USB Charging Station

[skyl4rk]

I would like to build a small shelf or basket with 4 to 6 USB cords to charge phones, tablets and cameras.  I need a way to power a charger from 12V that hopefully does not take a lot of power.  We used multiple cigarette lighter usb chargers and also usb outlets on inverters.  I hate to keep an inverter running and eating up my precious solar power just to charge a phone.

What kind of device can charge 4 or preferably 6 usb outlets at the same time without causing a lot of parasitic draw when not in use?

 

[highdesertranger]

I would install 2 or 3 of these, https://www.bluesea.com/products/1045/Fast_Charge_-_Dual_USB_Charger_Socket_Mount . if you are worried about the parasitic draw put them on a switch. highdesertranger

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

+1 on the BlueSea USB ports.  I have 3 in my camper.  Didn't bother with a switch.

 -- Spiff

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah the parasitic draw is only 1ma. so I wouldn't worry either. highdesertranger

 

[SternWake]

HDR outlinked me

There are other options of course, t depends on how much your USB devices need.

While I despise ciggy plugs and receptacles for their poor electrical contacts, one cannot argue their convenience, and they are Ok for loads 60 watts or less..

To remove the parasitic draw, just pull the plug out from the receptacle 1CM:

http://www.amazon.com/iXCC-Universa...id=1460695347&sr=8-7&keywords=USb+car+adapter

That was just the first 4 outlet plug I saw, an example, not a personal product recommendation.

My favorite USB source is the BlueSeas older 2.1A version, with a 15Ma parasitic draw.
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Syst...&qid=1460695747&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+seas+usb

It maintains 5.12 volts under a 1 amp load which is my biggest USB load. All my other sources drop to the 4.98v range. My BS USB source and a 1 foot long anker Micro USB cable charges my phone faster than the Samsung provided wall wart USB and Samsung cord.

I have 2 other ciggy piug USB outlets. They do not do as well as far as holding volts in the 5.0+ range, and they do have parasitic draws, but I rarely bother flipping their manual switches to off, nor Do i worry about the 15mA parasitic draw of the older 2.1a version to have hardwired to my fuse block.

 

[skyl4rk]

That is pretty easy if it is just a cigarette lighter outlet. Thanks!

 

[blars]

I'm using one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-9-35V-to...704965?hash=item43cdbfc145:g:dO0AAOSwNSxVB~YE

 

[TMG51]

I'm using one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-9-35V-to...704965?hash=item43cdbfc145:g:dO0AAOSwNSxVB~YE

That's interesting. Looks like I see 3 wiring connection points there. Isn't it just positive and negative?

 

[B and C]

That's interesting. Looks like I see 3 wiring connection points there. Isn't it just positive and negative?

+ In
- Neg common
+ Out

If you look at the very last picture, it shows the bottom where they are labeled.

I like this a lot myself. 

Is there a box made for it so I could surface mount it or is this strictly build your own box?

 

[TMG51]

+ In
- Neg common
+ Out

If you look at the very last picture, it shows the bottom where they are labeled.

I like this a lot myself. 

Is there a box made for it so I could surface mount it or is this strictly build your own box?

Oh. What does one do with Out+ ?

 

[B and C]

Oh. What does one do with Out+ ?

It did not say (that I could decipher) if it was 5 vdc or 12 vdc.  Either way it could make for an onboard desktop PC power supply part or.....  Let your imagination roam.....

Cannot seem to find a box for it though.  Son has my table saw and it is 70 miles from here  A plastic box would be best for my needs.

 

[Wanderer]

I would like to build a small shelf or basket with 4 to 6 USB cords to charge phones, tablets and cameras.  I need a way to power a charger from 12V that hopefully does not take a lot of power.  We used multiple cigarette lighter usb chargers and also usb outlets on inverters.  I hate to keep an inverter running and eating up my precious solar power just to charge a phone.

What kind of device can charge 4 or preferably 6 usb outlets at the same time without causing a lot of parasitic draw when not in use?

How about getting one from Walmart, I bought one 2 years ago, had 6 ports....As HDR said "1ma ain't nuthin"

I think it was $17 though, but not a bad little thing, problem it is a small little thing...still looking for it... 

"Precious solar power?" Dude, it's free....

 

[SternWake]

I have to assume it is a 5v out, as 12v out makes no sense, unless perhaps one is feeding its 20 volt maximum.

Neat device.  Works with both Ipad/phone and android I assume too.

That heatsink need some airflow so any project box to enclose it should allow for some air circulation.

Be sure to retighten the input wire clamps  after initial install, and perhaps occasionally too.

 

[blars]

No box is included. I wired mine with a switch and fuse. Not obvious until connected is the bright blue LED beside the USB outlets. Don't expect it to put out 6A continuously without extra cooling.

Apple uses it's own scheme to detect chargers, this is wired to show as a charger on non-apple devices.