Installing new stereo, need to mount a USB Port somewhere

moist_oyster · Jul 18, 2024

I'm upgrading my stereo tomorrow after work and the new head unit I'm getting (Alpine iLX-W670) only has a USB Port in the back. The USB Port will be solely used for Android Auto. I'm looking for a quality USB Port that can handle that and also if there is a company that makes USB ports that pop into unused button areas or something along those lines.

If there isn't I'd love to see/hear about where you guys have mounted USB ports in your truck so I can get some ideas. I'll attach a picture of my dash so you guys know what I'm working with.

HarryN · Jul 18, 2024

There are a couple of ways to get a USB port to the front, each with trade offs.

Older USB ports were limited in power to ~ 5 volts x 2.5 amps, so ~ 12 watts.

Over time, the ports rose to almost 2x the amps, and the voltage can rise to almost the input voltage level. Some of the newer ports, when powered by 24 volts, can run at ~ 50 ish watts, but less than 20 watts when powered by 12 volt.

Here is an example:

https://www.bluesea.com/products/1045/12_24V_DC_Dual_USB_Charger_4.8A_with_Intelligent_Device_Recognition

or this rectangular format version:

https://www.bluesea.com/products/1039/12_24V_Dual_USB_4.8A_Chargers_-_Switch_Mount

I use the round one all of the time on van projects. These work really well for power systems running 24 volt battery packs, but of course less output for 12 volt input.

To get the absolute max USB power from your existing setup, use a good quality 120 vac powered USB port and plug it into that low power 120 vac output on the dash. That is really what it is there for. To power higher end USB charge rates, especially on apple charger devices.

There are extension cord type setups that you can use to plug into the back of the USB port on the back and run it around to the front as well.

SitKneelBend · Jul 18, 2024

moist_oyster said:
I'm upgrading my stereo tomorrow after work and the new head unit I'm getting (Alpine iLX-W670) only has a USB Port in the back. The USB Port will be solely used for Android Auto. I'm looking for a quality USB Port that can handle that and also if there is a company that makes USB ports that pop into unused button areas or something along those lines.

If there isn't I'd love to see/hear about where you guys have mounted USB ports in your truck so I can get some ideas. I'll attach a picture of my dash so you guys know what I'm working with.

Might I suggest cheap and easy. Run an extension from the back of the radio into the glovebox. More expensive but easy still is plugging in an AA wireless dongle to the back of the radio and call it a day .

diymirage · Jul 18, 2024

That's how I did it, my aftermarket radio has 2 USB ports, so the one is tied in to the OEM under the arm rest, and the other is in the glovebox

zrock · Jul 19, 2024

usually the radio comes with a USB extension lead that you can route anywhere. I have run them to a switch cut out and cut a hole in the switch plate epoxy iit into place and it looks good as long as you cut the hole properly.

I just looked and i had that sterio and it does come with the extension lead.

Installing new stereo, need to mount a USB Port somewhere

moist_oyster

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HarryN

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