USB power supply from battery

Arsey

Arsey

I identify as a Donkey. My pronouns are He/Haw
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I’ve got a new bike coming that doesn’t have a USB power socket.
I want to be able to use my Peak Design phone mount and iPhone 14 to display maps for navigating so am looking for a neat USB power supply that I can connect to the battery and run up to the bars to plug in a phone cable.
Had a search on here but can’t seem to find much.
Any suggestions ?
Ta

PS

I’ve seen this on Amazon which I actually purchased for a bike in 2019

dc37d519eea0205b0808fadd4f9d4d21.jpg



Just wondered if anybody has found something neater ?
 
There’s lots out there. Surf around until you find something you like the look of. Most of them have the SAE connector, as shown in your picture. For what it’s worth, I use one, pretty much the same as the one in your picture. I wrapped it in amalgamating tape, to keep the water out.

One tip: Rather than going directly to the battery, like some lower level 1250 owner, fit something neat, like a Thunderbox. This will have the added advantage of killing the power to the USB socket, rather than leaving it permanently live.
 
Last edited:
If you are having an optimate lead on the bike anyway they do a usb attachment
Which is actually what I use effectively as I only plug it in if I need to charge the phone

It helps on mine that the battery is very much at the front of the bike rather than under the seat

https://optimate1.com/product/usbo-108/
 
Wapping said:
There’s lots out there. Surf around until you find something you like the look of. Most of them have the SAE connector, as shown in your picture. For what it’s worth, I use one, pretty much the same as the one in your picture. I wrapped it in amalgamating tape, to keep the water out.

One tip: Rather than going directly to the battery, like some lower level 1250 owner, fit something neat, like a Thunderbox. This will have the added advantage of killing the power to the USB socket, rather than leaving it permanently live.
Click to expand...

Ta.Been having a look and can’t find much else.
Just looked at Thunderbox.
I see they do a power distribution module and a USB charger

4d5dfee5410aa63c894443d2b808200e.jpg


b4f3b87e4e711e3ef858bf142ba02e3e.jpg


Looks good.


RedRick Esq. said:
If you are having an optimate lead on the bike anyway they do a usb attachment
Which is actually what I use effectively as I only plug it in if I need to charge the phone

It helps on mine that the battery is very much at the front of the bike rather than under the seat

https://optimate1.com/product/usbo-108/
Click to expand...

It’s a thought but I’ll have a separate Optimate charger anyway so not sure there’s a benefit in unplugging the USB point to charge the bike.
 
Last edited:
Arsey said:
Ta.Been having a look and can’t find much else.



It’s a thought but I’ll have a separate Optimate charger anyway so not sure there’s a benefit in unplugging the USB point to charge the bike.
Click to expand...
Yeah
I just carry the USB part - I may have like the wrong one ( I did its this one I have https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tecmate-Op...ocphy=9046351&hvtargid=pla-952855055897&psc=1
in my pocket should I need to charge my phone - plug it into the optimate lead, short I phone lead to the phone on its quad lock and jobs a carrot
 
whatever you get, you definitely want it switched with the ignition. Most of these devices munch through a few mA a day even without a load, which might drain the battery at an inconvenient time, and shorten the charger's service life.
 
I use these

XTVTX X101 2PCS DC Converter Voltage 12V to 5V DC Converter Buck Module USB Output Power Adapter DC Power Adapter Converter DC to DC Regulator Car Power Converter https://amzn.eu/d/albDZ7y

But recently fitted one of these to a mate’s bike, which was excellent quality.

www.quadlockcase.co.uk

Motorcycle - Waterproof 12V To USB Smart Adaptor

The Quad Lock Waterproof 12V to USB Smart Adaptor comes with everything needed to power your Quad Lock Weatherproof Wireless Charging Head from your motorcycle, boat or caravan.
www.quadlockcase.co.uk www.quadlockcase.co.uk
 
John Armstrong said:
I have the Thunderbox plus USB lead on my ADV350, great bit of kit that doesn't need an ignition switched source.
Click to expand...

You do realise there’s a USB-C socket in the left cubby hole ?

Anyway, thanks for all,the suggestions.

I’d never actually heard of Thunderbox for some reason.

Thanks Richard for the suggestion.

I’ve ordered the TB UO1 distribution module and the USB charger.

Should be perfect for my needs.

Along with the Peak Design bar mount for the phone

bb3a5722d7c311f77cca8528afe6910d.jpg
 
Last edited:
Arsey said:
You do realise there’s a USB-C socket in the left cubby hole ?

Anyway, thanks for all,the suggestions.

I’d never actually heard of Thunderbox for some reason.

Thanks Richard for the suggestion.

I’ve ordered the TB UO1 distribution module and the USB charger.

Should be perfect for my needs.

Along with the Peak Design bar mount for the phone

bb3a5722d7c311f77cca8528afe6910d.jpg
Click to expand...

The Thunderbox is for powering the Garmin XT and recharge my battery pack, and maybe a video camera, glovebox for charging the phone. I already had the Thunderbox when I bought the 350 ADV otherwise I might have tried to tap into a switched live somewhere for the XT.
 
One last suggestion, my car has a permanently live cigarette lighter socket, so wanted a switched source. This works, but the stop start defeats it occasionally, but for your use, chop the plug off and put battery terminals on, and chop the socket off and add in a USB outlet (that drops the 12v to 5v). Bit of a faff, but might be an option, unless you know someone who's got the Oxford heated grips and wants rid of them as it's supposed to do the same as the Thunderbox / this bit of kit.

 
Does bike not have a switched feed pre installed on the bike? A bit like KTM do.

I’d also try to source a power supply module with USB-C, as upcoming iPhone 15 is more than likely to be utilising it. USB-A is going to be a thing of the past, a bit like floppy disks and CD.
 
EVskij said:
Does bike not have a switched feed pre installed on the bike? A bit like KTM do.

I’d also try to source a power supply module with USB-C, as upcoming iPhone 15 is more than likely to be utilising it. USB-A is going to be a thing of the past, a bit like floppy disks and CD.
Click to expand...

Yeah but when I change my phone I’ll just use a USB-A to USB-C cable


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Thetwatcantalk
 
Arsey said:
Yeah but when I change my phone I’ll just use a USB-A to USB-C cable


Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Thetwatcantalk
Click to expand...
Also an option. I was just thinking that the USB-C module might be a bit more compact, compared to USB-A.
 
@ Arsey, don’t keep us in suspense. What bike are you getting.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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