Hi all, just thought I'd show off my new phone cradle and USB charger that's hard wired to a switched live. 

 

So I've got a Google Nexus 5X, but I don't like sticking things to my wind screen for satnav etc. I decided to measure, design and CAD in solidworks a cradle with changeable holders, with a mount permanently fixes to the dashboard (not permanent, but fitted with a piece of stainless that's held in place by the stereo trim). I also integrated a USB 3.0 cable in to this design which you can see in the pic. 

 

To power this, I stripped down a USB 3.0 12v plug and 3D printed a housing for it. This housing is velcroed in to the pocket in front of the gear stick with the USB cable running under the stereo trim and out to the cradle. The USB plug is hard wired to the rear wiper fuse (ignition switched live) with an add a fuse thingy. I used a 10amp fuse and 16.5amp twin core. I earthed it using a bolt in the fuse box. Feeding the cable was just a case of taking the gearstick cubby box thingy out and the climate control for access to the void behind.  

 

It all work very nicely I'm pleased to say!

 

Next step is to fit a microphone and run it through a mic/speaker splitter and hide the single cable in the dash to come out next to the cradle, so it's like Bluetooth, but with wires! I'm too cheap to spend over £200 on OEM Bluetooth haha. 

 

I should add that I didn't have to cut anything or make any holes. So completely reversible. 

Edited 1 May, 20179 yr by jmattley
Forgot to say something.

DIY Brodit holder. I like it.

You know you can buy a Bluetooth dongle with 3.5mm jack plug that plugs into the Aux jack in the centre console for a fiver don't you?

3 minutes ago, T2000 said:

You know you can buy a Bluetooth dongle with 3.5mm jack plug that plugs into the Aux jack in the centre console for a fiver don't you?

Yeah, but then I don't get the microphone option, which is something I would use. Please, they need charging or batteries changing. Sometimes hidden wires are the simplest option .

You do get the mic option it uses your phones mic, but yes they do need charging from time to time although I found about once a month and you already have the usb charger there.

I like that holder, nice work fella. Same phone as me, too

Nice work but you need to put a smaller fuse in as 10amp is too high and the damage will be done way before it blows. Try a 3 or 5 amp.

44 minutes ago, CWARD said:

Nice work but you need to put a smaller fuse in as 10amp is too high and the damage will be done way before it blows. Try a 3 or 5 amp.

Good plan! The USB charger can pull 3 amps so I'll go for a 5 in that case.

Quick update, I received the mic, splitter and extra aux cable, tore my dash and centre console to pieces resulting in this!