Advice on wiring a direct power switched miniUSB plug

[deevergote]

That has to be the most confusing title, I know! I tried to be descriptive, though.

I'm pretty useless when it comes to wiring, and in this I'm a total noob. So I definitely need some guidance!

What I'm looking to do is create a direct power line running to the battery, that will power a device (such as a phone or GPS) via a miniUSB connection. I want to do this without frying the device!
Having it capable of running on battery power alone, even when the car is off, would be preferable.

I'm sure it's not difficult to do, but I want to ask those with more experience before I make any assumptions.

[Ralphie]

Why would you want to do that?

Said device will drain the battery if left unnatended for long periods of time.....especially GPS.

[cloudasc]

Get a 12v dual usb charger, disassemble it, and mod it into your car in a manner preferable to you. Maybe something like the inverter mod (its in the diy section), to add a 120v outlet to an empty switch plate/cover. Wiring it to the battery is as simple as running two wires, one for power, one for ground.

[91kid]

USB is only 5v's though isnt it?

[lucifer1]

All you need is a 5v regulator and and a couple capacitors then wire to a usb cable. This is good for a couple amps of current.
http://datasheet.octopart.com/L78S05...t-10835803.pdf

[Soufkackicustom]

Get a extra cig lighter, wire it to the battery, plug in USB car charger. That's how I'd do it, easy and cheap

[deevergote]

Eh, I want to have it as clean as possible.

My reason is because I've taken an interest in the Raspberry Pi. I want to see if I can hook one up in my car.
Ralph, that's why I want it on a switch, so I can cut the power if necessary. However, I'd like to be able to keep it on when I turn the car off, so I don't have to restart everything every time I restart the car.

[91kid]

Eh, I want to have it as clean as possible.

My reason is because I've taken an interest in the Raspberry Pi. I want to see if I can hook one up in my car.
Ralph, that's why I want it on a switch, so I can cut the power if necessary. However, I'd like to be able to keep it on when I turn the car off, so I don't have to restart everything every time I restart the car.

What are you gonna do with a raspberry pi in your car?

[bobbycos]

What are you gonna do with a raspberry pi in your car?

i hope it goes great with ice cream sandwich

[deevergote]

What are you gonna do with a raspberry pi in your car?

Spreadsheets.

[Accrdwgnguy]

I think the easiest, noob friendly solution is to hard-wire a car charger in, you may be able to wire it directly to the under-dash fuse box as they don't use a lot of juice.

[Bad_dude]

Try this hard wire into the battery with a switch in between. Don't forget the fuse. You could find a lower wattage with the cig lighter plug and splice that to work.

[deevergote]

Try this hard wire into the battery with a switch in between. Don't forget the fuse. You could find a lower wattage with the cig lighter plug and splice that to work.

I have a Black and Decker one that's similar. Has the battery plugs and everything. Even has a USB port. I guess that might end up being my best option afterall.

[Ralphie]

Idk, Im not a fan of wiriing anything into a permanent power state.

I understand if you know what your doing it will work out, but it leaves the door open for a drain, and also for being stranded which im not a fan of.


BTW....that Rasberry pi is fucking sick.

How did you find that?

[Ralphie]

LOL you should by that for just shits and giggles!