Adding a usb port
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 141
From: NJ
Adding a usb port
So I needed to add a USB port for my phone for gps.
I tapped into the low beam with a splice kit.
But I noticed it wasn't charging on my ride today even though the phone said it was connected to power.
Is there anything wired about the low beam lines (yellow and black)?
I figured it was just +12v and ground, and my little box converts to 5v with usb.
Thanks
I tapped into the low beam with a splice kit.
But I noticed it wasn't charging on my ride today even though the phone said it was connected to power.
Is there anything wired about the low beam lines (yellow and black)?
I figured it was just +12v and ground, and my little box converts to 5v with usb.
Thanks
Last edited by slvrscoobie; Apr 5, 2016 at 05:56 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 600
Likes: 10
From: Rochester, NY
Headlight:
White = 12v Power High Beam
Yellow = 12v Power Low Beam
Black = Ground
USB:
Red = 12v Power
Black = Ground
Tapping into the headlight for power is the wrong thing to do. You should get the power from an existing accessory fuse with switched power (only when bike is running). The USB will need both 12v power and ground to work.
Butt connectors and Splice connectors are notorious for failing. All your electrical connections should be soldered and shrink wrapped. If not you should expect problems down the road.
Also, not sure what you used for USB but some USB ports do not charge at all or they do not have enough power to charge all phones or multiple devices at once. Especially if it has two USB ports since the ports split the available voltage.
White = 12v Power High Beam
Yellow = 12v Power Low Beam
Black = Ground
USB:
Red = 12v Power
Black = Ground
Tapping into the headlight for power is the wrong thing to do. You should get the power from an existing accessory fuse with switched power (only when bike is running). The USB will need both 12v power and ground to work.
Butt connectors and Splice connectors are notorious for failing. All your electrical connections should be soldered and shrink wrapped. If not you should expect problems down the road.
Also, not sure what you used for USB but some USB ports do not charge at all or they do not have enough power to charge all phones or multiple devices at once. Especially if it has two USB ports since the ports split the available voltage.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 141
From: NJ
I spliced it into the yellow (center) and black for my 12->5v adapter as it was easily accessible and more importantly, far enough under the tank it wasn't sealed (wires were exposed) so I didn't have to worry about issues later. I'm also wondering if riding it at 45 degrees it was too cold to maintain the charge as my usb volt meter reports 5v and ~.75 a when plugged in.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 641
Likes: 48
From: Brisbane
I put a double usb point on mine for the same reason. I ran the wires, with an inline fuse, under the tank straight to the battery. It won't drain your battery as it's an open circuit until you plug something into it, and mine charges fine.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 141
From: NJ
How'd you run the wires to the battery? Hard wire guide or something? I had the little splice kit and I wasn't sure how to get it under the tank so I figured I'd go shorter run route and tap something that already had a fuse that was near the bars.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 641
Likes: 48
From: Brisbane
It was a while ago now, but I think for memory I just unbolted the tank to lift it slightly, no need to completely remove, and there is just enough space to jam it in with the other wires. I also put the wires in that black split corrugated conduit to protect them a bit.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 141
From: NJ
well I took a length of USB cable, cut off ends, and wired it into the pos and neg leads from an installed battery charger, so its on with just the acc position, plus its run up and under the tank nice and hidden. Electrical tape over all connections. Feel better now.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
89FLHTC
Electrical/Lighting/Alarm
5
Jan 10, 2016 11:23 AM