Anyone find a good USB port set up?

[jlynch1960]

Recently added a vintage Blaupunkt Lexington (aux in allows iPod/bluetooth, blah, blah). Not exactly period correct ('84), but a lot nicer looking than most of the newer units.

The downside is the need for a couple of USB charging ports. Plenty of stuff out there, but I wondered if anyone has come up with a nice, clean, integrated, hardwired solution, rather than stuff laying about or dangling here and there.

I was looking at the slot in the center console where the speaker fader lives but am reluctant to take a Dremel to it to open it up to accept some of the dual ports I see on sites like Ebay. Everything available seems too wide and too short.

Curious if anyone has tackled this yet. Bonus points if you also came up with a nice antenna switch too.

[DaveMcKenz]

Antenna switch?

[jlynch1960]

Yes, modern head units don't isolate the radio to the power antenna. When the unit is on, the antenna goes up even if you're listening to something other than the radio (about 95% of the time for me). Solution seems to be (from other threads) an inline switch to put the mast up when you need it for the radio.

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by jlynch1960

Yes, modern head units don't isolate the radio to the power antenna. When the unit is on, the antenna goes up even if you're listening to something other than the radio (about 95% of the time for me). Solution seems to be (from other threads) an inline switch to put the mast up when you need it for the radio.

I'm sure you're right. I once hooked up a receiver with the amp turn-on lead to the antenna turn-on lead, and it acted just like you said. One was blue, and the other was blue/white. I changed the leads and the antenna worked only with the radio. Other brands may be different, but why have a separate antenna and amp leads? Who knows.
Good luck,
Dave

[Chuck.H]

I don't have a clean solution for you, I just use the cigarette lighter (almost full time for the Waze app).

I have found that my lighter socket is a little large for the standard USB chargers. I fix that by jamming a small piece of rubber under the charger side ground prongs so it fits tight.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 425k miles

[JQ911]

You mean like this? I too have a lexington cm84 i think and prior to replacing my monterey which is currently stored i hooked up a usb port on the blank plug beside the lighter and bluetooth ears and plugs placed on top of my center console

[Joe Bob]

https://www.lifewire.com/adding-usb-to-your-car-stereo-4046364

[fanaudical]

Something like this?:

https://powerwerx.com/panel-mount-dual-usb-device-charger-high-output

I've put one of these in my truck - works great.

It wouldn't be hard to install so that it's not obvious - just install behind the kneedpad with the ports pointing to the floor. This is what I did with the AUX IN for my stereo. The port doesn't appear to be there from most vantage points; you have to be looking under the dash. It protrudes enough that your fingers can find it.

[James Brown]

here is one thats a clock also, from mid continent

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by James Brown

here is one thats a clock also, from mid continent

Cool, but $500.
Dave

[James Brown]

oh yes, the term "aircraft" adds $400.00!!

[flat6pilot]

Just thinking outside the box, but what about a marine style solution?

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--panel-mount-dual-usb-charger-socket--15830490?cm_mmc=PS-_-MSN-_-Shopping%20PLAs-_-15830490&creative=73736013195909&device=c

Maybe a discreet location or mounted on the dash somewhere? Maybe replace the cigarette lighter hole.

[jlynch1960]

I was thinking something like this for the slot where the speaker fader is - but everything I've seen is a little too fat.

Dual Port 12V USB Charger Socket Voltage Voltmeter Rocker Switch Panel Boat Car | eBay

[Bergo]

this looks interesting: https://www.amazon.ca/Multifunction-Voltmeter-Socket-Suitable-Motorcycle/dp/B00Y09N8T2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1484759358&sr=8-8&keywords=switch+panel+usb+volt+meter



will order this as well:




EDIT: ordered it, cheap enough to give it a try. Looks like I can either use the panel it came with, or replace the existing lighter with one of the inserts (or add more elsewhere)

[Quicksilver]

I put the additional USB charging ports (and the 120v outlet) under the passenger seat.

[Joe Bob]

Cheaper but have to wait for shipping from China....

USB Three Hole Panel | eBay

[kees]

[Tremelune]

You're gonna be draping wires with all of these USB chargers.

The best solution I found was to simply hide the wiring in the center console along with the device. The cable(s) ran from the back of the head unit into the back of the console, in the pocket beneath the AC controls.

[Tremelune]

With regard to the antenna, any switch will do. Just put it in series with the blue (blue/white?) wire coming out of the head unit (or whatever controls the power antenna—probably a relay).

[tyro]

There's a thread on here about making the cigarette lighter work better, it involves cutting a purchased receptacle and inserting it into the existing socket.

Then one may install the USB charging device of choice into the "new" receptacle.