessory plugs. Unless you're using some non-certified adapter or something unknown, USB is spec'd to carry 5v.

glandnut · 09-30-2009, 06:05 PM

Cool, thanks for the clarification. Great idea as I was wondering what useful item I could place in those blank switch covers.

paintdiddy · 09-30-2009, 06:06 PM

nice

huntingr · 09-30-2009, 10:11 PM

That's a great idea! I have been thinking about what to do with thos blank switch plates; thanks for planting that seed in my mind! I also like the double USB port idea. I think I will use a separate dual port connector and solder it directly to the adapter board (instead of trying to mount the adapter bd. to the switch plate). I am going to do the 12V accessory plug mod (to make the 12V plugs always active), and then connect the USB adapter to the wires going to the 12V accessory plugs. 2 mods at once!
.
Question: is there a 5VDC source on the electrical panel that can be tapped in to (trying to plant another seed here)?
.

Viet2100 · 09-30-2009, 11:01 PM

Way too much work man. You hacked the hell out of that dummy button.

I got one of these:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218064404513

Mine is similar but even smaller and does not stick out.

If I were to actually add a USB port, it would be directly into my HU. But, I've been too lazy and no tools here =[

frankrizzo1 · 10-01-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viet2100

Way too much work man. You hacked the hell out of that dummy button.

I got one of these:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218064404513

Mine is similar but even smaller and does not stick out.

If I were to actually add a USB port, it would be directly into my HU. But, I've been too lazy and no tools here =[

I think the original poster was trying to keep his 12v power outlets available.... which is why he hardwired. But that gizmo is definately the way to go for me! Nice find, especially for 24 bucks!

08-06-2009, 09:05 PM	#4
TacoNut Resident Hippy Removal Expert Name: Adam Joined: Mar 2008, #5597 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Gender: Male Posts: 4,669 08 Prerunner SR5 TRD OR Acess Cab 2008 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 a few things.......	good job! we did something simmilar on my friends first gen. tapped in to a cig outlet and hid the usb in the center console __________________ Hello you sick twisted freaks, I am Adam. Forever...

08-06-2009, 09:19 PM	#5
Colton You feelin' lucky, punk? Name: Colton Joined: May 2009, #17626 Location: Smithfield, VA Gender: Male Posts: 7,730 Future 2010 DC MGM 4x4 Automatic	Nice job man! Good writeup! __________________ "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

08-31-2009, 07:50 AM	#8
Stewie Damn you, vile woman! Joined: Dec 2008, #11503 Location: Roseville, CA Gender: Male Posts: 37 09 DC 4x4 TRD Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 with P265/65R17 Dunlop GrandTrek AT Tires and a tow package.	Nice work! I need to get on that! __________________ ~Stewie Became a proud owner 12/10/2008!! 2009 Tacoma DC 4x4 TRD Sport w/ Tow Package Color: Silver Streak Mica \| Interior: Graphite

09-30-2009, 06:06 PM	#17
paintdiddy Senior Member Name: grand master b Joined: Oct 2008, #9924 Location: dirty jerzey Gender: Male Posts: 2,598 08 d/c l/b 4wd rusted pile of crap 2008 Double Cab Automatic 6 baby seat mod, cap, remote start,factory seat covesr. custom rusted frame	nice __________________

09-30-2009, 11:01 PM	#19
Viet2100 Senior Member Name: Viet Joined: Jun 2007, #1930 Location: Orlando/Naples, FL Age: 21 Gender: Male Posts: 699 '07 PreRunner Double Cab SR5 X-SP 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 Liter VVT-i Borla Cat-Back, Recessed Grille, Painted Lower Bumper Valence, Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD, MTX 504X, Alpine Components, Alpine 10" Sub, eBay Projector Headlamps with BMW retro, VVME 8000K HIDs, Color-keyed Eyelids, Nokya Hyper Yellow Fogs, Color-keyed Side Mirrors, Completely De-badged, Painted Engine Cover, Redline Hood Struts, Tint, OEM LED Tails tinted, LED White Interiors, LED White Gauge Cluster, LED Rear Turn Signal, LED Reverse Light, LED License Plate, Yokohama Parada Spec-X 265/50/20, Rear Springs TSB, 10% Tint, Black Headliner, Dynamat Ceiling/Front Doors	Way too much work man. You hacked the hell out of that dummy button. I got one of these: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218064404513 Mine is similar but even smaller and does not stick out. If I were to actually add a USB port, it would be directly into my HU. But, I've been too lazy and no tools here =[ __________________ CarDomain 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SR5 PreRunner X-SP Borla VVME BMW Dynamat Pioneer Alpine Philips Apple Enkei Falken Bilstein Reese V-LED MTX Nokya Redline Valentine 1 Mobile 1 Denso WrecklessProductions

08-06-2009, 08:58 PM	#3
EEtaco Member Joined: Feb 2009, #13917 Location: mississippi Gender: Male Posts: 49 09 V6 PreRunner 2009 Double Cab Automatic v6	Found it at radioshack, but it would most likely by cheaper at either of those places.

08-06-2009, 10:09 PM	#6
socalman22 Socaltacomas.com San Diego Name: Steve-0 Joined: Mar 2007, #1146 Location: So.Cali Gender: Male Posts: 7,094 06 PreRunner Dbl Cab 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L What Mods!	Nice i need something like this when can you come over? __________________ 06 Pre Runner! Made BY A.D New SoCal Forum Socaltacomas.com Shirts Round 3 (Ends 11/9/2009)

08-31-2009, 10:58 AM	#9
irshliquor Junior Member Joined: Mar 2009, #14933 Location: Bakersfield, CA Gender: Male Posts: 20 2009 PreRunner TRD Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic V6	This is exactly what I have been wanting! I don't have much experience doing this kind of stuff though, did you have to solder the wire onto the USB adapter? Also, how did you feed the wire behind the dash? Did you have to disassemble anything at all? I have a 2 port USB adapter that I would be completely willing to disassemble and put inside the dash if I could figure out how to get this done exactly...

08-31-2009, 01:56 PM	#11
thestrangebrew Senior Member Name: Brian Joined: Aug 2009, #21878 Location: Dos Palos CA Gender: Male Posts: 368 TRD 4x4 Rugged Trail Edition 2008 Double Cab Automatic V6 4.0L Black Badges, Black Center Console	This is a great idea and write up. Nice job!!

09-06-2009, 11:26 PM	#12
digit748 Junior Member Joined: Sep 2009, #22372 Gender: Male Posts: 6	EETaco, thanks for the idea- great mod! I did change it up bit though to fit my needs. I used a double USB car adapter from Best Buy (19.99), I know a bit more expensive but I couldn't wait. More importantly I placed the "Mini Add-A-Circuit" in the #6 Slot (Door Lock System) so that the the USB ports would have constant power. Great for charging iPhones, Mp3 Players, etc when the truck is off!! I am a newbie so if someone knows of a reason I shouldn't do this I'm all ears. 2009 4x4 DBL CAB TRD OFF-ROAD

09-30-2009, 04:42 PM	#14
glandnut Member Joined: Jul 2009, #19461 Location: NE Florida- Jville Age: 36 Gender: Male Posts: 77 09' MGM TRD DC Sport LB 2009 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE	OK, so I have a question. Wouldn't this just provide an output voltage of 12V? I was looking at the 120v to usb plug and cable that comes with all iPhones, and it converts that wall current to an output of 5v. Someone unknowingly just taking a usb to ipod cable and plugging it up to this mod would possibly fry the device, right? The actual cables don't regulate or convert voltage.

09-30-2009, 05:46 PM	#15
EEtaco Member Joined: Feb 2009, #13917 Location: mississippi Gender: Male Posts: 49 09 V6 PreRunner 2009 Double Cab Automatic v6	The 12v USB adapter is what converts the 12v to 5v. This mod just simply hard-wires the adapter so that it is not taking up one of the accessory plugs. Unless you're using some non-certified adapter or something unknown, USB is spec'd to carry 5v.

09-30-2009, 06:05 PM	#16
glandnut Member Joined: Jul 2009, #19461 Location: NE Florida- Jville Age: 36 Gender: Male Posts: 77 09' MGM TRD DC Sport LB 2009 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE	Cool, thanks for the clarification. Great idea as I was wondering what useful item I could place in those blank switch covers.

09-30-2009, 10:11 PM	#18
huntingr Junior Member Joined: May 2009, #17734 Location: California Gender: Male Posts: 5 09 Prerunner SR5 TRD Double Cab 2009 Double Cab Automatic	That's a great idea! I have been thinking about what to do with thos blank switch plates; thanks for planting that seed in my mind! I also like the double USB port idea. I think I will use a separate dual port connector and solder it directly to the adapter board (instead of trying to mount the adapter bd. to the switch plate). I am going to do the 12V accessory plug mod (to make the 12V plugs always active), and then connect the USB adapter to the wires going to the 12V accessory plugs. 2 mods at once! . Question: is there a 5VDC source on the electrical panel that can be tapped in to (trying to plant another seed here)? .

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