iPod usb doesn't charge ipad

Z

zztop

Member
Hi all,

Not a question but I've noticed that plugging my ipad into the armrest iPod socket will allow access to the audio out from the device (on USB port 1) but I get the "not charging" message on the ipad.

It's a pain for me because I'm using the ipad (mini) instead of an idrive so I'm planning on splicing power into the cable with a usb y cable and cutting the black and red power lines from the plug I'll be putting into the iPod socket, just to make sure I don't cause any problems. The other usb plug will go into the ciggie lighter socket with a 2 amp adapter.

The y cable I bought is like this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009EAF0RU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I originally planned on using audio over bluetooth but this is not possible with the audio options I ticked (advanced bluetooth). Apparently you need the idrive option for this to work, which rather defeats the purpose for me :)

As an aside, the reason I'm doing it this way rather than plugging the audio in mini jack plug is that I like skipping the tracks back and forth with the steering wheel buttons, which is possible if you are using usb audio but not analog in. This even works if you are using something like offline Spotify, as long as you start the audio running from the ipad first.
 
The USB charging only supplies 500mA. I think the iPad requires 1A.

It's the same with a PC. You can't charge the iPad via USB unless you install a tweak to output 1A through the USB port.
 
No. There is a tweak for PCs to output 1A via USB. The car I'm not so sure of.

Sorry for the confusion.

The cig lighter should give you 1A. I have a belkin adapter for my armrest that fast-charges my iPhone so it must be giving out 1A.
 
There are cigarette adapters that provide the voltage (I also have the Belkin). However, I thought that the lower amp supply also charges, the ipad shows it doesn't as it is a trickle charge - the charging is insufficient to keep the battery at full capacity whilst using the device, but if closed will trickle charge the battery?

EDIT: Apple confirms it here stating: when attached to a computer through a standard USB port (most PCs or earlier Mac computers) iPad will charge, but only when it's in sleep mode. So you may be able to charge, but not use the iPad.
 
Thanks for your replies everyone, but I needed it to be charging whilst in use for music and satnav, that's why I opted for building a power splitting cable to add 2A to the supply but keep the data wires linked to the iPod socket.
 
The ipad and ipod sense the current available form the charger by looking at resistances between the data lines and the supply / ground pins.

Hacking the cable to separate them will kind of mess this process up! Its part of why they don't charge well when connected to PCs (as there is data on the pins) but resort to drawing the minimum common level which is ?100mA? for a USB connection, so it can trickle charge but not much more.. it may well work for you as the higher current is to charge a depleted battery in a quick time not to just power the operating device.
 
Doh!

Turns out you were right :(

The ipad senses the available charge current by the voltage present on the data lines, with no data lines in the power cable then it won't charge, just tried it :(

This means that with the data lines connected and power coming from elsewhere the ipad still thinks it's not got enough current to charge, so it doesn't.

That's a bit of a shame to say the least, I'll have to rethink my options.

Luckily there's more than enough juice in an iPad mini to last for most road trips, it's just a bit of a pain as it would be better if it didn't need managing.

Thanks for your help peeps.
 
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