Is there a simple way of changing these from always on? I use the front console socket to run my dash cam, but it's inevitable that I'll forget to disconnect it and potentially flatten the battery. I've been searching for a USB adapter that has a built in low voltage detector circuit with auto power shut off, but I can't find anything. I'm not too bothered about parking mode, as that is run off the rear camera connected to the OBD2 port with a switchable connector with the low voltage protection. I guess the answer is to hardwire the camera into the ignition circuit in some way, but never attempted it before, has anyone tried this? Any guides?

You can buy simple piggyback fuse connectors for this sort of thing. Pick any suitable fuse in the fusebox to take switched power from. 

what am I looking at? 

8 minutes ago, stever750 said:

Is there a simple way of changing these from always on? I use the front console socket to run my dash cam, but it's inevitable that I'll forget to disconnect it and potentially flatten the battery. I've been searching for a USB adapter that has a built in low voltage detector circuit with auto power shut off, but I can't find anything. I'm not too bothered about parking mode, as that is run off the rear camera connected to the OBD2 port with a switchable connector with the low voltage protection. I guess the answer is to hardwire the camera into the ignition circuit in some way, but never attempted it before, has anyone tried this? Any guides?

I use my front console USB socket to power my dash camera, and it is switchable from the ignition, though the main 12v socket is always-on. It's a nuisance, as that USB socket is the one required for Android Auto on my car

I have a Ring 12v socket adaptor that gives two extra 12v sockets, 2 USB sockets and supposedly has low voltage protection, but I found it killed my (albeit elderly) car battery one year, so I always assumed the protection was junk after that. I'd like a switchable 12v socket option, so I can have the 12v socket always on or ignition controlled, as my needs dictate.

 

So given that your USB isn't switched, I'm now wondering if my socket has been modified.

2 minutes ago, EnterName said:

I use my front console USB socket to power my dash camera, and it is switchable from the ignition, though the main 12v socket is always-on. It's a nuisance, as that USB socket is the one required for Android Auto on my car

I have a Ring 12v socket adaptor that gives two extra 12v sockets, 2 USB sockets and supposedly has low voltage protection, but I found it killed my (albeit elderly) car battery one year, so I always assumed the protection was junk after that. I'd like a switchable 12v socket option, so I can have the 12v socket always on or ignition controlled, as my needs dictate.

 

So given that your USB isn't switched, I'm now wondering if my socket has been modified.

Yes I use the USB port for my phone also, wonder if there is a splitter so I could attach my phone and the cam, though that might not work.....I haven't tried it though, so no idea if switched or not, will check later

 

Maybe something like this, only a smaller 2 port design:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atolla-USB-3-0-Hub-Port-Black/dp/B07DWZCSPM/ref=psdc_430443031_t5_B01DYD3Q28

 

2 hours ago, stever750 said:

Yes I use the USB port for my phone also, wonder if there is a splitter so I could attach my phone and the cam, though that might not work.....I haven't tried it though, so no idea if switched or not, will check later

 

I don't know if this would work, but....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RK3S4KF/?coliid=I6FEJMCLAWAIN

This might work as a powered hub plugged into the switchable USB port and powered by the always-on 12v socket.

The risks is finding out the USB ports are always powered, but are stupid, or the unit having a high load drain even when the ports are "stupid", i.e. just power outlets.

A separate 12v socket to whatever socket is on the hub is needed, but doubtless could be sourced, made. But it's a bit of a "maybe this'll work" solution.

 

But as an idea, it's a little bit of genius, even if it doesn't work.

 

Edit: Thinking about it, a USB port that is smart when the ignition is on, allowing data comms, and dumb when the ignition is off, allowing phone charging might be useful.

Might.

 

 

Edited 19 July, 20214 yr by EnterName

1 hour ago, stever750 said:

Maybe something like this, only a smaller 2 port design:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atolla-USB-3-0-Hub-Port-Black/dp/B07DWZCSPM/ref=psdc_430443031_t5_B01DYD3Q28

 

Yes, that might well work, depending on the current capabilities of the USB socket, which I assume are 2.4 amps, and is a lot neater and less dodgy solution than my powered hub.

Though you never know when a powered smart hub might come in handy. (Don't ask me what for.)

 

You can probably find a 12V cigar lighter powered USB hub somewhere, but probably over thinking this now. I'm just going to buy a cable splitter and see how that works.

 

6 hours ago, stever750 said:

You can probably find a 12V cigar lighter powered USB hub somewhere, but probably over thinking this now. I'm just going to buy a cable splitter and see how that works.

 

Let us know how you get on, I could do with a pair of switched USB ports myself, I just never found not having them quite enough of a problem to do anything about it.

23 hours ago, EnterName said:

Let us know how you get on, I could do with a pair of switched USB ports myself, I just never found not having them quite enough of a problem to do anything about it.

I tried a simple USB male to 2 x female splitter from amazon, and the dash cam works and so does android auto at the same time so good to go!