E46 How to get permanent USB Power (Advice Required)

Well Lads,

Looking for a bit of advice with regard to creating a permanent USB power source.

The problem: Currently have a aux ipod cable hooked up to the radio with a usb power cable attached. I am also in the market for a phone holder/charger so that will bring the usb power cables to 2.

Solution 1:
Place the 2 cables into an adapter to bring them into 1
Place this 1 USB in a cigerette adaptor
Wire in a secondary cigerette lighter
Wire in a switch to turn off the power to the cables
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...pse6602637.jpg

Solution 2:
Place the 2 cables into an adapter to bring them into 1
Take apart the usb adaptor and wire directly to the new switch
Wire in a switch to turn off the power to the cables

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1f68747e.jpg

Anyone have any other ideas or solutions, have a preference for solution 2 as cheaper and less to go wrong (i hope)

If I understand your needs correctly all you need is a double USB charger, I have installed one and it has constant power.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Genuine-New-Dual-USB-In-Car-Charger-Twin-Port-Mini-Griffin-Jolt-for-iPad-3-4-5-/271262780689?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesso ries_MobilePhoneChargers&hash=item3f28858d11

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alex

If I understand your needs correctly all you need is a double USB charger, I have installed one and it has constant power.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Genuine-New-Dual-USB-In-Car-Charger-Twin-Port-Mini-Griffin-Jolt-for-iPad-3-4-5-/271262780689?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesso ries_MobilePhoneChargers&hash=item3f28858d11

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Can that just be left in the cig lighter permanently?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don B

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alex

If I understand your needs correctly all you need is a double USB charger, I have installed one and it has constant power.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Genuine-New-Dual-USB-In-Car-Charger-Twin-Port-Mini-Griffin-Jolt-for-iPad-3-4-5-/271262780689?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesso ries_MobilePhoneChargers&hash=item3f28858d11

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Can that just be left in the cig lighter permanently?

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Mine is, did not have any power drains etc. have it for few weeks. I presume that either it turns of when car is locked or something, I should actually test that out.

Just tested it out it remains charging devices when locked & unlocked, but I presume the power consumption when nothing is plugging in is equivalent to the red security light flashing on the mirror.

I see what you mean Alex but im a stickler for keeping things looking standard (ie hide all this away in the dashboard). Thats why the solutions I put up above look so complicated

I think the E46 goes into hibernation after 15mins, your USB/cigar lighter will prob switch off at that point.

Also these USB adapters get quite hot in use, I wouldn't be too happy leaving one plugged in 24/7..... :eek:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by John_D

I think the E46 goes into hibernation after 15mins, your USB/cigar lighter will prob switch off at that point.

Also these USB adapters get quite hot in use, I wouldn't be too happy leaving one plugged in 24/7..... :eek:

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Sent from my Mind using Telepathy.

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Yup, they sure do.

Find a switched power in the fuse box above the glove box and use a fuse tap to bring the power wherever you want.
Plenty of threads on the web about switched power in the e46.

Use one of these. 100% hidden.

http://4x4icon.com/crossfire/pioneer...s_fuse_tap.jpg