It would be a clean and compact way to free up the DC outlet. I plan on adding extra outlets.This might be the way to go for phone and PDA.
This is me showing interest.

 

its possible... great way to free up the ONE dc plug i have... im interested!

 

What about this 4 port usb hub....

You can check it out at thinkgeek.com
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/9116/

 

LOL! I have this in my wish list there.

Thanks for the feedback you guys, would you be interested in a single or should it just be double and an another option for quad?

I'll start work on the prototype and get some progress updates. Subscribe to this thread if you'd like updates on how it's progressing.

 

What about one of these:

Or even:

Mounted on a PCB with 2 std 12V socket's with covers on either side of it, mounted in the useless "change tray" in the center console? Possible?

 

Which change tray are you talking about? The little one? I don't think that would fit (2) 12v sockets and USB.

I do not want to mount the USB directly to a PCB. I want the PCB to be able to be replaced without removing the USB ports. If someone manages to short out the board or if it's damaged in some other way, I think it should be modular and easily removable without having to take your ports off.

 

Sound like plan. I have been thinking about tucking some cables away but this option would be good.

 

Cool. Im doing this. My alpine has a USB cable coming out of it. I am going to mount something like this in my center console to use my iPod/thumbdrive or USB powered HDD.

 

Subscribed! Even if you don't use the doomsday box, I'm really interested in what you can come up with.

 

I'm working on it, but have a few questions:
Would you guys like it super simple, or would an optional LED output to tell when a device is connected and drawing power be good?

I'm assuming some people are going to want a single, many will want a double, but is there any need for a quad? I'll make it a model if it's wanted, even by just a few...

I'm thinking a little panel to flush mount them to, that way it keeps the edges around the ports as clean as can be. Does this sound good?

 

I've toyed with this idea for a while, but haven't done anything with it. My phone, ipod and gps are all powered by USB. I would like to see at least 3 ports in a bank. I was thinking of using the empty slots where all the other buttons are. It HAS to have power when the key is off. I'm so tired of not having power without the key!!

I don't see a need for the LED, but I guess it would be nice to have.

I'll be following.

 

Alright, I can work on a quad model no problem.

I prefer constant power as well... It'll have just two terminals or a pigtail with two connectors that you just hookup to the positive and negative 12V supply. It's at your discretion whether you'd like it on a switched or constant source, just add power and it's going to be good to go. I personally will probably put a switch on the 12V side so that I can completely turn it off if I want.

I ordered a single and two duals to start work, I'll look into something like what skorp62 posted (the triple) which might work for those holes.


Thanks for the input thus far, keep it coming...

 

I'm definitely intrigued by the idea as well, although I'm not sure at the moment what I'd use it for - when I get my FJ I already have a plan to build a dock into the center console for my iPhone, which would hook to the stereo for charging, music, and video, and via bluetooth for phone calls.

But I think the idea definitely has merit and I'll be keeping an eye on things.

 

Interesting project DoubleJ, looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

I am sure I could fill a quad....Zune, GPS, other MP3, Blackberry, Razer, USB fan (LOL), USB flex light.....

Oh yeah, I'm interested.

 

I'd be interested in this mod

 

I'm interested, but I have a thing about the USB's being useful. I like the idea, but I would prefer hooking them up to the car pc in order to make them useful for more than one thing.

However, I like the idea of having a charge location without any other BS. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

I work in driving simulation, and we use a long USB cord for peripherals just like what you have pictured, only about 6 feet long. With that, anyone running a car PC can route them up to the dash for actual USB plugs in easy access.

This is a great idea though, since everything is going USB.

 

I hear ya, I had a Car PC back in the day and I can see your point.

How about this: For cases like this, I can carry a connector that actually is just a standard USB extension with the flush mount on the one end. The current manufacturers I'm looking at mostly all do this as an option.

Sound good?

 

Are you a full time product supplier....IE: you carry this stuff normally?

It's still nice to have a self powered USB connection for recharging, but I personally would rather only install them if they were full function USB connections. However, I would strongly consider a nice 'charge station' also, since sometimes I don;t want to run the PC.

I have a hard time finding those cables in black, can you get them? Around 6 ft or more?

 

I am not a full-time product supplier, no. However, I do have some manufacturers which I use for other things that carry these and I can get them. I will be stocking them when the product is finished.

I can get them in black or white in 1,2,3,4.5,6,10 and 15 foot versions.

 

Id be interested...probably would be cool if we can integrate it into one of the blank switch covers.

-B

 

I've been working on a single USB port for one of the switch blanks for power only. Remember that the power spec. for USB is 5 volts (max 5.25 V and no less than 4.75 V (5 V±5%) between the positive and negative bus power lines). It also never hurts to have a little regulation on it either. Here are two circuits that will work. I just hacked apart a USB cigerette adapter and soldered it to a USB port. I'll try to post some pics once I finish it.

 

I highly suggest you don't use a 7805 for your 5V. Use something that's an LDO or ULDO regulator. The 7805 is both inefficient and has too much of a voltage swing for certain items.

If you google it, I think you'll find what I'm talking about. Certain people have fried their zune using a 7805 and I think some others using another Philips MP3 player. Bottom line: 7805's are fine for non-critical applications, but you need good, tight regulation with a switch-mode power supply to be both safe and efficient.

Just got to National Semiconductor and pick out a nice LDO for this application. Consider something like the LM2650 or similar.

Go here or here and read what I'm talking about with Linear Regulation.

 

Good points DJF. I just posted two circuits that I found on the internet. I guess I should've said that in my original post. I'm not using either of them. I figured that it was easier to hack apart an existing cigarette USB power adapter and use that circuit. I'm still working on this and I think what I'm going to eventually do is use a 12 volt powered USB hub. That way I'll still have an option to use the data side of the USB.

 

I like how I'm starting to get some technical responses! Hehe, nothing wrong with a little hacking! I hacked into one to install in my VW, but I think I might wait to finish it off with a nicer version of what I'm working on.

I should have a prototype by next week, assuming all the parts get here this week. Everybody keep your fingers crossed!

Oh and I'm shooting for this to be affordable (under $20ish?) so everybody can have one in their FJ!

 

im good for now the stereo i have charges my ipod and the other plug charges my phone but will be interested in your end result

 

Idea: replacement knockouts for the switch blanks in front of the shifters with the following:
1. 1 USB + 1 12V outlet
2. 1 USB
3. 3 USB
4. 1 12V outlet

That way, folks could mix/match and swap their blanks out with these as desired.

 

Thanks for the feedback, rbc24123.

I don't think a 12V outlet would fit in one of the switch blanks, unless you meant that in a different place?

I've been working with my CAD guy to see if I can do the USB in the switch blanks. I don't think this will be a problem at all.

 

Just an update: Some of the USB panel-mount connectors pictured came today. I'll have the rest of the parts by mid next week and a prototype by the weekend. Stay tuned...

I also met with the CAD guy last night about it. He said we could work on a direct drop-in, but suggested I might want to just buy actual switch blanks and CNC out the section for the USB so that it's completely factory (color and all). Whatever the case is, basically he's working on the switch blanks too... First stop for the single, double and triples will be a simple flush panel mount that cleans everything up (or no panel mount for those of you who feel like cutting it out with a Dremel -- bravely).

By request, on all models the data will be able to be broken out and sent to a CarPC or your USB-enabled head unit with an additional cable (or gut one yourself and solder it in using an old USB cable). This way, you guys that have the head units can use a 2.5" removable hard drive, powered by the USB and have the ports be truly functional.

 

You're a rockstar, dude...keep up the good work! I'm very interested, now!

Excited to see what comes of this!

 

I dont have any switch blanks left

 

I'm in the same boat!

But man this is exactly what I needed months ago!
Check this thread