HOW TO: Install a Charging USB Port on your Bike!!!! ZOMG!!
#101
I just used this guide on my 01 929RR, worked great. There was 1 modification that I made. I used a Dual port USB expansion slot piece (goes where a normal expansion card would go on a PC), then used my dremel and cut the metal off just past the 2 screws, that way the 2 ports were already mounted to somethine, the cover was a shiney silver (still is - but I may paint it black to match the plastice that it is attached to). That way I can keep my phone (for calls and/or music) and a GPS unit both powered as needed. Great project though!
KevinC
KevinC
#103
Anyone have a recommendation of where I can find an easily removable piece of the fairing that would also make a convenient location for my usb port...on an f4? Sure wish I had a nice fuse plate like that.
And to the OP: Great post, it inspired me to get back into messing around with electronics and wiring. I've been reading up somewhat on circuit building and theory, mostly out of curiosity and one question I have is how to determine what size fuse would be appropriate for a given circuit. Say I have a 10A fuse on a 12v circuit leading to a device that draws 60W/55W, like a standard headlight bulb. That would be a 5A current, so what's the highest-rated fuse I can use without endangering my circuit? I notice that Honda uses the same 10A fuses on circuits that only draw 2A of current. Seems like by the time a defective part begins to draw 5x its normal current, your wiring would already be shot, depending on the gauge of your wires.
I was considering the possibility that Honda used oversized wire to protect the circuitry from any potential overloads, but wouldn't that add resistance? And why not just use a different fuse? So I'm at a loss...
And to the OP: Great post, it inspired me to get back into messing around with electronics and wiring. I've been reading up somewhat on circuit building and theory, mostly out of curiosity and one question I have is how to determine what size fuse would be appropriate for a given circuit. Say I have a 10A fuse on a 12v circuit leading to a device that draws 60W/55W, like a standard headlight bulb. That would be a 5A current, so what's the highest-rated fuse I can use without endangering my circuit? I notice that Honda uses the same 10A fuses on circuits that only draw 2A of current. Seems like by the time a defective part begins to draw 5x its normal current, your wiring would already be shot, depending on the gauge of your wires.
I was considering the possibility that Honda used oversized wire to protect the circuitry from any potential overloads, but wouldn't that add resistance? And why not just use a different fuse? So I'm at a loss...
#104
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#108
Quick question. I did this mod the other day (Thanks BTW) and my charger works perfectly. I wired it to the battery... the thing is I read this DIY over a week ago and consequently put the green wire from the usb (that I now know is a data wire, thought it was a ground) to the center pin on the regulator and grounded that with another wire to the frame. and I have the black wire from the USB going directly to the negative on the battery... Do I need to rewire the negative wire to the center prong of the regulator or am I ok?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#109
Quick question. I did this mod the other day (Thanks BTW) and my charger works perfectly. I wired it to the battery... the thing is I read this DIY over a week ago and consequently put the green wire from the usb (that I now know is a data wire, thought it was a ground) to the center pin on the regulator and grounded that with another wire to the frame. and I have the black wire from the USB going directly to the negative on the battery... Do I need to rewire the negative wire to the center prong of the regulator or am I ok?
Thanks!
Thanks!
YES, you must wire it EXACTLY as I wrote up here.
#110
I ran across the following product that would make part of this project easier for some who are not as versed with soldering. I am not affiliated with this site, nor have i purchased one of these (although if I get a new bike at some point I might get one for it).
Motorcycle USB Power Socket
Dual USB ports and weather proof cap (for when nothing is plugged in), just needs to be hopoked to the battery and then grounded.
Motorcycle USB Power Socket
Dual USB ports and weather proof cap (for when nothing is plugged in), just needs to be hopoked to the battery and then grounded.