How to get more power out of the USB port?

[sydious]

I don't know if this has already been discussed. I have searched the forum with no results.

I have a newer Android phone that requires a lot of juice. I want to use the built in USB port to charge it but, as most of you probably know already, that does not supply nearly enough power. I'm guessing it's kicking out 1 amp, comparing its performance to a 1 amp 12v charger.

Now, i have the basic scion head unit in there from the 2013 models. I'm pretty sure the USB is powered by the head unit but not 100%.

Do people with the more modern or premium head units experience the same low amperage? Will replacing the head unit with a aftermarket model correct this?

If it is not powered by the head unit, then what is powering it?

I figured someone on here who has done a bunch of stereo/electrical modifications has probably stumbled upon the answer. Thanks

[soulreapersteve]

I'm no expert when it comes to electronics but I think most USB ports provide only 1 amp of power. My 2015 with the pioneer hu only provides 1 amp.

Why not use a charger that uses the power adapter in the middle console or glove box?

[sydious]

that is what I am currently doing, but I wanted the use the USB port instead so I don't have to run cables up to the front when I mount my phone or whatever else I plan to mount. I also don't like the location of the 12v port. With a dual port USB adapter in there and 2 cables it isn't very clean and there ends up being cables all over the place getting in the way.

Edit* I just reread your post, is there a 12v in the glove box? I had no clue.

[meWant]

Yup there's a 12v in the glove box its at the top right corner per say.. not on the part that opens up and comes out towards you but above that.

[justatroll]

Originally Posted by sydious

I'm pretty sure the USB is powered by the head unit but not 100%.

If you plug a USB mem stick into that port, can your headunit play music?
If Yes, then the port is powered from the HU.

Get one of those cig lighter USB chargers and plug it in the glove compartment.

Or get a female cig lighter socket and wire it into the fuse panel and hide it under the dash:

[sydious]

Originally Posted by justatroll

If you plug a USB mem stick into that port, can your headunit play music?
If Yes, then the port is powered from the HU.

Get one of those cig lighter USB chargers and plug it in the glove compartment.

Or get a female cig lighter socket and wire it into the fuse panel and hide it under the dash:

I have thought about doing that. I was just trying to take the minimalist route. I'm going to see what I can do with the glove compartment one. I have an inverter that would be great in there and hopefully reduce some of its fan noise from reaching my ears.

[aegisdrgn]

The USB port outputs ~500mA, according to my battery monitor on my android phone. I have a semi-low-profile 12V adapter that has hi-amp output in the glove compartment outlet:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Dual-USB-Car-Charger-Lenmar/dp/B00A9Z1UBO"]Amazon.com: Dual USB Car Charger, 4.2 Amp By Lenmar: Cell Phones & Accessories[/ame]

A 5 foot (minimum) USB cord routed around the back of the glove compartment to the front by the shifter. It's pretty stealth, and doesn't get in the way.

[Chimera]

usb is a 5v standard, the car runs on 12. you could possibly do several things, you probably would lose data connection to the HU though.
I think if you wanted to get fancy you could wire the power and ground as pass through to a separate 2A stable supply, and leave the data ports.

I would need to do more research.. hasn't really been an issue for me.

maybe someone already makes a pass-through cable that you can just plug right into a cigar aux power port..?

[ajcarson11]

Head unit puts out 500ma max - Not nearly enough for most phones these days. Only way to up the output to 1 amp or more would be to splice in a 12v charger into the USB port, but then you'd lose radio functionality.

That's about all there is to it unfortunately!

[ermax]

Right now I use USB AUX for music but if my battery is really low and I need to charge as much as possible in a short drive, I plug into a 2.4amp cig adapter and play my music over BT. I would rather have a single port USB port that runs 2amp but also retain HU function.

So I was thinking about cutting out the power lines and feeding in power from a 2amp cig adapter. I would be leaving the data lines in tact to the HU so I am thinking I wouldn't lose any of the HU functionality. I would simply be providing more current to the phone.

If I find some time this weekend I may play with this and report back my findings.

[jasonojordan]

It can be done but its going to be alot of work and alot of hacking and splicing to make it work the way you want to. You are on the right track with the data lines going up to the head unit then the pins that supply power you will need to pull off and run to a more powerful power source like a plug in the glove-box that is already converting it usb then tie the power pins to a Male usb connection that then plugs into the adapter in the glove box. Honestly with how shit the stock head units are you would be ahead to just replace the head unit and get one that outputs the normal 1amp or so that most head units do.

[ermax]

The specs in the manual for the BeSpoke headunit says 1amp and I believe that spec because I can stream music and run Waze and still charge where as my wife’s suburban which only does 500mA will drain the battery in that scenario.

I want 2amps though. The hacking and cutting is really not a big deal. I do things like this all the time. I’ve already gutted a cig adapter and soldered 12v input leads and 5v output leads during a little down time at the office. Need to heat shrink it when I get home.

[PandaSPUR]

I cant remember how that USB port is connected to the head unit, but if its just a USB port on the back of the HU, then you can use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/HIGHROCK-Enha.../dp/B00NIGO4NM

Two male ends, one female end. Male ends go into HU and 2A charger, female end connects to the USB on the console.

[jasonojordan]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

I cant remember how that USB port is connected to the head unit, but if its just a USB port on the back of the HU, then you can use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/HIGHROCK-Enha.../dp/B00NIGO4NM

Two male ends, one female end. Male ends go into HU and 2A charger, female end connects to the USB on the console.

It connects to the HU via proprietary connection