Author Topic: USB power ports?  (Read 20163 times)

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Rich Mintz

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on: February 17, 2013, 05:59:52 am
I'm thinking of installing some source of USB power on my bike, because both my helmet-cam and my phone (used as GPS) run out of power regularly during long rides.

Any advice?

What do you think of something like this? http://www.kuryakyn.com/products/4206/usb-power-source
I don't think I have enough clear bar space to install it on the handlebars, but it can be bonded to any square inch of flat surface...
Rich Mintz - New York City
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2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 • 2015 SYM Symba
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AVL Power!

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Reply #1 on: February 17, 2013, 07:04:07 am
How about a Solar Charger? I mean, if the rides are during day times then Solar chargers can help!

-Sanket


Desi Bike

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Reply #2 on: February 17, 2013, 03:56:44 pm
Cigarette lighter outlet mounted under the seat. Cheaper maybe if you already have plug in chargers, I guess i'm old school but I think usb won't look right on a 1950ish bike.
میں نہیں چاہتا کہ ایک اچار
میں صرف اپنی موٹر سائیکل پر سوار کرنا چاہتے ہیں


Bulletman

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Reply #3 on: February 17, 2013, 05:02:49 pm
Cigarette lighter outlet mounted under the seat. Cheaper maybe if you already have plug in chargers, I guess i'm old school but I think usb won't look right on a 1950ish bike.
+1. That's the best alternative, I have the same setup. You can get the adapters from Amazon or Walmart for 10 bucks.
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Royalista

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Reply #4 on: February 17, 2013, 10:03:47 pm
I mounted a cigarette lighter outlet and got something weird: kick start no problem, electric start no way.
Couldn't figure out what the problem really was.
Dismounted the system. All back to normal. Probably the stock battery is too weak for the extra fuse (15A)?

moriunt omnes pauci vivunt


GlennF

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Reply #5 on: February 17, 2013, 11:48:17 pm


JesterNT

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Reply #6 on: February 20, 2013, 04:36:25 pm
I have a Battery Tender Jr cable hardwired into my battery.  I picked up a 12v outlet with a quick disconnect end off amazon for $8.  I keep it in my toolbox with a two port usb cigarette adapter. I have a velcro strap to hold it to the frame when in use.  It's quick and easy to deploy when I need it. 

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0069-8-Cigarette-Disconnect/dp/B0041CDPQO/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1361377761&sr=1-2&keywords=Quick+Disconnect+12v


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barenekd

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Reply #7 on: February 20, 2013, 06:44:47 pm
Quote
All back to normal. Probably the stock battery is too weak for the extra fuse (15A)?

A fuse won't change the load on a battery. You didn't mention how you wired it up or where you were taking the power from. Somehow you must've bypassed a switch that is necessary for the starter to function.
A hot wire from the battery to the adapter, and a ground wire from it, is all you need. If you want to add a fuse in the hot wire, that's fine. You don't need to get into the motorcycle electrical loom at all.
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Jack Leis

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Reply #8 on: February 20, 2013, 09:10:22 pm
 I recently mounted a USB set up to run a GPS. I don't really care for the looks of things but right now I'm really just looking for function. I bought the 12v power adapter for 9.99 and the USB charger adapter for 5.99 from Cycle Gear on line. My Enfield is a continuous WORK IN PROGRESS and I will eventually relocate and conceal the stuff probably under the seat which is a brilliant idea Desi Bike ! Taking it on a 90 mile round trip tomorrow to see how it all holds up .
I would much rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow    Jack


Royalista

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Reply #9 on: February 20, 2013, 10:04:17 pm
A fuse won't change the load on a battery. You didn't mention how you wired it up or where you were taking the power from. Somehow you must've bypassed a switch that is necessary for the starter to function.
A hot wire from the battery to the adapter, and a ground wire from it, is all you need. If you want to add a fuse in the hot wire, that's fine. You don't need to get into the motorcycle electrical loom at all.
Bare
Hey, I jump at every spark. So I dug out the stuff.
It is a direct mount to the battery and the fuse is on the hot wire. Hot wire from the +, ground wire from the  -. It is a pretty straight forward set up, so it should be ok, I'd thought.

It is dark now. I shall do a reinstall tomorrow. Battery is fully charged. I'll keep good track of every component involved. Who knows, illumination might be around the corner.
moriunt omnes pauci vivunt


Jack Leis

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Reply #10 on: February 20, 2013, 11:48:51 pm
Plus One Bare. Sounds like a poor connection at the battery.
I would much rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow    Jack


Hierlekin

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Reply #11 on: February 21, 2013, 11:56:12 pm
I have a Battery Tender Jr cable hardwired into my battery.  I picked up a 12v outlet with a quick disconnect end off amazon for $8.  I keep it in my toolbox with a two port usb cigarette adapter. I have a velcro strap to hold it to the frame when in use.  It's quick and easy to deploy when I need it. 

 :o I have a Battery Tender on my C5 and never even thought of this bit of brilliance!! Thank you!
2011 Royal Enfield C5 (black)


shamelin

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Reply #12 on: February 22, 2013, 12:29:51 am
:o I have a Battery Tender on my C5 and never even thought of this bit of brilliance!! Thank you!

Then put on a helmet, because this is going to blow your mind!

http://www.amazon.com/SAE-USB-Adapter-Motorcycle-Charger/dp/B007VFFQRE


Hierlekin

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Reply #13 on: February 22, 2013, 01:42:56 am
Then put on a helmet, because this is going to blow your mind!

... :o [mind officially blown]  :o ...
2011 Royal Enfield C5 (black)


Rich Mintz

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Reply #14 on: February 23, 2013, 12:32:09 am
Really newbie question: So I have this wiring harness with black and red clips on the end, to attach to the battery. How do I attach it without getting electrocuted?

The battery terminals have flat screws on the ends. Do I loosen those with an ordinary screwdriver (with a plastic head, so I don't get electrocuted per the above) and pull out the leads? Then I slide the clips in and restore the leads and tighten the screws?

I know there is an order (red first then black, or vice versa, just like jumper cables) but I don't know why. Is it because electricity flows from pos to neg?

Will I see sparks, and from which terminal?

How do I make sure I didn't create a problem when I'm done? Is it sufficient to check that the bike starts (EFI) and that the accessory works?
Rich Mintz - New York City
richmintz@richmintz.com
2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 • 2015 SYM Symba
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