Trying to wire a cig lighter for a cell phone

BIGFL · July 21st, 2015, 01:50 PM

Well really it's a 12 volt with an in line fuse and wired stright to the battery and the usb (rated for 12v) insert thingy lol lights up and when I plug my cell into it it will bearly charge and and show its charging(lighting bolt) but stop showing it after a few seconds. But if I unplug it turns the screen on like it was unplugged...... any help

alex.s · July 21st, 2015, 01:52 PM

does it work with your phone in a car

BIGFL · July 21st, 2015, 02:12 PM

Yes

cbinker · July 21st, 2015, 02:14 PM

what kind of 12v did you instal?
is the bike running?

BIGFL · July 21st, 2015, 02:27 PM

Ok this is weird I tried anot her 12v usb adapter and now it's charging fine.... both r duel usb ports and both rated the same...... anyway shes working and yeah tried with the bike on and with a few differant fuses stared with a 15 and 20 and 25 and left the 20 in their but I'll probably put a 15 in it

BIGFL · July 21st, 2015, 02:28 PM

Oh and the 12v cig lighter u can get at Walmart with a cover. It's weather proof

blink. · July 21st, 2015, 10:45 PM

I have one on my bike....it's a USB plug and it has these arrow lights on the outside...I keep it disconnected (via a disconnect on the ground wire) until I need to use it so no extra draw on the battery.

BIGFL · July 22nd, 2015, 04:23 AM

Mine doesn't have light so it won't draw with nothing plugged in but I still just take out the usb plug. I still gotta gigure out how I wanna run the power cord

spooph · July 22nd, 2015, 09:21 AM

I wired mine to the instrument light circuit... USB chargers will only draw 500mah at peak, that's 6W, plenty of room on the circuit for that, however, I found the USB adapter vibrates out of the plug real easy, and had lots of intermittent issues just like you. To test, I ended up taping the USB adapter onto the plug to assure solid contact - that worked.

Next step is to take one apart and built it into a water proof case so no cig lighter adapter, just a USB plug... One day, when I have time...

InvisiBill · July 22nd, 2015, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooph

I wired mine to the instrument light circuit... USB chargers will only draw 500mah at peak, that's 6W, plenty of room on the circuit for that

Standard PC USB is 500mA. Most dumb chargers are 1A. Newer Apple products draw 2.4A.

If you don't need the lighter socket for something else, I recommend just getting a hardwire USB port (this is the first example I found on Google). They're usually smaller, and you don't have to worry about parts vibrating loose or getting lost.

Note that the voltage regulator used in these 12V-USB adapters will always be drawing a little bit of current, even if you don't have a USB device plugged in. It's not going to drain your battery overnight or anything, but you wouldn't want to leave it hooked up to a bike in storage.

spooph · July 22nd, 2015, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvisiBill

Standard PC USB is 500mA. Most dumb chargers are 1A. Newer Apple products draw 2.4A.

If you don't need the lighter socket for something else, I recommend just getting a hardwire USB port (this is the first example I found on Google). They're usually smaller, and you don't have to worry about parts vibrating loose or getting lost.

Note that the voltage regulator used in these 12V-USB adapters will always be drawing a little bit of current, even if you don't have a USB device plugged in. It's not going to drain your battery overnight or anything, but you wouldn't want to leave it hooked up to a bike in storage.

Looks like we're both partially right.

Most phones can draw just more than 1A @ 5V. Tablets can draw up to 2.5A @ 5V. Since the input is 12v > 12/5 = 2.4 (ratio). 1A/2.4 = 0.42A.

So, even on full draw on a phone, the bike will only experience a ~500mA draw, which the circuit can easily handle.

The line I tapped into actually ran an APRS setup (back before we had things like WAYZ and Find My Friends) drawing 2A for 4,200 miles across the western states, so I know it will charge a cell phone just fine.

It's neither here nor there however, since the simplest answer is to just hook up a direct wire to the battery, and I love that USB power converter you posted.

NevadaWolf · July 22nd, 2015, 04:26 PM

I picked up the BurnsMoto USB socket that also has a little boot to go over the plug to make it weather proof when plugged in. In the two (three?) years I've had it installed, never had trouble with the plug working itself out. That little thing holds the plug securely!

spooph · July 23rd, 2015, 09:38 AM

ooo, dems are nice Nevada Wolf!

VaFish · July 24th, 2015, 03:34 AM

I just picked up the USB adapter for my battery tender. Just plugs into the cable when I unplug the battery tender. IIRC it was $5 or $6 on amazon when ordering a few other items.

verboten1 · July 24th, 2015, 04:18 AM

I ran a blue sea dual usb on the left, and a lighter socket on the right.

spooph · July 24th, 2015, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

I ran a blue sea dual usb on the left, and a lighter socket on the right.

Those look real good! Took me some time to find them, so super good!

NevadaWolf · July 24th, 2015, 08:53 AM

Ah heck, wish I'd seen yours, Jason, before doing mine. i like that placement a LOT better.

verboten1 · July 24th, 2015, 06:34 PM

they just barely fit up there, but it worked out really well for the long trip i did.

TheJeepGuy · July 29th, 2015, 06:29 PM

Do you guys use full 3 foot wires? or short 3 inch wires and a mount close to your power? I couldn't stand the extra 2.5 feet of wire flopping...

July 21st, 2015, 01:50 PM	#1
BIGFL ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ocala,Florida Join Date: Jun 2015 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja EX250r Posts: 26	Trying to wire a cig lighter for a cell phone Well really it's a 12 volt with an in line fuse and wired stright to the battery and the usb (rated for 12v) insert thingy lol lights up and when I plug my cell into it it will bearly charge and and show its charging(lighting bolt) but stop showing it after a few seconds. But if I unplug it turns the screen on like it was unplugged...... any help

July 21st, 2015, 01:52 PM	#2
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	does it work with your phone in a car __________________________________________________

July 21st, 2015, 02:14 PM	#4
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	what kind of 12v did you instal? is the bike running? __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

July 22nd, 2015, 09:21 AM	#9
spooph ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Spooph Location: Golden, CO Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '15	I wired mine to the instrument light circuit... USB chargers will only draw 500mah at peak, that's 6W, plenty of room on the circuit for that, however, I found the USB adapter vibrates out of the plug real easy, and had lots of intermittent issues just like you. To test, I ended up taping the USB adapter onto the plug to assure solid contact - that worked. Next step is to take one apart and built it into a water proof case so no cig lighter adapter, just a USB plug... One day, when I have time... __________________________________________________ My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar.

July 22nd, 2015, 04:26 PM	#12
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	I picked up the BurnsMoto USB socket that also has a little boot to go over the plug to make it weather proof when plugged in. In the two (three?) years I've had it installed, never had trouble with the plug working itself out. That little thing holds the plug securely! __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 21st, 2015, 02:12 PM	#3
BIGFL ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ocala,Florida Join Date: Jun 2015 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja EX250r Posts: 26	Yes

July 21st, 2015, 02:27 PM	#5
BIGFL ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ocala,Florida Join Date: Jun 2015 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja EX250r Posts: 26	Ok this is weird I tried anot her 12v usb adapter and now it's charging fine.... both r duel usb ports and both rated the same...... anyway shes working and yeah tried with the bike on and with a few differant fuses stared with a 15 and 20 and 25 and left the 20 in their but I'll probably put a 15 in it

July 21st, 2015, 02:28 PM	#6
BIGFL ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ocala,Florida Join Date: Jun 2015 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja EX250r Posts: 26	Oh and the 12v cig lighter u can get at Walmart with a cover. It's weather proof

July 21st, 2015, 10:45 PM	#7
blink. ninjette.org member Name: Blink Location: NC Join Date: Jun 2015 Motorcycle(s): a few Posts: 24	I have one on my bike....it's a USB plug and it has these arrow lights on the outside...I keep it disconnected (via a disconnect on the ground wire) until I need to use it so no extra draw on the battery.

July 22nd, 2015, 04:23 AM	#8
BIGFL ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ocala,Florida Join Date: Jun 2015 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja EX250r Posts: 26	Mine doesn't have light so it won't draw with nothing plugged in but I still just take out the usb plug. I still gotta gigure out how I wanna run the power cord

July 23rd, 2015, 09:38 AM	#13
spooph ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Spooph Location: Golden, CO Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '15	ooo, dems are nice Nevada Wolf! __________________________________________________ My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar.

July 24th, 2015, 03:34 AM	#14
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	I just picked up the USB adapter for my battery tender. Just plugs into the cable when I unplug the battery tender. IIRC it was $5 or $6 on amazon when ordering a few other items.

July 24th, 2015, 08:53 AM	#17
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Ah heck, wish I'd seen yours, Jason, before doing mine. i like that placement a LOT better. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 24th, 2015, 06:34 PM	#18
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	they just barely fit up there, but it worked out really well for the long trip i did. __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

July 29th, 2015, 06:29 PM	#19
TheJeepGuy ninjette.org member Name: Jaxon Location: Lasalle co, IL Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): TRX 450 R Quad, no street Posts: 20	Do you guys use full 3 foot wires? or short 3 inch wires and a mount close to your power? I couldn't stand the extra 2.5 feet of wire flopping...

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