USB Power For Phone

[Dave9_3]

Installed an additional two USB charging points in the central cubby. They are powered from a feed from the 12v outlet at the back of the centre console.

Here's what I did with mine.

Made a small box to install it in out of plasticard, covered with black velor fablon. I also bought a top tray (from China). I took out the rubber mats that came with it, and replaced this with more velor fablon, which I think looks better than the mats which came with the top tray. Top tray came with a cut out to allow the charging through.

Means I can now charge my phone etc out of sight and not cluttering up the front storage space.

[Ozsko]

Looks good, my phone (S4) is too long to go into the top tray but that doesn't matter as it never gets used. What is a trap is that the power turns off to the rear power outlet when the car is parked so if the car has not been used for some days the phone goes flat. I have been crook over the last few months and the car might sit for a week without moving and when the phone wouldn't log on to the BT I worked out why.

[Dave9_3]

It is possible to make the power outlets permanently live. If you look at the attached drawing of the fuse panel, which is behind the glove box, fuse F40 is the one that supplies the cigarette lighter sockets/ power outlets.

With F40 shown in the drawing position, it only supplies power when the ignition is on. If you pull it out and move it up one slot so that it is in line with fuses 38, 39, 41 and 42, it is live at all times. Assume this layout will be the same in Australia as it. Is here in the U.K.

Whilst this would stop your phone from dying, it's probably not advisable as there's a chance a period of non use of the car could result in the car battery becoming depleted and the car not starting.

[The_Hawk]

Whilst this would stop your phone from dying, it's probably not advisable as there's a chance a period of non use of the car could result in the car battery becoming depleted and the car not starting.

The name escapes me right now, but there is a box you can plug in to stop this from happening, basically it cuts power when the battery level gets below a certain point. It's usually used when installing a dash cam that has a parking mode that stays on permanently.... if you're looking for a DIY, one of those + a dash cam will give you something to do

[TheTig]

The name escapes me right now, but there is a box you can plug in to stop this from happening, basically it cuts power when the battery level gets below a certain point. It's usually used when installing a dash cam that has a parking mode that stays on permanently.... if you're looking for a DIY, one of those + a dash cam will give you something to do

One of these monitors the battery and cuts off supply - Power Magic Pro (PMP) - BlackVue

[Guest001]

One of these monitors the battery and cuts off supply - Power Magic Pro (PMP) - BlackVue

And one of theses may be even better


BlackVue Power Magic Battery Pack (B-112) - Parking Mode Made Easy

[Ozsko]

Thanks for all the suggestions, it is not much of a problem for me but for others it would be though they are less likely to not leave their phone in the car as I do. The only issue I strike is if the battery fully discharges I have to remember to turn it on or the battery gets recharged and the phone is not logged on to BT, again not too much of an issue for me but it would annoy everyone else so this is just a heads up so to speak.

[Dave9_3]

One of these monitors the battery and cuts off supply - Power Magic Pro (PMP) - BlackVue

Yes I am looking into installing a blackvue 2 channel dash cam and had already thought one of these would be a good idea. They are reasonably priced in comparison to the back up battery option but obviously the back up battery wins hands down on off charge running times.

[Guest001]

Yes I am looking into installing a blackvue 2 channel dash cam and had already thought one of these would be a good idea. They are reasonably priced in comparison to the back up battery option but obviously the back up battery wins hands down on off charge running times.

If I was going to buy new cameras I would buy two Blackvue DR450 HD's a with the GPS modules.

Why Because the rear camers on the 2 Ch models are only 720p and the 720p camera I had couldnt read number plates when used as a rear camera. I have a 500 and a 450 and have HD at both ends. Price would be still under $550.

Or any other two cameras but not one with 2 Ch as they have constant trouble with them Go here and see

BlackVue | DashCamTalk

[The_Hawk]

Interesting advice on the rear camera, I never thought about. Personally I'm running an new A119 in my Cab (where a rear camera isn't really an option anyway unless I have something mounted externally). The van is still running an old G1W, I've had to replace the battery and the mount (which was a suction cup that gave up the ghost and has been replaced with a hard mount), but otherwise it's still running in it's 1080p glory.

Both were listed as best in class at the time I got them and both have proved to be good cameras so far. Better than a Blackvue? Who knows, but quality is great and price is much much less.

[Dave9_3]

Thanks Hillbilly. I will have a read and then decide the best way to go. I had initially thought 2 channel would be more straight forward to wire. Can I run two separate cameras from one power magic pro?