Install of 2x cig lighter and 2x USB, where to get 12V?

[ElchTest]

I finally managed to get the audio AUX cable installed, now I just need to drill holes in the faceplate for the stereo jack and these connectors.

Where is the best place to get the 12V from? I see I can lift out the existing ash/cig panel and solder it to the bottom of the existing cig lighter, but is there a better place?

The reason I ask is that in some of the audio AUX threads it is mentioned that better grounding of the 12V can fix the ground loop hiss/buzz when the music device is charged at the same time it is being used.

 

[Liam-O]

take it off the radio as this is switched, if you take it off the cigar lighter its permanently on :wink:

(make sure you take it from the switched live on the radio though)

use a multimeter :!:

 

[Bucko521]

What part is that item???

Sure could use that in my Z4. It looks like you are installing this in the panel under the temperature gauges? Should be nice spot.

 

[ElchTest]

take it off the radio as this is switched, if you take it off the cigar lighter its permanently on

Very good point!

Can I get at the cable from underneath the AC controls, or do I need to take the **** vents out again?

What part is that item???

It is one of these:
http://www.webhallen.com/hardvara/89231-deltaco_stromadapter_fran_cigguttag_1224v_till_2x_cigguttag_och_2x_usb_5v_1a

Cheap chinese thing that is probably rebranded for every electronics gadget retailer. Cheapest one I could find (mekonomen.se) was about £8. Google "USB-CAR2".

Sure could use that in my Z4. It looks like you are installing this in the panel under the temperature gauges? Should be nice spot.

Exactly, the negative slant means that cables and connectors will be 100% invisible from a normal sitting position.

 

[JimmyPop]

I just ran the live from one of the empty fuseholders in the fusebox. Just trial and error to find a switched one.


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[Liam-O]

You should always use a multimeter when doing any electrical work on your car...

 

[cj10jeeper]

Since the header indicates a need for 2x lighter and 2x usb then there is a potential of considerable power draw. I'd therefore go with the main feed to the existing lighter socket and not with fairly low amperage cable to the audio.

I think you'll find the socket shuts down after 15 mins of ignition off as the bus hibernates.

Best of course is as JimmyPop sugests and go back to the fuse box

 

[Liam-O]

My cigar lighter kept constant power for way over 30 mins when i tested which is why i too it from the radio...

 

[ElchTest]

Best of course is as JimmyPop sugests and go back to the fuse box

Sounds like the way to go.

I don't think current draw will be an issue, I don't have lots of gadgets to power, the only reason there are four sockets is because it was the only adapter I could find with both USB and cig.

I just had a quick look at the fuse box, it wasn't obvious to me which panels I need to remove to pull wiring from the fuse box to the area below the AC controls. Any tips?

 

[Liam-O]

which ever way you go, with having so many socket in, I'd use a inline fuse. The last thing you want is melting wires behind the dash!

 

[gannet]

Best of course is as JimmyPop sugests and go back to the fuse box

Sounds like the way to go.

I don't think current draw will be an issue, I don't have lots of gadgets to power, the only reason there are four sockets is because it was the only adapter I could find with both USB and cig.

I just had a quick look at the fuse box, it wasn't obvious to me which panels I need to remove to pull wiring from the fuse box to the area below the AC controls. Any tips?

if you can get to the fuse box you should just be able to feed the wire round to the area under the air con controls - it aint that far

 

[aquazi]

I got a blade fuse piggy back (like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Blade-Fuse-Piggy-Back-Pass-Connector-Brand-New-/9728307763?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Terminals_Cabling_ET&hash=item243da3233)

And used it on my CD changer fuse (as all i have is my intravee off that) as my ciggy socket never turned off.. even after a few days i would see the blue glow of my road angel on!

I have a 12v inverter and a hidden cig socket next to the foot well which i use to power my road angel and anyones who needs to power off a mains can!

 

[ElchTest]

Great idea!

I just ordered a fuse piggy backer, once it arrives I'll see if I manage to feed wires through.

I don't have a CD changer, does that mean nothing will be connected to that fuse and I can safely use it?

I was just about to ask about inline fuses as well, do the standard blade fuses not blow fast enough?

 

[ElchTest]

The piggy backer arrived today, so I had another look behind the glove box. It seems slot 44 is switched, empty and not in use according to any of the fuse layout plans I've found. (Strange there isn't one in the car or in the instruction manual.)

It seems to work as intended.

Where is the best place to attach the ground wire? The most easily accessible point I can see is the existing cig lighter, but are there better options?

 

[planetibo]

The piggy backer arrived today, so I had another look behind the glove box. It seems slot 44 is switched, empty and not in use according to any of the fuse layout plans I've found. (Strange there isn't one in the car or in the instruction manual.)

It seems to work as intended.

Where is the best place to attach the ground wire? The most easily accessible point I can see is the existing cig lighter, but are there better options?

Have you solved your problem with taking the parasite?
I use a docking cable also> + usb jack. When I plugged into the cigarette lighter, I have a big noise generator.
I hesitate to do this:
-install a "noise filter" in the cigarette lighter socket
-take the 12v and ground pins on the radio
-put a "ground loop isolator" between the decision and the radio (this solution less interested because it deteriorates the sound a priori).

 

[ElchTest]

Yep, I used the same GND as the lighter. I had the noise as well, but solved it with one of these:
http://us.kensington.com/html/17598.html

Sounds fully acceptable now, I think.

 

[aquazi]

I used the ground off my cig wire (the brown wire on the harness side) its pretty thick for a ground and i have had no noise issues with it.

You could always ground it to any unpainted screw connected to the chassis.

 

[planetibo]

I use an extra cigarette lighter.
I connected to the cigarette lighter of origin, and I put a switch on the 12v (because 12v of cigarette lighter is always on...).
I use the 12v and ground under the cigarette lighter Orignial.
The noise appears when I start the car, and increases when I increase the rpm.
If I cut the 12v, I have noise always.
I feel that the noise coming from the ground.
Am I right?
Should I use a ground behind the radio (Pin ?) ?