Ashtray Modification (USB + volt meter install)
 

Like many 911 owners I had been employing the cigarette lighter volt meter + USB port and it worked but looked terrible and screamed afterthought in an otherwise gorgeous interior. After thinking of all the ways I could install a USB port and a volt meter I decided that I wanted it to be:

a.) hidden when not in use
b.) easily accessible when in need
c.) minimally invasive visually
d.) clean and deliberate looking
e.) reversible

I had previously installed a wireless charging pad on top of the ashtray but the phone kept sliding off and wasn't readily visible when I needed it (mostly for navigation and streaming) so a more dedicated solution was needed.

I ended up deciding that the all together useless ashtray was still the prime candidate for modification. I bought a used one online so that I could keep my original unused one well, original and unused, and began tinkering.

Digital volt meter + 12v to USB adapter + ABS plastic panel = success.

It's all wired to the switched radio power lines so that it won't work unless the car is on. This avoids accidental drain battery drain. The volt meter can be calibrated and was before installation.

All in all I'm quite satisfied and think that a 3D printed solution that slots into an unmodified ashtray is totally possible- someone's just gotta invest that time.

Now time to clean up all the wires!

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Nice mod.

Nicely done and well thought out!

Great idea.... Thanks for sharing!

This is pure genius! Yes, a 3D printed part would be great... I'll take one $

Agreed. Nicely done!

Perhaps Achtungkraft would consider adding the offering to their 3D printed footwell vents? I have a pair and they're very high quality.

that is brilliantly done! Nice workhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/clap.gif

Sign me up if this becomes a product, I love this!

Perfect

Me, too. Nice work!

:)

I will take one as well.

Len.Cummings at verizon.net

:)

Well done. I put mine in the AC switches in the center console but your right. It screams add on. Hiding it in there is perfect.

Brilliant! I can't get the ashtray to stay pushed in anyway.

Count me in if you decide to male a kit for sale.

Nice install!
What good is a volt meter if you can't see it?

Count me in too. Well done!

Now that is clever; don't know how I missed this in November. Well conceived, superb execution.

very neat!

(P.S with your continental radio, does your antenna go up automatically when you turn on the unit?Mine does, but I’d like it to only go up with selected “Radio”)

Very nice, I want one!!

My antenna was fubar and I didn’t feel like replacing it so I deleted it and just put a hirschmann plug in it’s place. I ran a digital antenna under the dash and it works perfectly. Eventually when I repaint the car I’ll weld in the antenna hole.