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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: benswing on May 27, 2016, 12:57:40 AM

Title: Double USB port installation
Post by: benswing on May 27, 2016, 12:57:40 AM
Has anyone installed USB port(s) on their Zero?  I was thinking of getting something like this and installing it. 

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMVgxMDAx/z/pgUAAOSwymxVMbaS/$_57.JPG?set_id=8800005007)

Easy?  Hard?  What would I need to do? 
Cheers! 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/191561279876?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true (http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/191561279876?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true)
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: mrwilsn on May 27, 2016, 01:16:35 AM
Easy. Just buy an SAE pigtail connector and connect to positive and negative leads on the USB plug.  Then just plug into the SAE accessory plug under the tank plastic.

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Doug S on May 27, 2016, 01:18:39 AM
I thought it was more flexible to get the standard Zero power port (we used to call them "cigarette lighters" before people stopped smoking), and this:

http://www.amazon.com/iXCC-Charger-ChargeWise-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B00S739AC6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/iXCC-Charger-ChargeWise-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B00S739AC6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)

It's been working well for me for quite some time now, and I've got room to expand if I find a back-up camera that works well.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: mrwilsn on May 27, 2016, 01:19:46 AM
Buy one of these and just cut off the ring connectors. Just make sure you get positive and negative right (check the bike with a meter to make sure you got it right before plugging into the USB).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NCOKZQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1464290229&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=sae+pigtail&dpPl=1&dpID=41yzSPdqqqL&ref=plSrch

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Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on May 27, 2016, 01:22:39 AM
I did; mine came with the SAE connector so I ran the cable from there and then mounted it (a little embarrassingly) around the stalk of my right turn signal.

The version I have has a rubber boot that is very difficult to peel off, so I'm hoping that grants it extra waterproofing, although behind my windscreen that should not be an issue.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: pacificcricket on May 27, 2016, 01:58:01 AM
I've ordered that exact adapter as pictured. Haven't had time to install it yet - my SAE connector is utilized for an airhorne, was planning to use that other automotive connector. In any case, this cig lighter adapter is a bit too large for the hole on my Zero DS, will need to ream it a bit. Other than that is should be pretty straightforward.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Kocho on May 27, 2016, 03:51:55 AM
Something like this is my next project. I d like to have a cigarette lighter socket though, because some of my existing electronics uses that type of socket. So maybe something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Waterproof-12V-2-1A-Cigarette-Lighter-USB-Port-Cell-Phone-Charger-New/111669668493?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D397ea51408614386acf5ad9581fede78%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D23%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D191561279876 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Waterproof-12V-2-1A-Cigarette-Lighter-USB-Port-Cell-Phone-Charger-New/111669668493?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D397ea51408614386acf5ad9581fede78%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D23%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D191561279876)

Best of both worlds - if you need the cigarette port, remove the USB adaptor. I got a similar mini USB adaptor for a cigarette lighter and it works great. Don't know how it sells $3.54 for the socket and adaptor...

Now that I look at it, the adapter in the picture above in the original post may actually have a removable dual port ISB adapter. What looks like the same version is available on Amazon and has a better photo showing the various parts: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGDYG7Y?psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGDYG7Y?psc=1)
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: evdjerome on May 27, 2016, 07:29:40 AM
You might try the two devices below:

http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-WM-12-Connector-Battery-Maintainer/dp/B003WDDLTO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-WM-12-Connector-Battery-Maintainer/dp/B003WDDLTO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L643KS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1HGX6D4H26FOQ&coliid=IGKWPK66F52MB (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L643KS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1HGX6D4H26FOQ&coliid=IGKWPK66F52MB)

I used the first one for connecting my Denali lights to the bike's SAE port. If I ever want to install additional SAE devices I'll purchase the 5-way connector.

--Jerome
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Patrick Truchon on May 27, 2016, 09:17:43 AM
I installed the exact same port as on the picture as well (see details here (http://ptruchon.pagekite.me/wiki/zerodsmods#volt_port)).  It turns out it's actually a regular 12V "cigarette lighter" port with a regular 12V -> 5V USB adapter.  Since then, the USB adapter piece died, but I just bought a new adapter at the hardware store.  I haven't had any trouble with the 12V port itself. 
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Kocho on May 27, 2016, 02:57:58 PM
Thanks! Very helpful posts on the blog!

Just to be clear - is there already a 12V female connector under the tank where you can simply plug the grey male connector? Is that still the case on the '15 models?

I installed the exact same port as on the picture as well (see details here (http://ptruchon.pagekite.me/wiki/zerodsmods#volt_port)).  It turns out it's actually a regular 12V "cigarette lighter" port with a regular 12V -> 5V USB adapter.  Since then, the USB adapter piece died, but I just bought a new adapter at the hardware store.  I haven't had any trouble with the 12V port itself.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Electric Terry on May 27, 2016, 05:22:32 PM
Don't make this any harder than it needs to be ;), it only takes 10 seconds is just pop out a single USB cigarette lighter adapter and install a double.  Been charging 2 devices at the same time like my phone and GoPro on my Zero for 4 years now this way.  Simple and easy.

http://wirelesscellstore.com/griffin-dual-usb-car-charger-car-charge-ipad2-iphone-4s-3gs-griffin-20131213183548 (http://wirelesscellstore.com/griffin-dual-usb-car-charger-car-charge-ipad2-iphone-4s-3gs-griffin-20131213183548)

Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: grmarks on May 27, 2016, 06:08:29 PM
Just to be clear - is there already a 12V female connector under the tank where you can simply plug the grey male connector? Is that still the case on the '15 models?

Yes there is. I bought the zero "cigaret lighter" adapter, it fits strait in with a plastic "nut" that does up from underneath.  The cable plugs into a plug under the "tank" close to the front of the frame behind the headstock. I took pics of the install, just haven't got around to posting them yet.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Kocho on May 27, 2016, 06:22:45 PM
Did you have to remove the tank to reach that plug? Not that it's that hard to remove the tank, but if there is a way without taking it off, it would make the install in the factory hole really easy...
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Patrick Truchon on May 27, 2016, 06:39:03 PM
Just to clarify:  Yes, the female gray connector is there (at least for 2013 models).  Now that I know where that connector is, I can (barely) access it without removing the tank, but the first time around, it might be difficult to find without removing the tank.  And like Terry said, there's nothing special about the double vs single adapter.  The install is all about the cigarette port itself.  It could have been simpler if I had bought it from Zero (since the cabling is probably already done), but I didn't want to spend that much money so I had to build the cable myself.  I also wanted it to be covered by the tank (which I'll have to rethink once I get my super charger).

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Kocho on May 27, 2016, 08:35:27 PM
Thanks, yes helps! I like the idea of having the ports inside the tank. I will probably go with a Y-adapter too, and have one inside the tank and one near the handlebars. Yup, $50 for the Zero version is a bit steep for what it is...
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: SteveInNC on May 29, 2016, 08:26:42 PM
I had planned on getting this setup done this weekend if it rained and by god it's raining. Anyway, I cannot for the life of me find the Sumitomo (I think that's the term) connector. I have taken the tank cover off but, I just don't see it. I see the SAE connector but I would like to plug and play and I'm pretty sure it's there somewhere. I have a Power Tank, does that require removing that connector? My power kit looks just like this one from Zero. http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_5&products_id=206 (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_5&products_id=206)
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on May 29, 2016, 09:36:22 PM
It should be in front of the tank near the centerline. It was more accessible on my 2013 than my 2016 which has more installed there. On the 16 I found that it was tucked behind some other wiring connectors. I'll include some photos I took a while ago, not quite ideal...

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160529/2722a79aa76c3b67f751368886f97e50.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160529/1bad6edd9d7b875f564276021b957baa.jpg)
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: SteveInNC on May 29, 2016, 09:39:45 PM
Thanks Brian!

I think I have my work cut out for me as it looks like I'll have to lift out the power pack to access the plug. Thanks very much for the pics!


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Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on May 29, 2016, 09:44:19 PM
I think if the tank plastics are removed that you can access it from the front. Good luck.
Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Semper Why on May 29, 2016, 11:41:19 PM
I installed a similar USB adapter. I am traveling so I don't have the exact model number. In my case, there was a positive and a negative spade terminal on the back. I cut an SAE extension in half and crimped female terminals onto the bare wires. One good push and it connected right up.

In my case, the threads made it just a tad too large to fit in the hole in the dash. I ground off half of the threads and the ring nut still had enough to grip. I'll try to get you an Amazon link when I get home. That linked picture looks correct though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: Ethestral on July 16, 2016, 04:18:41 AM
Thought I would add my two cents here. I used a Blue Sea systems double USB smart charger. On the 2016's it is a standard 1 1/8" hole so it was as simple as pulling the rubber plug and dropping it in. Advantage to using marine outlets and electronics, typically anything going onto an ocean going vessel must meet a minimum quality standard. The weather proofing on the equipment also lends itself well to rough treatment from a motorcycle install.

Here are the photos of the easiest install I have ever had on a motorcycle. Did i mention its a 4.8A smart charger (wont burn your sensitive electronic bits, runs its own safety checks)



Patrick is on a good point about these connectors http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec__Products/Connectors/Sealed/SMTS/smts.html (http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec__Products/Connectors/Sealed/SMTS/smts.html) Eastern Beaver is a good source, just have to wait for post from Japan.

I installed the exact same port as on the picture as well (see details here (http://ptruchon.pagekite.me/wiki/zerodsmods#volt_port)).   

I ran a similar set up on my last motorcycle and saw some light rains, never left anything plugged in and charging during a deluge though.

Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Charge-Charger/dp/B01BV1MTAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468620952&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+sea+systems+usb+4.8 (https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Charge-Charger/dp/B01BV1MTAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468620952&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+sea+systems+usb+4.8)

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7616/27714957723_cb3e203102_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Je5pmF)20160715_144231 (https://flic.kr/p/Je5pmF) by Ethestral (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ichamber/), on Flickr

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8571/27714432154_92e7feda30_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Je2H89)20160715_144240 (https://flic.kr/p/Je2H89) by Ethestral (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ichamber/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Double USB port installation
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on July 16, 2016, 06:28:15 AM
Nice! Now that I've sorted my electrical problem, I arranged to use both plugs. The dual USB plug I found glows when on.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160716/f5b218dcbc4bf1b83f256774a3ebddcd.jpg)

I drilled through the power tank cover to install the second plug and routed the connectors along that left side where I can deal with them without removing the supercharger.