I was wondering if anyone had used one of these piggyback fuse holders to create another USB socket?  I need this for power only but to be live with ignition.  I have seen a number of posts regarding dashcam installs but I am looking for a USB socket.  

 

Basically, it is to plug in a wifi dongle which has a USB port and I dont want it draining the battery whilst the car is not in use.

 

Hoping someone can help

 

Cheers!

should be fine, use the rear wiper fuse

You do know that a usb dongle expects 5v?  Please don't take the post as "being clever" I was concerned that there was no mention of any "12v to 5v electronics" 

42 minutes ago, peter_k said:

You do know that a usb dongle expects 5v?  Please don't take the post as "being clever" I was concerned that there was no mention of any "12v to 5v electronics" 

 

Thanks Peter - I hadnt taken this in to consideration... I guess the best solution is to use a cigarette lighter socket and use a USB converter which must have the necessary electronics inside?

2 hours ago, Pidge_Sportline said:

I was wondering if anyone had used one of these piggyback fuse holders to create another USB socket?  I need this for power only but to be live with ignition.  I have seen a number of posts regarding dashcam installs but I am looking for a USB socket.  

 

Basically, it is to plug in a wifi dongle which has a USB port and I dont want it draining the battery whilst the car is not in use.

 

Hoping someone can help

 

Cheers!

I used these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00QX54YIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1550063146/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DGYD6A8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M6Q83B4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Piggy back fuse -> cigar lighter socket -> USB power adapter. Wrap cable with the tape.

All fits in nicely in the void behind the removable panel on the passenger side of the dash, it's really close to the fusebox here so no need for long cables.

Wi-Fi signal will pass easily through the dash materials.

I stuck a USB converter in the lighter socket. It would charge my phone, but I could not access a USB flash drive with mp3 files on it. I wonder why?

@Pidge_Sportline If you want a semi permanent solution and minimal exposed wiring I would suggest you search  Google for 12v  to 5v converters along with desired  USB socket/plug type. Examples:

 Car Auto DC 12V to DC 5V 3A 15W Hard Wired Step Down Converter Power Supply Dual USB Female

DC 12V to 5V Power Converter Micro USB Right Angle Shape

Alternative solution: I presume you are installing  a "portable 3G/4G wirless router" (if that's the right name) . I think the Skoda USB ports can supply 1A and are ignition switched.  You can get "power only USB cables" (or cut the data lines in a std cable)

48 minutes ago, peter_k said:

@Pidge_Sportline If you want a semi permanent solution and minimal exposed wiring I would suggest you search  Google for 12v  to 5v converters along with desired  USB socket/plug type. Examples:

 Car Auto DC 12V to DC 5V 3A 15W Hard Wired Step Down Converter Power Supply Dual USB Female

DC 12V to 5V Power Converter Micro USB Right Angle Shape

Alternative solution: I presume you are installing  a "portable 3G/4G wirless router" (if that's the right name) . I think the Skoda USB ports can supply 1A and are ignition switched.  You can get "power only USB cables" (or cut the data lines in a std cable)

Be aware I tried using the exact same “car auto” converter, and a different branded one of a similar design for my dashcam but it caused all sorts of problems so I finally settled on the 12v lighter skt and used the dashcam manufacturer supplied usb power supply and all the problems went away.

May not be a problem for your intended use but you never know...

P.s. the 12v  skts on my Superb are definitely NOT switched with the ignition, the media usb skt is.

Edited 31 January, 20188 yr by Rifleman

I am using something similar to power a dashcam which runs on USB voltage, all stuffed in the void behind the glovebox.

 

On 1/31/2018 at 16:35, freelunch said:

I stuck a USB converter in the lighter socket. It would charge my phone, but I could not access a USB flash drive with mp3 files on it. I wonder why?

 

The lighter socket has no data connection to the head unit,  use bluetooth, wifi (?) or the car's USB socket.

 

 

Thanks @IJWS15 that hadn't occurred to me. I realise now what a ridiculous idea it was and why I got a big laugh from @Alan_P

Sorry buddy, I though it was a joke

But, I have no sense of humour.

Use something like this.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Converter-Voltage-Parallel-Adapter-Connector/dp/B00GXXFBC0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1517570152&sr=1-1&keywords=12v+to+5v+usb

Can somebody confirm the size of fuse required? Ie mini/micro etc? Seems to be a large selection of fuse taps available on amazon! 

 

Cheers.

On 1/31/2018 at 13:30, Rifleman said:

I used these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00QX54YIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1550063146/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DGYD6A8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M6Q83B4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Piggy back fuse -> cigar lighter socket -> USB power adapter. Wrap cable with the tape.

All fits in nicely in the void behind the removable panel on the passenger side of the dash, it's really close to the fusebox here so no need for long cables.

Wi-Fi signal will pass easily through the dash materials.

 

Planning on using a piggyback fuse to install my dashcam onto a switched live, happy with how it works and how to install right up to idiot question...  Where does the ground/return go?  I had a quick look tonight at fusebox and can't seen anything obvious in there to ground on so is it a case of attaching to bare metal of car and then if that is the case, where do you do it?  Do I need a c-shape crimp and a bolt/screw somewhere on body?

 

If you look behind the cover on the passenger side of the dash, between the dash and the door ( prise it off gently using a wide removal tool )  you will see a number of suitable bolt heads that go into the metal chassis. Just loosen one of those and use a c-crimp. Job done!