Epic Earl Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 I've just found my bike has an aftermarket USB socket installed.There is a switch to turn it off and on under the pillion seat.The switch is wired into the battery.Before I found out what the switch powered, I messed with it. Left my bike a week and the battery was drained.Should I leave the USB powered or turned off, as I'm not sure which one drains the battery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funinacup Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Off. Wait, was that a trick question? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marky Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 As funinacup says, off (when you're not using the socket).It'll be the voltage regulator that runs down the battery, converting 12V down to 5V for the USB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorian Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 You could move it to run only when the ignition is on? Mine is set up like that as i'm forgetful and my battery is shit enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'll leave it off for now but might look into moving the wiring, so the ignition turns it off.Does anyone use these to charge devices whilst riding? or is it more of a once you've stopped thing to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fro Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'll leave it off for now but might look into moving the wiring, so the ignition turns it off.Does anyone use these to charge devices whilst riding? or is it more of a once you've stopped thing to use?I use mine for running my Phone/Navigation.Nip it in to the side light wiring - it's often the easiest bit of wiring to access and the current draw is pretty low so you shouldn't have any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'll leave it off for now but might look into moving the wiring, so the ignition turns it off.Does anyone use these to charge devices whilst riding? or is it more of a once you've stopped thing to use? Ive used it to keep my iPad charged when touring,, though mine probably isn't as fancy as yours seems to be, Ive left mine plugged in - with the iPad connected to it overnight and it had no effect on the battery. the USB I use is just a simple plug that goes into the DIN power socket - which is permanently 'live'.http://i.imgur.com/cXSdzJsl.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'm just concerned as to if it looks a bit moist out, that it cant be used, in fairness though I tend to only ride when its dry, but its something I've thought about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fro Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'm just concerned as to if it looks a bit moist out, that it cant be used, in fairness though I tend to only ride when its dry, but its something I've thought aboutI think Ultimateaddons do a waterproof USB thingy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorian Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I use an oxford one and have it facing down so any water runs off not into it. I only use it for my satnav when riding. I actually installed mine by slaving it onto my horn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fro Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I actually installed mine by slaving it onto my horn Ah, yes. The horn is a powerful thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 I've had a quick look at phone holders for the bike, but they dont leave much room for the cable to charge it whilst riding.Might think about getting a tank bag, with the clear pouch on the top so I can see the phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorian Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Tank bags are good, though the magnets can scratch the tank a little so day to day use not the best imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Cheers for the update, I hadn't thought of that.Id use it more for long rides out, somewhere new or when I go for a weekender on the bike.So hopefully that shouldn't scratch it too much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeman Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Get a givi tank bag that attaches to the fuel filler cap. No magnets, no scratches and easy to fit/remove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share Posted June 29, 2015 Finally had a long day out riding the bike, but noticed an issue with the USB socket.When Ive plugged my phone in, it appears to show its charging my phone. But alas it isn't.After 90 mins riding my battery had infact depleted slightly. so I then though fair do's it must be cozits trying to get a signal, so i set it in flight mode and carried on for another 90 minutes, it had depleted even more.Does this sound like a dodgy socket or dodgy wiring? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeman Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Cheap Chinese USB socket thats doesn't provide enough current. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share Posted June 29, 2015 it was fitted to the bike when I got it, wouldn't be surprised if it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeman Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 For a few quid you can but an inline volt/current meter. I've got one that I use for testing USB outputs.The USB installed on my bike runs at 5.2volts and I've seen it supplying nearly 2amps to a phone and camera. It's rated at 3amps which is higher than the USB specification but ideal if you want to run multiple devices. I have some photos I'll dig out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_stu Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 My phone draws quite a high amp (galaxy note) and I found I had to shop around as a lot of the chargers only had half the power supply I needed. Presumably you have the cheapo one fitted. Not that mine was expensive, it was like 4 quid extra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fro Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 What phone is it? My bet is that your phone thinks it's charging at USB rate (as of your computer) check this by looking at the charging info on the phone.You can either spend cash on another lead and/or charger or stick a tiny bit of foil over the inner two contacts on the bigger end of your USB cable. Your phone will recognise this as AC charging (as from a wall socket) and allow a higher charging current draw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epic Earl Posted June 30, 2015 Author Share Posted June 30, 2015 Its a Galaxy S4, Ill see if I can see the charging info on the phone, I have numerous cables at home, I suppose I can try another one of those also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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