Every new car gadget wants a USB power supply these days. So, I've been wanting one for my Mora Red Z3 for a while.
First it was the GPS, that could plug into the adapter in the cigarette lighter. Then it was the Dash Cam, which I move between cars, so need to have an external supply. Plus the good lady wants to charge her phone when we are out. That's just too many cords in the cigarette adapter right next to the gear lever. Plus the cigarette lighter supply is "Hot At All Times", so you have to remember to unplug the USB adapter each time you get home.
Looked at the wired in units that go into the cigarette light hole. You have to make the whole bigger to fit them, so there is no going back to original at a later date. Plus there is the "Hot at all time" problem.
Have seen some very good USB supplies in the spare blanking plates at the back of the console between the seats. Would still have wirers running back to the front of the console for the GPS and Dash Cam.
Came across this little 3 supply USB power supply on Aliexpress.com. 2A per 5 volt USB supply. A total of 30W. This looked promising.
So purchased 2. One for each Z3. Got around to fitting the first one to the Mora Z3 today. Took out the center console. Zipped tied the unit onto a bracket that holds the Heater unit. Right next to the Airbag module.
Hooked it up to the earth of the cigarette lighter and the switched power supply for the radio. Put the center console back in and here is what it looks like.
3 x 2A USB power supplies dangling out from under the side of the center console. All ready to be connected up. No wires around the gear lever. It works a treat and it can be removed at a later date without leaving any extra holes etc. Important for the distant future restoration of a classic roadster.
Total time to fit was 2 hours.
First it was the GPS, that could plug into the adapter in the cigarette lighter. Then it was the Dash Cam, which I move between cars, so need to have an external supply. Plus the good lady wants to charge her phone when we are out. That's just too many cords in the cigarette adapter right next to the gear lever. Plus the cigarette lighter supply is "Hot At All Times", so you have to remember to unplug the USB adapter each time you get home.
Looked at the wired in units that go into the cigarette light hole. You have to make the whole bigger to fit them, so there is no going back to original at a later date. Plus there is the "Hot at all time" problem.
Have seen some very good USB supplies in the spare blanking plates at the back of the console between the seats. Would still have wirers running back to the front of the console for the GPS and Dash Cam.
Came across this little 3 supply USB power supply on Aliexpress.com. 2A per 5 volt USB supply. A total of 30W. This looked promising.
So purchased 2. One for each Z3. Got around to fitting the first one to the Mora Z3 today. Took out the center console. Zipped tied the unit onto a bracket that holds the Heater unit. Right next to the Airbag module.
Hooked it up to the earth of the cigarette lighter and the switched power supply for the radio. Put the center console back in and here is what it looks like.
3 x 2A USB power supplies dangling out from under the side of the center console. All ready to be connected up. No wires around the gear lever. It works a treat and it can be removed at a later date without leaving any extra holes etc. Important for the distant future restoration of a classic roadster.
Total time to fit was 2 hours.
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