Best $5 mod ever! (USB ports)

[LicensedToM]

Just ordered four! I have an old iPod (click wheel) that I'm going to install permanently in my e30. This will be perfect for it since the battery is useless on that thing.

[lostbeachbum]

I just picked up 6 of these. So far I really like hacking up the cig lighter and placing on in there. I also like the idea of having them semi-hidden, so maybe I can find a place in the glovebox or someplace else that will work.

[iwantspeed]

USB hardwire fitted to a hvac blank.


How it's setup in the car

I also just bought super short black USB cables

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?p=2765780#post2765780

[george graves]

Beat you to it. I actually show KenC(the OP) this mod a while back in private.

Look for a "pro" version from RedRocketLabs soon.

[ohthejosh]

The possibilties with this are endless lol. I personally hate having the coiled cig lighter charger cords from stuff like a gps or a radar detector just hanging all over my dash. i can now conveniently place multiple usb ports almost anywhere lol. definitely awesome.

[micvin]

Bad ass. I just bought four.

[5Toes]

I thought about doing that! Grr I I want to know how you guys cut the usb slot near perfectly!!!

[E30 331is]

Does it have constant power without ignition on?

[KenC]

Does it have constant power without ignition on?

Yes.

[E30 331is]

Yes.

Is the power consumption anything to worry about, draining the battery?

[KenC]

Is the power consumption anything to worry about, draining the battery?

Not for charging phone. The LEDs stay on 24/7 but it's mA of current draw.

[CrusherCurtis]

Only way to go is through the glove box. No wires / no cords exposed!

[KenC]

Only way to go is through the glove box. No wires / no cords exposed!

That's great until you or your passenger wants to use their phone while it's plugged in.

[CrusherCurtis]

That's great until you or your passenger wants to use their phone while it's plugged in.

Solution: buy an ipod! You can get an 80gb like mine for dirt cheap. I only have the ipod for my car. Only used in the car or in the house putting songs on it for my car. Doesn't loading up your iphone with songs slow it down?

[KenC]

Solution: buy an ipod! You can get an 80gb like mine for dirt cheap. I only have the ipod for my car. Only used in the car or in the house putting songs on it for my car. Doesn't loading up your iphone with songs slow it down?

My old Clarion doesn't have ipod integration. In any case, I use Spotify on my iPhone. $10/mo for ~15mil songs with highest quality MP3 compression.

And nothing slows down my 4S haha.

I put the USB ports in for charging mostly. It's nice for passengers. Plus I can easily reach. Both ports while driving.