My USB port write-up

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)
22AWG Stranded wire or better
Crimped Eyelet
Add-A-Circuit
Fuses (stock fuses 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.


Fuse choice:
AACs have two fuse slots, one for the primary circuit you're tapping in to and one for the circuit you're adding. It isn't usually well documented which slot is which, so you will have to do a little figuring on you're part. (It is important that you don't use the wrong slots!) I would suggest that for this mod you try and use a 3A fuse for the USB charging circuit and use the standard fuse rated for the original circuit in the second slot of the AAC. Also note that the fuses that normally fit in the truck WILL NOT fit in the AAC.

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:

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 recommend reading his thread which is located HERE.

 

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

 

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

 

Nice job man! Good writeup!

 

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

 

When the plane ticket comes in the mail.

 

Nice work! I need to get on that!

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

nice

 

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)?
.

 

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.jsp?skuId=9235302&type=product&id=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!

 

I like it Viet, but as Frank stated, It would be nice to keep the 12V ACC plugs available. Besides, hacking is more fun. I plan to make mine a bit more presentable though.