Hardwired USB charging socket

[Tegriffic]

So, I finally decided to buy a dashcam for the cars, including the Griff. It needs a power feed via USB. I don't really want to run it from the cigarette lighter so I'm thinking I need to hardwire a USB socket somewhere and somehow. Has anyone done this and if so what's a good unit to buy and the best (and easiest) point to pick up a feed. I'm not too bothered where it is sited as long was thinking under the dash maybe. Thanks.

[glow worm]

You may not want to use the method i used but ... I replaced ALL the head units in 4 cars that I owned with the same Pioneer units (because I got fed up with each car needing different set up procedures)... A side benefit was that each unit had 2 USB interfaces so with suitable cables it enabled me to have 2 USB ports in all my cars (Chim,Tuscan,Sagaris and a BMW E36 328) either to be used for USB flash sticks (with my music) or to be used as USB charging ports for phones and other electrical devices. Also gave me hands free phone use in the TVRs (If I can hear anyone with the roof off and engine noise)

Edited by glow worm on Thursday 15th September 23:09

[Mammasaid]

You need a hardwire kit, piggy backs off a fuse (choose either a switched or permanent live one), and then runs up to your dash cam with a usb outlet.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Hardwire-Universal-Came...

[5.0ltr]

Some ideas here may be of assistance.
http://www.bertram-hill.com/auxiliary-sockets.html...

[Tegriffic]

Thanks for the replies. The fuse piggy looks the ticket and quickest.

[5.0ltr]

An alternative comes with modern ice that have various usb connections, mine runs an old iPod in glove box but doubles as power that side of car,

[keynsham]

If you hardwire a usb port into your car make sure it goes off with the ignition as they have a transformer in to reduce the voltage from 12V to 5V and it will slowly run your battery down otherwise when the ignition is off.

[Starfighter]

Tegriffic said:

Thanks for the replies. The fuse piggy looks the ticket and quickest.

It Is. I have done this on our 2 cars and the motor home.

The hardest part is figuring out which power lines to go for. Many dash am harnesses need a permanent live, switched live and an earth. The modern electronics can means that switch live stays life for a little time after the ignition is switched off.

I would get a simple build on a cable so you can confirm exactly what connection you have once the car is locked.

[fieryfred]

I took mine from a fused live ignition on under the dash. Being a Chim the dash is a finger nut easy off job.
Placed the USB port by the drivers corner & ran the cable around the window.
Works well with a mini dash cam. I assume the Griff will be the same under the dash.