Tips for Upgrading USB Port

I would like to make the built-in USB port charge my phone faster than stock. I am aware I could simply get a cigarette lighter adapter, but I'd prefer to not go that route; I want the keep the console as uncluttered as possible. Ideally I'd like to bump the output up to match an iPad charger (10W, 1.2A).

Anyone out there good with this type of thing have any advice? TIA

 

Put one of these in.

 

If you are going to do that go to 2.4 amps. They are available and charge faster than 1.2 amp.

 

You could take the 5 volt and ground pin in the stock connector and feed them with the better supply

 

I'm looking at adding one of these (listed on eBay). The picture below says Mazda but the link has units to fit Toyota.

 

You should have more than enough power in the usb port - what generally happens is because the taco identifies as a computer (because your head unit can talk to usb drives, etc), the phone goes into a negotiated slower charge state.

A charge-only cable should be an easy fix. I use one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-Micro-USB-Charging-Cable-Feet/dp/B009W34X1I

You can also get extender cables that are 4-5 inches long and just have a plug on one end and a socket on the other. Other varieties will likely work just fine, too, but the mediabridge one specifically connects the data pins in the usb connector to indicate it's a high-cap wall charger.

If you're on android, you can use something like Ampere to monitor the difference in charge rates (and if the phone detects it as a wall charger or a PC charger): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gombosdev.ampere

It was night and day for me, especially when running nav on the phone.

 

like stated this will all depend on the phone you are plugging in.

If you are using an apple device, you are screwed. As like stated the headunit identifies as a computer, as such the iphone will charge at a max rate of 500ma (0.5A) Even if you feed the 5volt lead at the usb port with 20 amps... the iphone / ipad will still only pull 0.5A. Also as far as i know they dont make a "charging" cable for the apple devices. This is due to the fact the data pins (2 center pins) are not simply shorted as it would be on an android device to let it know that hey you can pull over 0.5A... the iDevices actually use the data pins to determine what amp charger its plugged into.

If you are on android, its possible if the devices allows it to override the 500ma limitation by a simple setting. This is usually called "Fastcharge" and when enabled the phone will pull as much as it can regardless of what its plugged into.

OP seriously, your best bet is to get a quality usb car charger and call it good.

 

Wish I seen that ebay one. Looks good . I added one I picked up from west marine. Dual usb hooked up with add a fuse to always hot fuse. Only reason for switch is because charger has a led lite that would always be on. Put in place of lighter with slight trimming. Replaced switch with better fitting one after this pic.

 

That is just awesome on creative level!