Author Topic: USB Charger Port  (Read 2439 times)

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Offline Angus

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USB Charger Port
« on: May 22, 2020, 08:26:00 »
How does one go about fitting one of these? As far as I know there is no electric socket on the bike.Would I have to run a cable from the battery and fit the charger onto that ?

Offline hotbulb

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2020, 09:01:00 »
I'm sure you could just connect it direct to the battery. However, you should be aware that many of the USB port thingies have circuitry that's "always on" and/or LEDs ....... these will consume power even when the bike's off and parked, and this can drain the battery. Probably better to feed the USB socket from an ignition-controlled source, and I'd suggest the "Big Pie" device or something similar.

Offline mr_diver

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2020, 09:15:35 »
Yes, fitting a relay kit triggered from an ignition switch live is best.

Or there are many straight to battery USB sockets on ebay. Some will have a switch on them to turn the unit off when not in use.

I fitted one a while back what has a voltmeter also, which will also alert me to the fact I've left it switched on.

Fitting a socket will also mean drilling holes in the plastics or find a unit that with mount to the handlebar.



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Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2020, 11:02:38 »
Have a look at post #58 here.....
https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=37619.msg380956#msg380956
I found a 'spare' ignition switched connector under the right hand fairing. It is fastened in tight to the harness but you can get to it.
If you choose to use it you will require one of these.............
https://www.ebay.co.uk/c/2114464254
Mick

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Offline Mr Nick

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2020, 11:05:34 »
I needed one as a temporary measure on the V50 so I wired it in using the same plug I use to connect the battery tender. A very basic level measure that works.
Seems pearl asbo orange is faster after all....

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Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2020, 11:19:02 »
@ Angus, the connector I mentioned may well have a blank fitted into it.
If you wish to go that way I have one of those plugs here. PM me your address and I'll post it to you.  :thumb:
Mick

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Offline UK_Vstrom650

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2020, 11:21:55 »
I avoided drilling into plastics/having it clamped to the bars by fastening it to the cowl sub-frame under the plastics. It's hidden from view/protected from the elements.

The stock wiring you can tap into is only for low powered accessories (GPS/Phones). If you're planning on using a cigarette socket/USB combo one (for using a mini compressor for instance) then you'll be better off running your own wiring.

Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2020, 11:38:34 »
Good point about the type of powered accessories to be used, but the title was for a 'USB charger port' so very little current. 
Mick

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Offline UK_Vstrom650

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2020, 11:43:27 »
Agreed. Just thought if anyone was going to use something like this (first one I found - no idea if any good) then they'll want better wiring than for a simple USB port  :thumb:

 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Dual-USB-Charger-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Motorbike/233305648567?hash=item365219adb7:g:tCYAAOSwyytdP6D~

Offline Ricky1000

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2020, 10:38:15 »
I have a spare one of those Ill send it to you if you PM me your address
Keep her lit

Offline Angus

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2020, 22:54:36 »
@ Angus, the connector I mentioned may well have a blank fitted into it.
If you wish to go that way I have one of those plugs here. PM me your address and I'll post it to you.  :thumb:

Offline Angus

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #11 on: May 23, 2020, 22:55:41 »
Thanks Mick and other responders too. I've had  a look under the fairing but didn't see anything that looked like a  socket. Is this fitted standard to all bikes?I imagine the ingition would be  a bit of a task to wire up for an amateur so I'm tending towards running a wire from the battery and buying a usb kit with a switch. I already have to remember to turn off the heated handlebars as they are also not linked to ignition and run the battery flat in a couple of hours if left on. Maybe I could do the both of them at once into the ignition. Would that be considered a straightforward enough project?

Offline Angus

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #12 on: May 23, 2020, 22:58:01 »
Is that "'spare' ignition switched connector" obvious to the eye or does one have to know where it is to find it ?

Offline UK_Vstrom650

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #13 on: May 23, 2020, 23:57:58 »
Sorry it's not the best picture but here it is circled (2012)

I'll take a better photo tomorrow

Edit: it might be taped up IIRC

Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #14 on: May 24, 2020, 09:39:56 »
@ Angus, no it's not easy to see or find. It is taped up quite tight to the wiring harness.
It is  (on mine anyway 2013) under the right hand side of the panels, very close to the right hand indicator. If you're looking for it be aware that it could have a blank male part fitted to it with what looks like two black bungs.
The bit of wiring with the plug and voltmeter is 6/8" so with that and where I have fitted the voltmeter you can guess where it is, roughly.
Get yourself a bigpie, you can find him on here, relay fuse unit to connect your accessories too, wired off the ignition, relay with four fused outlets. excellent bit of kit.     
These photos might help...................
Mick

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Offline UK_Vstrom650

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #15 on: May 24, 2020, 13:43:35 »
Mick, have you got a link or make/model of the compatible connector you used on the voltmeter?

Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #16 on: May 24, 2020, 14:17:02 »
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-X-6180-2181-MT090-2B-2-WAY-CONNECTOR-KIT-INC-TERMINALS-SEALS-2-AC225/233491178950?hash=item365d28a5c6:g:AOAAAOSw5bxcM5CG

The ones I got were white and there's five in the pack for £5.00.
I have another spare one if you want it. PM your address and I'll send it to you.  :thumb:

Mick

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Offline UK_Vstrom650

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #17 on: May 24, 2020, 19:42:02 »
 :ty:  :bow-blue:

I'm having a tidy up of my wiring to the front of the bike and figure two sockets capable of running a mini compressor is a bit excessive, so I can remove one loom running up there   :thumb:

Will send a PM once kids asleep...  :)

Offline Gert

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #18 on: May 25, 2020, 08:15:45 »
I would suggest that to run a mini compressor, it is best to connect directly to the battery. Make sure that the compressor polarity is correct when connecting to the battery. If you run wiring in for a remote compressor connector, remember to locate the fuse as close to the battery as practical.

Offline Angus

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Re: USB Charger Port
« Reply #19 on: May 31, 2020, 16:55:34 »
Looks like I found the "'spare' ignition switched connector" . If I've got this right , it snaps in two ?. Maybe I pull -- what looks like a ' blank male part fitted with what looks like two black bungs' - apart ?
Then I insert a male part with a wire which is fitted to the USB and mount it somewhere ?
Am I on the right track ?