Charging USB gadgets

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

How do you guys handle charging multiple USB devices.. ( I will have 2 iPads and 2 iPhones typically)
Do you just simply use a car usb adapter plugged into what I would call the cigarette lighter socket , or do you have a more permanent solution like this

http://www.carlingtech.com/node/1008

Thanks in advance...

taz42169 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:08 am

Something i did on our 248 was to cut a hole on the cabinet wall next to the microwave. I used a hole cutter bit for my drill. There is an outlet the microwave plugs into and the microwave only uses 1 of the 2 plugs. I plugged a surge protector into it and that allowed me to plug in multiple, low voltage accessories. I finished the hole with a hole grommet cap (plastic). It was functional and it looked good.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:41 am

taz42169 wrote:

Something i did on our 248 was to cut a hole on the cabinet wall next to the microwave. I used a hole cutter bit for my drill. There is an outlet the microwave plugs into and the microwave only uses 1 of the 2 plugs. I plugged a surge protector into it and that allowed me to plug in multiple, low voltage accessories. I finished the hole with a hole grommet cap (plastic). It was functional and it looked good.

Great idea, as long as you are connected to Shore Power or on Gen-set power.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:55 am

I have been using a dual usb plug-in adapter but will be installing one of these this season:

Dual USB Charger + Voltmeter + 12V Outlet Socket Panel @ Amazon

Vintage Beauty · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:16 am

I installed one of these a few years back:
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems- ... 0082CXEI8/

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

yes the hole next to the microwave would only be useful if on shore power for me :-)

I already use one of these in the car which is a VERY good charger - provides fast charging
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015 ... ge_o04_s00

Max 4.8A output, fully charges 2 iPads in 3.75 Hours

Thats similar to what others are suggesting.
I suppose it will do the job just as well without going to much extra effort

efollis · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 12:40 pm

If you are out for a few days and need a few USB charges on iPads, iPods, etc. then going portable for all your USB needs is the way to go. Take a look at this article (European but you get the idea) of what's available and what they can do.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-portable-battery-chargers/

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Interesting solution ! , its effectively though a charger which itself needs charged :-)

The iPad pro (we will need to charge 2 ) is a pretty fussy beast which needs a fairly hefty charge..apple supply a 12w charger with this , and its still not that fast a charge....
interesting article about it here for those interested
http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/yes ... lowly-here’s-why.1939002/

efollis · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:45 pm

If you get a Honda or other generator, which I suggested in your other thread on requirements for cooking off shore power, you can simply charge them off the boats internal AC outlets while the generator is running to make tea, cook pasta, charge the house batteries, watch tv, etc. The Honda solves ALL your problems. Maybe drop a hint if your birthday is coming up soon!

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Haha that would indeed solve all the problems, and wouldn't ya know, I DO have a birthday coming up soon :-)

much appreciated again

NickH · **Joined:** Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:55 pm **Posts:** 67

Similar to the Carling unit, I put one of these in my Sundowner. It fits in a standard Carling opening...

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2016 11:51 am

Charging your electronics can take a few hours or more. If you are relying on a portable generator it will have to run for some time. Even though they are fairly quiet, once in a while there may be a noise-related complaint. Having an inverter, even a small one can broaden your options for charging or operating electronics or other entertainment or electrical equipment. The inverter might be a permanent mount with heavier wiring, a portable with access to the "cigarette plug" receptacle, or access to another 12 volt connection with more amperage capability. The cigarette plug is usually limited to around 10 amps at 12 volts. This is 120 watts. Running this through an inverter will lose a small amount, so you probably won't get too much more than 100 to 110 watts before you risk blowing a 15 amp fuse in the 12 volt wiring to the cigarette plug. If you do look at an inverter, at least give some consideration to a pure sine wave inverter. The modified sine wave inverters will work with most everything, but may not always work as well. See what you can do to add some of these capabilities to your boat. Spending time on the water with power options for food prep, ventilation fans, air conditioner, or other "essential electronics" that we have come to rely on makes a lot of difference. Hope this helps.

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Thanks again... I was looking at something like this , which as you say , will be very useful to give us what we are used to ashore !
https://www.portablepowertech.com/produ ... -inverter/

efollis · **Posted:** Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:23 pm

Surface Interval wrote:

If you do look at an inverter, at least give some consideration to a pure sine wave inverter. The modified sine wave inverters will work with most everything, but may not always work as well.

+1 on that. Pure sine wave vs modified sine wave is a hot issue for some. Many electronics appear to run fine on modified, others manage at reduced efficiency (e.g., microwaves), and some delicate electronics can be damaged slowly over time. If your pocketbook can afford it, or you can catch a sale, go for the pure sine wave and you'll not regret it in the long run.
My 1000w sine wave inverter is under by companion seat attached to a dedicated gel cell battery that I use for tv/DVDs, Magic Bullet, etc. I just charge the battery every few weeks when being used. See this post - http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13224#p125043
***Make sure the size you get works for what you'll be powering. A few times I needed a 1500w inverter and had to go to the genny.

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

If you look at my link above its a pure sine wave 1000w inverter ...

www.iFourWinns.com

Charging USB gadgets

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