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Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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dimitrz
New User
Jun 6, 2017, 8:45 AM
Post #1 of 6
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Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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Dear all
I own a 2010 model Ford Escape ( automatic 3l v6 )
What I want to do :-
I want to provide direct power the following in my car
1) GPS device which comes with a free rear camera
2) Dash Cam which consumes 5 V 1 amps
3) Dash Cam for the back side of the vehicle which consumes round about same power
I already have an off market reverse camera which is connected to my Reverse gear and displays image in the rear view finder.
Why I want to do the above :-
1) I dont want to have a clutter of wires hanging from dash board to cigarette lighter socket
2) I want to free up the cigarette lighter for other miscellaneous stuff like charging my mobile if needed.
3) I dont want to risk a fuse break by having those cheap and unreliable multi socket adapter you get for cigarette lighter - which gives you the option to have multiple cigarette lighter out from same cigarette lighter port.
My Question
1) Is it okay to give direct power to the devices listed above ?
2) do I need to ask the mechanic to carry out some precaution while doing the above direct power ?
Thanks in advance for your time
(This post was edited by dimitrz on Jun 6, 2017, 8:46 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 6, 2017, 9:07 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1329 views)
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Re: Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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Interior fuse box most have a spot not used marked or a location # to access either constant power or ignition meaning only has power with ignition ON and engine should be running.
If just a metal pinch connection put a small spade on a fuse holder then on to a power port only for your devices. You can pick a spot low on dash or out of any harm to mount these. If all plastic only find a screw or bolt you can harmlessly just use another wire to ground it. Comes as a kit ready to go the fuse wire sold separately choose no more than you could possibly want low # like a 7.5 maybe 10amp package for port may say.
Have several already in my own, no wiring messed with of the vehicles at all.
I chose full time power car running or not attended or not but would unplug devices when not in use every time. The other you just lose power to it when you shut car off.
Heck - camping sections and near where they sell automotive stuff at all Walmarts I've been to for example. Parts stores too as for an additional whole power port.
It should come with a metal bracket for mounting with once screw to hold bracket but a place for more if needed. These are stock items that do not cut into vehicles own wires at all and suggest you don't!
BTW - a real power port is tons better than a cigarette lighter we call them as your connection is smooth for the device not fiddle for a connection. Ones I speak of have a rubber plug for them when not in use at all so can't put anything in them and blow a fuse.
Just look for them - see them all over the place. You decide where to you liking. Watch out for something. If you place this where your knee or a passenger can hit it in an abrupt stop that's the wrong place to put it!
T
(edit to add that your device's plug changes the voltage the device needs down to your 5V stuff from the 12V port which follows car's voltage which exceeds 12V when running and does now with the one you are using,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jun 6, 2017, 9:09 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 6, 2017, 9:32 AM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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There must be a dc to dc regulator inside the port adapter to take 14 volts down to 5 volts for the unit. There is nothing in the electrical system that puts out a 5 volt source. If that is the case, your going to have to build or makeshift the regulator.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 6, 2017, 9:42 AM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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DS - Check any device with it's own male port plug. Then check the output the port made for the device. Inside the plug for that device already does that as the thing doesn't/can't know what you plugged it into except the size of 12V power ports which happens to be cig lighter size exactly.
OP - If you wanted this today you can buy assorted single plug you are using and have up to 3 ports from that one just need the room. Those also come as wired so you can place the 2-3 extra ports where you wish still if room and want to look at wires where that is now. Do know you don't want to overload the OE port you have but phone things and cameras take very little power and should say so on devices,
T
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dimitrz
New User
Jun 6, 2017, 12:04 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1300 views)
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Re: Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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Dear Tom / Discretesignals
Thank you for your inputs
Just to clarify - I am not looking to convert Car DC 12 volt to 5 Volt , I merely wanted to highlight how much power each of the 3 additional gadgets I am planning to install might draw .
That info was to see if I am putting undue stress on the theatricals which might cause it to short circuit
However based on your answer I have this understanding
1) giving direct power to these gadgets when the ignition is ON wont cause any undue electrical problem for the car.
2) Its actually better to provide direct power to gadgets than using Car Cigarette lighter - as comparatively that is more unstable and prone to issues ( comparatively)
3) It is also my understanding that the Cigarette lighter adapter in itself doesn't convert the 12 V to a different volt but its ideally the internal circuitry of gadgets like Dash cam or GPS which takes in 12 V and convert it to 5 V or whatever volt it needs.
Am I right in my understanding ?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 6, 2017, 1:39 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: Providing direct power to gadgets ?
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Right - you are converting the volts the plug to devices to their requirements using the plug they came with. Most are close to 5v DC.
How many amps each draws is marginal most likely should say on device, plugs or papers than you may have. Super high chances insignificant but would still unplug anything. Many more vehicles cut power to ports just shutting off cars so can't work when off anyway with the one you have - check it.
I don't trust leaving things plugged in much at all - period. If empowered and failed a real problem. I do take apart plug ends and all so far have a glass fuse in them if they don't work or somehow broken the plug itself blows that's for the device.
Just looked at two home chargers that put out for phones for example. Clearly says one put out 300mA DC at 5V another puts out 400mA which isn't much. Both are home 110 wall outlet chargers don't care from AC 90v thru a 220V line it's plugged into! That BTW is the power most of non North America uses for wall outlets - yes 220 volts, AC current and all can vary right at home outlets or definitely in a vehicle for voltage.
It's hard to know - see what you can find on the devices embossed in plastic or a label,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jun 6, 2017, 1:41 PM)
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