USB Charging Port Question

Dino's A said:
Paul Shinn addressed this issue with a great video. It's on
Youtube.

https://youtu.be/O2q2ndf7jmY
Click to expand...

I love the video, installing the Car Cigarette Lighter Socket is a great idea. I wonder however, if there are differences in the chargers themselves. The one he used could handle the Model A 6 V voltage. But I understand that not every charger (made for 12 Volts) can handle low voltages.

I would like to know what would be the best or better chargers to use.
 
5lugnuts said:
The cigarette lighter plug (male) from the phone or GPS only lets five volts pass through. Phone and GPS are five volts devices as are others that are meant to plug into a cigarette lighter socket.
Click to expand...


So, to be clear, are you saying that the 12 V input chargers will accept the 6 V from the Model A system and still charge?
 
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Likely goes without saying, but this applies to the USB chargers only. Other plug-in accessories such as GPS, CB, radios, radar detectors, etc. actually do require the full 12 V from the cigarette lighter adapter.
 
GPS, CB radio, radar detector apps are available to download to your phone from the internet. Google to find them. If you use a battery maintainer in the garage, hard wire the + and - leads to your bat cables. Cut the cord between the maintainer and the + and - leads and install a disconnect plug for reattachment. The side of that plug that comes from the battery can be used with half of another detachable plug wired to power and charge your phone loaded with all the apps you prefer. The male cigarette wiring plug that comes with your phone only allows 5 volts through because that is all the phone needs. It works great! You must use that male cigarette plug that came with your phone and you must wire the female socket like in a modern. Double check your wiring polarity. The device mentioned from Walmart would be an excellent choice also.
 
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5lugnuts said:
GPS, CB radio, radar detector apps are available to download to your phone from the internet. Google to find them. If you use a battery maintainer in the garage, hard wire the + and - leads to your bat cables. Cut the cord between the maintainer and the + and - leads and install a disconnect plug for reattachment. The side of that plug that comes from the battery can be used with half of another detachable plug wired to power and charge your phone loaded with all the apps you prefer. The male cigarette wiring plug that comes with your phone only allows 5 volts through because that is all the phone needs. It works great! You must use that male cigarette plug that came with your phone and you must wire the female socket like in a modern. Double check your wiring polarity. The device mentioned from Walmart would be an excellent choice also.
Click to expand...
Do be aware that the GPS function in cell phones is reliant upon a cell signal to download the background map. When you are in the middle of nowhere without a cell signal you might be able to get GPS coordinates, but you won't be able to see where you are on the map. I run into this fairly regularly in the mountains and a lot of places in the Northern Midwest woods.
 
I wired in a 12v version of something like this 6v version.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Car-DC-6...14878?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988


I cut the back off of my cigarette lighter housing and snuck the usb charge port in the sleeve. Pretty slick. Here’s the 12v product I used.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B8C5MT37?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also agree with your son in that your not going to be charging very quickly, most of these chargers are 1.5a to 3a if you are lucky.

An alternative solution is using a battery pack like below. It is “something extra” to carry but very effective. They even sell these chargers with hand warmer functions built in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07XFBN7HX?tag=atomicindus08-20
 

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