Options to hard wire USB for power.

[jchicago]

The PO cut the dash of my 66 C20 and installed a Radio Shack CD player. I personally can't remember the last time I listened to a CD, so as soon as it warms up, I'm pulling the radio and fabricating a delete plate to hold me over until I work on the interior. I want to install a few USB ports on the delete plate for electronics and have one cable tucked in the ashtray to power my smartphone. The plan is to break open a few cigarette lighter chargers and hardwire them in, but all the instructions I find are to wire it into the existing wires, and I want to make sure that the chargers power off when the ignition is off.

Where is the best place to tap into some power for them? Thinking the radio power that won't be any use anymore might work?

Thanks for any suggestions in advance,
Jason

[67 Burb]

The radio feed would be the perfect power supply for the 5 volt USB outlets, Jason. I would suggest that you check the radio fuse and downsize if necessary. I think you would only need a 2 to 3 amp fuse to power the USB outlets.

I like the idea of getting the circuitry from the cigarette lighter chargers. For mounting the outlets, check old computer's USB outlets. Most are made to mount behind a panel.

Bob

[motornut]

Originally Posted by 67 Burb

The radio feed would be the perfect power supply for the 5 volt USB outlets, Jason. I would suggest that you check the radio fuse and downsize if necessary. I think you would only need a 2 to 3 amp fuse to power the USB outlets.

I like the idea of getting the circuitry from the cigarette lighter chargers. For mounting the outlets, check old computer's USB outlets. Most are made to mount behind a panel.

Bob

good idea,the old puter stuff is cheap
I run my radios to work with/without the key
my 79
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=509646&page=2

yellow key power ,orange is lighter power

[JellyBeanDriver]

Put one of the newer receivers in there that has a built in USB port so you can play MP3's from a thumb drive, or one with a memory card slot to do the same.

You can always still wire in a USB jack or cable somewhere else for your other widgets, and still have a functional and modern AM/FM radio.

As far as power - yeah, tap into any circuit that is powered only when the key is on.

[motornut]

my 78 i used a newer stock radio till i picked up a nice pioneer last year
and moved my tach
I've wired cars/trucks the same way for 30 + years,
don't have to leave the key(like with kids in the car)
but i also use this to charge with,hands free threw the radio,USB on the side
i removed the lighter part to hardwire it in,above the new radio

[jchicago]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have a new Rockford Fosgate full-range amp, and Pioneer speakers, which are all going under the bench when it warms up. So plan is to have a power cord for my smartphone tucked away in the ashtray, and either a minijack cable with it in there, or add a bluetooth receiver/handsfree kit wired direct to the amp. The delete plate would have one or two usb ports just for power.