Face/Surface mount USB charger / connection needed

[Larry Callahan]

Face/Surface mount USB charger / connection needed

Has anyone ever seen a nice looking surface mount USB charger and a USB connection? I have two needs at the moment. I want to put one on the center console in MotiV8r that I can plug into my ECU into on the back side and leave it. Then when I need to plug in a laptop I don't have to fish around for a cable or connection. I also need a pair of them that run on 12vdc to put in our camper. I will wire them to the batteries and use them to charge cell phones or what ever when we don't have full hookups. I have seen real cheesy looking junk plastic and water tight marine stuff and I want to avoid that. I tried Camping world and everything there looks like junk.

[esenior]

Hey Larry, just google for "USB Panel Mount". If you look through the images, you'll see there are a number of choices. Some have a plug on both sides so you can just run a USB cable to the new mount. You can also try searching one of the distributor sites (like Mouser (http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=usb+panel+mount)). I'm going to do something similar, but haven't selected a connector yet. Good luck!

[Larry Callahan]

Thanks. I did that the last few times I looked and nothing jumped out at me. I also looked at Mouser and some stuff we have used at work on aircraft. Nothing I have seen yet looks like it belongs in a car. I think I will just have to buy something and make my own bezel / door for the Camaro.

[ChevelleNV]

how about something like this http://jandtdistributing.com/dynavinsolutions/bmw-stereo-navigation-units-and-accessories/flush-mount-usb-plug-extension/

[RS_Customs]

I've seen a few options to accomplish this and have some links for you. One of the cleanest parts would be from another vehicle that has a port as an option with an aux input.

http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/stereo-v/141298-looking-flush-mount-usb-adapter-power-audio.html#post1755327

This is another clean install in the first post.

http://www.mp3car.com/general-hardware-discussion/148903-flush-mount-usb-extensions.html

A couple more threads, but these are more an adaption of parts. If you spent more time then these guys did or tried to mold a holder you could have a cleaner looking finished part.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/onehalfwatt-electronics/64495-new-vehicle-usb-chargers-4.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/116852-dual-usb-ports-mod-dash-button.html

Another thought would be to look at modular wall plate usb sockets. I have found it's hard to search them online, but it might be easier to swing into HomeDepot to see if they would work. Below is what the socket looks like and the plate they go into. You usually see these wall plates with audio/video or cat5 connections.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6532824

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202813993/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=leviton&storeId=10051#.ULgV8OTLSM8

http://www.amazon.com/BNC-HDMI-Coax-Wall-Plate/dp/B0089E6VBQ

http://www.infinitecables.com/pop/wp-in-usb-3.0.htm

Monoprice.com may have some parts too. Look through google images for "flush mount usb port" for some other ideas.

Good luck with all the options :seizure:

Robert

[eville]

Here is a decent extension. Still looking for a charging solution
http://store.mp3car.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=COM-040

[eville]

And expensive for what it is but this panel mount isn't bad. http://www.3brpowersports.com/products_TAPP.htm


Winner....
http://www.daqstuff.com/400116_5volt_switching_power_supply.htm