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Qi Charger In-Dash Install (with Pictures)

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by yourestupidforasking, May 22, 2017.

  1. May 22, 2017 at 8:20 AM
    #1
    yourestupidforasking

    yourestupidforasking [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #214505
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    North San Diego County
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Off-Road 4x4 DCSB
    Wheeler's Off-Road 1.5" AAL Custom Half-Rack Roof Rack w/RotoPax mount Tepui Autana XL RTT
    So after riding in my buddies '16 DCSB OR with the Technology Package, I became a little jealous of some of the bells and whistles that are not on my '15 DCSB OR Base. In particular was the Qi Charger. So, I decided to make my own and I was encouraged to share it with you guys.

    DISCLAIMER - This is for a 2015 Manual Transmission. I can not vouch that this will work for Auto Transmissions because I haven't examined the dash in those.

    What you will need:
    1 - CHOETECH Three Coil USB Micro Qi Charger
    1 - 12VDC to 5VDC Regulator
    3" - Heat Shrink Tubing (0.63" ID Before, 0.16" ID After)
    Assorted smaller ID heat shrink for the wires
    Soldering Iron
    Solder
    Sand Paper or Acetone
    Dremel or exacto knife
    VHB. I used 3M 4929. It's 25 MILs thick and it's made for automotive applications. I highly recommend using this because its thin and strong.


    Obligatory Finished Product Pic first:
    20170521_185904.jpg
    This is a picture that I actually took to show off my button routing/addition that I did. However, you can see the little cubbie hole below the buttons. This is where I set my phone now and it automatically charges. (I couldn't take a picture of my phone charging, because I use my phone to take pictures.)

    What to start with:
    20170501_064008.jpg
    I bought both of these off Amazon. Each are about $20.

    The Qi charger is a simple CHOETECH Three Coil USB Micro Qi Charger.

    https://www.amazon.com/Choetech-T51...ords=CHOETECH+Three+Coil+USB+Micro+Qi+Charger

    The little PCB is a 12VDC to 5VDC Regulator.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T56YWY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    The Build:
    First, you need to take apart the Qi Charger.
    20170501_064314_001.jpg
    You can see the three coils here. The reason that I chose this particular Qi charger was because if it sits in the center of the cubbie, one of the three coils will charge my phone no matter where my phone is placed.

    If you flip the Qi PCB over, you will notice two conveniently placed through-holes for the DC Voltage In.
    20170501_065340.jpg

    Here I just soldered on two strands of 18 AWG stranded. 18 AWG is a bit much, but it fit in the holes nicely and its what I had laying around.
    20170501_070426.jpg

    Here's a shot from the Flip side.
    20170501_070435.jpg

    Next, I had to do some enclosure modifications.

    First I had to route out some of the enclosure so that my new wires could get out.
    20170501_071902.jpg

    Next, I had to remove the matte finish off of the top side of the enclosure. I found out, through trial and error, that the VHB that I wanted to use didn't adhere to that stuff. I didn't want to sand it at first, so I tried to remove it with acetone. This works, but it's a PITA. In hind site, I should have just carefully sanded it off.
    20170501_081246.jpg

    Now, put the Qi Charger back together.
    20170501_071914.jpg

    20170501_072053.jpg

    Now the Regulator.
    Here is the Wiring Diagram that I pulled from Murata's site:
    20170501_064508.jpg

    Easy enough with a little solder:
    20170501_073529.jpg

    It's hard to see here, but there are actually two BLACK wires soldered to the middle pin. These are my Ground from the Qi Charger, and my Ground that will attach to the truck.
    NOTE: Be sure to add shrink tubing to the wires before soldering them onto the PCB.

    Assembled (note the presence of the matte finish in this picture. Like I said, trial and error)
    20170501_073734.jpg

    Next I enclosed the entire PCB in heat shrink and adhered it to the back of the Qi case. Again, be sure to sand off the matte finish for the VHB to adhere properly.
    20170501_075206.jpg

    A quick check on the power supply to verify functionality and current draw:
    20170501_111149.jpg

    Here is, approximately, the max distance that the Qi will reach and still charge. Definitely , more than enough.
    20170501_111252.jpg
    NOTE - I completely forgot to document two steps. First, the grey rubber double WiFi looking symbol will either need to be trimmed flush with the top cover or removed completely. Second, the entire top surface will need to be covered with the VHB. (Which you can kinda see in the picture above)

    The Install:

    Now I'm not going to go through the minutia of disassembling the center console. This is because, at least in the 2015's, it's a PITA! To get to the bottom row of buttons on the center console (where the 12V cigarette lighter/chargers are) is like the center doll of a Russian Nesting Doll. I had to take the entire Dash apart and remove the center console armrest/storage box.

    Anywho, I removed the shifting nob and pulled that whole piece out.
    20170521_140035.jpg

    It's hard to see in this picture (sorry) but the white insulated area in the very back is where the Qi will need to mount.
    20170521_140045.jpg

    Here is the underside view.
    20170521_140049.jpg

    Carefully peel back the insulation. I didn't want to damage mine because I wanted to place it back over the charger when I was done.
    20170521_140138.jpg

    Next, peel off the VHB backing and place in the center of the cubbie wall.
    20170521_140255.jpg

    Ensure that the VHB has a solid bond by pressing firmly from both sides, then place the insulation back over the Qi Charger.
    20170521_140305.jpg

    I pulled the +12V (Blue wire in the Picture. This should have been the RED wire from the Qi Charger, but I got a little excited/tired and cut the RED wire too short, so I had to put in a jumper) from the 12v cigarette lighter adapter. It's the Green/White wire on the back.
    20170521_180853.jpg

    I then attached a 3 AMP fuse to the BLACK wire of the Qi Charger and mounted the fuse below the cup holders for easy access if the Fuse pops.
    20170521_185631.jpg

    And that's it. I put everything back and I now have an in-dash Qi charger in my 2015.
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2017
    Arlaghan, Fatchrisfbm and Tacoma1192 like this.
  2. May 22, 2017 at 9:56 AM
    #2
    ACEkraut

    ACEkraut Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2014
    Member:
    #129627
    Messages:
    4,233
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    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    Topsham, Maine
    Vehicle:
    2014 DCSB TRD Off Road
    Nice write up! Something to consider for the future....
     
  3. Jun 1, 2017 at 1:03 PM
    #3
    Tacoma1192

    Tacoma1192 GD MOTORSPORTS

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Member:
    #119290
    Messages:
    1,455
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    Boise, ID
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCSB Sport
    39's, LT, 4 Link, Spidertrax 9"
    Now if only my iphone had wireless charging.. well done on the write up.
     
  4. Jun 1, 2017 at 1:14 PM
    #4
    Arlaghan

    Arlaghan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2016
    Member:
    #204138
    Messages:
    495
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Alex
    Redmond, WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Red TRD Off-Road
    Nice. Don't be too jealous of your friend's Qi charger. I have one and it's not great. Won't charge my Nexus 6.
     

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