Can you solder together a usb cable to a 12v power cable ?

[stef1808]

So the idea is that in 1 car, the cigarette lighter doesn't work - nothing fits into it which I really dont understand - thought it was all 1 universal size.

Anyway, for a quick solution, was thinking to get a usb portable power supply unit (like the ones for charging a phone) and cutting the wire and soldiering it together with the 12v power cable I need (its actually one of those round "laptop style" chargers)

Always been a bit lost when it comes to soldiering wires together, would this even be possible? Would there be an easier way im not thinking of anyway?

Thanks any help is much appreciated

[grumbledoak]

I am quite sure you can solder the wires together. I wouldn't do it though - USB ports are supposed to supply 5V. You can buy cigarette lighter adaptors that plug in and supply a proper 5V USB port - have you tried that?

e.g.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009T6HEGE/

(Edit to show one with better reviews)

Edited by grumbledoak on Saturday 30th May 06:11

[stef1808]

I cant find an adapter thats the other way round. i.e 12v cig socket input
also ur right, i checked and need 6v min to power it so might be back to square one
thanks for your input

[anonymous-user]

Why don't you buy another cigarette lighter socket and wire it in yourself, if you run wires direct from the battery through the bulkhead don't forget a fuse before the positive wire goes through the bulkhead.

[GC8]

If you want 5v USB sockets then you're probably better off buying them ready made. A little looking on DX and Banggood will almost certainly find what you're looking for and it'll cost about £8 delivered.

[GC8]

http://www.banggood.com/12V-Car-Modification-USB-I...

http://www.banggood.com/1224V-Dual-USB-Ports-Dashb...

http://www.dx.com/p/12v-24v-to-5v-2-1a-2-port-usb-...

http://eud.dx.com/product/diy-2-port-usb-female-ca...

A little time spent on both sites will find replacement lighter sockets which house an inverter and two USB charging ports too. Personally, I would replace the cigar lighter either now or in the future and wire in one of the types of inverters that I have already shown, but there are manifold choices available.

[MuffDaddy]

That first link is exactly what I have been looking for. So I bought three,then I read the reviews. Lets see just how bad they are.

[MuffDaddy]

My USB replacements have arrived. Rather than butcher the trim in the car I have ordered a replacement trim. Should arrive Monday, install will be next Friday and I'll keep this updated.

[GC8]

The BangGood link of mine? If so: sweet! I am having a ste week and the feeling that Ive helped someone out has cheered me right up.

[MuffDaddy]

Yup, installed today and it is working a treat.

[GC8]

Cool.