Infotainment systems require two easily accessed USB interface connections
My TJ has been patiently waiting for me to decide where to install the USB ports so I can get rid of the ugly, "I don't know what to do with these cables", look, to something more respectable.
Cars get the rough treatment more then most other devices
Use an IP67 socket rated for harsh environments.
USB interfaces can have one or two pairs of wires - power only or power & data. Cables (and Panel mount USB sockets) that only carry power (two pair) are only for charging devices and will not work for phones and USB drives.
Be absolutely sure the cables and Sockets you chose have two pairs. Read + Black For High current (Charging) and White + Green for data. You also need an earth running around the outside for the cables and sockets to shield out interference.
You will need:
Cut the USB cable to about 7" to 10" inches or more then strip the wires back.
Remove the plug on the other end of the socket and again, strip the wires back.
Be sure to slip the heat-shrink on that will cover the entire cable ^ Look up ^ And a small red heat-shrink for the RED power cable before you start.
RED wire first
The most important wire and you must completely heat-shrink this join.
Holding the wires at about 45 degrees and re-cut, re-striping and solder it, this will make it easier as you repeat the process with the other three joins.
When you gt to the earth wires you will need to match up the center black wire first and heat-shrink it
Heat up the join with a hairdryer and twist the wires a little then let it cool.
Wrap the foil earth shield around the join and slip the last heat-shrink over the join but not all the way just yet.
Before you go any further, check it works with an old phone that you don't care about
Finnish the heat shrink and your done!
Mark out two circles and drill small holes around the inside of the two circles, then use the rotary tool to make the large holes.
The center switch bezel with two USB ports installed for power & data
The completed Install...
...and working like a charm!
- Apple car play or Android Auto
- Thumb drive for music, photos, software, videos, updates, etc.
- Must be durable.
- Cant have caps (I hate caps).
- Can't fill up with crap.
- Must be water resistant.
- Easily accessed by Driver & passenger.
My TJ has been patiently waiting for me to decide where to install the USB ports so I can get rid of the ugly, "I don't know what to do with these cables", look, to something more respectable.
Cars get the rough treatment more then most other devices
Use an IP67 socket rated for harsh environments.
Jaycar - 31.95 AU (about 25 US)
Note: not any old USB connector or cable will work.
USB interfaces can have one or two pairs of wires - power only or power & data. Cables (and Panel mount USB sockets) that only carry power (two pair) are only for charging devices and will not work for phones and USB drives.
Be absolutely sure the cables and Sockets you chose have two pairs. Read + Black For High current (Charging) and White + Green for data. You also need an earth running around the outside for the cables and sockets to shield out interference.
You will need:
- Two old USB cables cut and prepped.
- Two IP67 rated or other suitable USB sockets.
- Heat shrink.
- Small pliers.
- Fine tip soldering iron.
- Wire stripping machine.
- Drill and rotary tool.
Cut the USB cable to about 7" to 10" inches or more then strip the wires back.
Remove the plug on the other end of the socket and again, strip the wires back.
Be sure to slip the heat-shrink on that will cover the entire cable ^ Look up ^ And a small red heat-shrink for the RED power cable before you start.
RED wire first
The most important wire and you must completely heat-shrink this join.
Holding the wires at about 45 degrees and re-cut, re-striping and solder it, this will make it easier as you repeat the process with the other three joins.
When you gt to the earth wires you will need to match up the center black wire first and heat-shrink it
Heat up the join with a hairdryer and twist the wires a little then let it cool.
Wrap the foil earth shield around the join and slip the last heat-shrink over the join but not all the way just yet.
Before you go any further, check it works with an old phone that you don't care about
Finnish the heat shrink and your done!
Mark out two circles and drill small holes around the inside of the two circles, then use the rotary tool to make the large holes.
The center switch bezel with two USB ports installed for power & data
The completed Install...
...and working like a charm!
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