I'd like to fit a usb socket either side of the van in the panels next to the rear seat and fridge (Westy), plus a normal 12 v socket somewhere in the back too. Any recommendations on sockets ? I had a little look at the usb sockets and they seem expensive at around £14 each.
I just got a paid of these. http://www.xtremevan.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1619 Good quality. They won't fit into the side panels (next to rear arches) as they are too deep with the terminals on. I am going to put mine into the R&R bed kick panel I think.
Have you got the narrow 12V Hella socket up front below the glove box in your Westy? If so you might want to simply add some more and get the plugs to match. Try this place http://www.roadking.co.uk/plugs-and-connectors.html. I reckon these are neater than the more common cig lighter sockets. This place also does adapters though.
Got these fitted in mine, CBE modular range, don't know if they do USB though IMG_3063 by ckandjk, on Flickr
Thanks for that I'll have a look. I like the look of those. Does the panel flex when you push the plug into the socket ?
can you not fit a usb socket into a blank panel and use a resistor to drop the voltage down to 5 volt from 12
I've just order this from ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191098279582?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 Waiting for delivery.
No, that would be a bad idea. The USB load will be variable and the vehicle voltage is also somewhat variable with high voltage, high frequency spikes from the ignition system superimposed. You'd likely fry the USB device. What you need is a a smoothed and regulated supply. This can be achieved by using a voltage regulator IC. Something like an LM7805 linear regulator which can provide a regulated 5V up to 1.5A. A switched regulator would be even better as they're more efficient. Problem is it all needs to be properly mounted on a PCB with a heatsink, smoothing capacitors, fuse, etc. It would probably work out cheaper and easier to buy a 12V cigarette lighter to USB adapter. EDIT: I like the look of that ebay item above, that's really neat - someone's done all the hard work already.
He's right. If you just want a 5V supply from a USB socket, I'd make sure it was filtered and regulated, or it may pop whatever's hanging on the other end. Other point to note: if you're using USB for charging, if the USB D+ and D- lines aren't pulled up/down to the right levels, whatever you've got connected may not recognise it as a charger, so nowt'll happen. Best to buy a "proper" unit.
These are OK too and nice and discreet for the dash etc. although expensive if you wanted a few.... http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=351000457293
