A motorcyclist, like any other user of numerous gadgets ( mobile phones, GPS navigators, tablets, and so on), you have to recharge the devices you use. It is quite difficult to predict in advance when the battery will be discharged (as a rule, this happens at the most inopportune moment). USB charger for motorcycle, which is small, convenient and easy (to install) electronic device, allows you to maintain the battery of any mobile device in working condition.
Varieties
Currently, for lovers of "iron two-wheeled horses" they offer wide choose chargers with USB socket:
- for installation in a standard cigarette lighter socket;
- with a mounting clamp for fixing on the steering fork;
- for cutting into plastic trim or dashboard;
- with the possibility of hidden installation in the most convenient place for the owner.
By functionality:
- with one or two USB sockets;
- with or without switch;
- with built-in voltmeter;
- with LED charging indicator;
- products "2 in 1" or "3 in 1" (charger + voltmeter + cigarette lighter).
And of course, for those who love and know how to do useful gadgets with your own hands, it will not be difficult to make a charger yourself.
For motorcycles equipped with a cigarette lighter socket
For owners of motorcycles equipped with regular socket for the cigarette lighter, it is most simple and rational to purchase a ready-made device specially designed for installation in this socket. The choice of such chargers from numerous Chinese manufacturers("Powstro", "Celbro" or "Raxfly") is quite diverse. The price today is in the range from 200 to 350 rubles. The main criterion when choosing a charger installed in a regular motorcycle cigarette lighter is its size. The device must be installed and removed from the socket without interference. The undoubted advantage of such products is ease of installation (there is no need to drag additional wires, connect to the electrical circuit of the motorcycle and install an additional switch, since power is supplied to the cigarette lighter socket only when the ignition is turned on) and operation.
Universal devices for all types of motorcycles
Owners of bikes that are not equipped with a cigarette lighter socket can purchase and install a charger on their motorcycle. The connection diagram is quite simple (you do not have to change the standard wiring):
According to the method of fastening such USB charging for motorcycles are produced in several versions. A simple and convenient way is to mount the charger on the handlebar fork (for example, next to an already installed smartphone or navigator holder). Installation algorithm:
- fix the device in convenient location on the steering fork;
- we lay the wires (along the standard wiring) to the battery compartment;
- connect the wires to the battery terminals;
- We fasten the laid wires with plastic clamps.
Such devices from "Cimiva", "Careslong" or "Feelwind" today cost from 400 to 700 rubles.
Those who do not mind drilling a hole in the plastic lining of the "two-wheeled pet" or dashboard(if there is free space on it), you can safely purchase a charger made in the form of a cylinder with a large crimp fastening nut. Installing such devices is a little more difficult than the products described above:
- find a place to install;
- we apply the markup (in the most convenient place, be sure to make sure that there is sufficient free space under it);
- remove the corresponding trim element or dashboard;
- in accordance with the applied markings, we drill a hole of the required diameter;
- insert the charger into it;
- fix with a crimp nut;
- we mount the casing (or dashboard), with the charger installed, in place;
- we drag the wires, connect them to the battery and fix them with clamps to the standard wiring and metal elements of the motorcycle.
Such charging device from "Onever", "Iztoss" or "Eachgo" cost 300-500 rubles.
For hidden installation (in a place inaccessible to the eyes of “vandals”), universal devices with fastening for an existing technological screw or double-sided tape are suitable. On a motorcycle, such devices can, for example, be installed under driver's seat(however, it will be impossible to charge the gadget while driving) or under the gas tank.
Such chargers with a USB-socket for a motorcycle from "Konnwei", "Sikeo" or "Shunwei" today cost 450-550 rubles.
DIY USB charging
For the simplest (though quite "archaic" by modern standards) method self-manufacturing usb chargers for a motorcycle you will need:
- microcircuit - voltage regulator (for example, L7805 with input voltage from 7.5 to 35V, output voltage 5V, maximum load current up to 1A, overload protection and short circuit, costing 14-17 rubles);
- switch (price 30-40 rubles);
- part of the USB extension cable (with a female connector);
- a heatsink for a microcircuit (for example, from a computer processor or video card);
- mounting wires.
The connection diagram is quite simple even for a person who does not have deep knowledge in electronics:
Manufacturing process:
- we solder the wires to the legs of the microcircuit, put heat shrink on the places of soldering, heat it with a hairdryer or a lighter;
- we fasten the microcircuit to the cooling radiator;
- solder the USB connector to the output wires;
- we fix it in a place convenient for use (with plastic ties-clamps or double-sided tape);
- we connect the positive wire to the “+” of the battery (we connect the block with the fuse and the switch into the gap);
- negative wires from the connector and the microcircuit we connect to "-" battery or hull.
Instead of a microcircuit (with a sufficiently large heatsink), you can use a ready-made module with a switching voltage regulator and one or two USB connectors installed on the board. Such "semi-finished products" with an input voltage of 6 to 40V and an output voltage of 5V ( maximum current loads up to 3A) from Chinese manufacturers ("Flying Elephant", "FGhGF" or "Yufo-IC") now cost 80-150 rubles.
The overall dimensions of such modules are insignificant: length - 59-60 mm, width - 21-22, height - 14-17 mm. The case can be made, for example, from a piece of plastic pipe of a suitable diameter, a broken portable flashlight, or an old electrolytic capacitor. It is only necessary to connect the wires, connect the fuse and the switch. For mounting on the handlebars of a motorcycle, you can use a pair of metal clamps.
Criterias of choice
Choice specific model charger depends largely on the brand of motorcycle. For example, if the dashboard has enough free space, then you can purchase a mortise model. At the same time, it is better to choose the color of the operating mode indicator to match the backlight of the main instruments (speedometer, tachometer, and so on). And the design of the device should not violate the overall aesthetic picture. Fortunately, a wide range of products available for sale makes it easy to do this.
Flush-mounted or handlebar-mounted charger models are suitable for almost any brand of motorcycle. Here it is worth paying attention to required amount simultaneously connected mobile devices and the presence / absence of a built-in voltmeter.
Since the motorcycle is operated under a variety of weather conditions, a necessary condition for any additional equipment(charging is no exception) is increased protection against moisture and dust.
And the last (and for someone very important) selection criterion - external design. On the steering wheel, of course, products in a chrome-plated case will look “cooler” than ordinary plastic boxes and cylinders. However, their price will also be much higher.
Studying different good things for motorcycles in the off-season, I realized that charging for my phone / camera is vital for me!)
Therefore, having followed the path of selection, purchase, assembly and installation, I decided to write a small instruction on USB installation charging for any motorcycle.
There is nothing difficult in this. I will give the simplest option, which, nevertheless, is not without the necessary elements.
If you are interested, read on!
Wiring diagram simple enough. It is not required to gnaw at the standard wiring, install various additional relays, etc. Applicable not only for USB, but also for a conventional 12V cigarette lighter.
The choice of a USB connector or a 12V cigarette lighter should be made by everyone for himself. I note that on the factory USB board, the voltage is converted from 12V to 5V. Therefore, additional lotions in the circuit are not required. Plus, there are combined 12V + USB connectors.
For those who are very far from circuitry, I explain.)
The battery is shown below. It has two USB wires. The wires go through the fuse, the power button and the voltmeter. All of these elements are optional, but highly recommended.
- The safety lock will protect from emergency electric currents.
- The voltmeter will protect against a complete discharge of the battery.
- The button will protect against discharging the battery and from those who want to recharge in your absence).
Principle of operation:
1. The circuit is off.
2. Pressing the button turns on the voltmeter and the USB connector.
3. When pressed again, the circuit is turned off again. There is no voltage on the connector. Voltmeter off.
The fuse, as a rule, is already included in a good kit for the cigarette lighter or USB port.
For example, in my kit there was a fuse, USB port lighting and fasteners.
But there is more budget options, for those who are not afraid to refine. Fuses are sold on every corner.
The main thing to remember! The connector must be waterproof.
I bought a voltmeter on ebay, but there are no problems with them in our retail either. You need to look for Waterproof Voltmeter.
Almost any button will do. Of course, it is better to choose a moisture-proof one as well. There is a backlight, but this will complicate the circuit a little.
Having collected all the necessary elements. Let's start assembling.
In addition to the electrical elements themselves, you will need:
1. Insulating tape (heat shrink) / clamps. See the length of the clamps immediately for your frame. I first took a whole package of short >_<
2. A screwdriver, perhaps a drill, a wide drill and other tools (if you decide to cut into plastic).
ps I said that the article is for dummies;)
3. Motorcycle and beer.
Now a lot of pictures for each stage with explanations.
Fuse 7.5A. Why exactly 7.5A I do not know. So the Chinese decided.
Full face, profile.
We collect the scheme.
We check from the battery (taken from a drill).
There is a contact! The voltmeter shows the voltage at the push of a button.
Button isolation.
General form.
The button is embedded after the fuse on the positive cable. Voltmeter according to the scheme to positive and negative.
Black, default, minus.
Hero of the occasion.
We lay out the tool, remove the plastic (to hide the cable).
How to remove the plastic, read the manual for the bike. As a rule, everything is simple. The most crap with rivets.
Remove the seat to see the battery.
We fasten minus to minus, plus to plus.
I hid a voltmeter with a button, combined with electrical tape into a single unit, in the trunk. Can't get in without a key.
Fasten with clamps.
We stretch the cable along the frame and fix it with clamps.
In the photo, the cable is on the right, but then moved to the left side. It's more comfortable on my bike.
My version is good because without using the connector, the battery does not discharge (and even more so, no one else can use the charge). Plus, it is simply dismantled, if not cut into plastic. Steering wheel or plastic, 12V or USB - you decide!
Thank you for your attention. Ready to answer questions. =)
A dead phone or GPS on the way is unpleasant. And even more unpleasant when there are still a few more days to go home. It is not always possible to charge the phone in a bar, and without communication we can no longer. There is a very simple and well-known way - to install a cigarette lighter. But here's the bad luck: the cigarette lighter is large, and there is sorely not enough space on the instrument panel of the motorcycle, so the Kulibins begin to fence anything. Here are some good examples in my opinion:
Another nuisance is that you have to carry a charger with you to the cigarette lighter. More precisely, several chargers: for your phone, a GPS receiver and your companion's phone (they fade without communication). And travel experience tells you that you can’t take much with you. Before a trip over each thing, you think whether it is needed or not. This question is acute before a trip for several days. Our Dear forum member Sergorus suggested an excellent idea, which has already been tested in practice and has proven itself well. The bottom line is to install a USB connector instead of a huge cigarette lighter.
Pros:
1) Practically does not take up space on the motorcycle tidy.
2) A large number of devices, including GPS and DVRs, are charged via a USB cable. So you do not need a separate device to get 5 volts from the cigarette lighter.
3) All mobile phone chargers that I found in the office give out 5.7v/800mA (Nokia, LG, Samsung). We cut the wire of your charging, solder the USB connector and use it. At home, all charging is complete, and on the road, only a cord with a connector for your phone. The method is tested on Nokia.
4) Devices with USB charging (for example, an mp3 player) can now be taken with you.
5) For lovers of versatility, you can make one cord, where on one side is USB, and on the other there are many other connectors (for yourself and friends).
Minuses:
If you have an electric pump, then you will need to power it separately. But, again, a plus - it is not necessary to display it on the instrument panel of your motorcycle.
Now to the implementation. Thanks to Vadim for the visual diagram: 
Installed it last summer. Never closed. Even though it was raining and snowing. On my bike it looks like this:
The circuit itself is installed behind the muzzle, where there is good cooling, but dirt does not fly from under the wheels. In this case, the radiator is bolted to the frame. 
And finally, it is better to connect the circuit from the ignition switch in order to avoid a possible short circuit when the motorcycle is in the garage. Yes, and the battery will be livelier, because there is also consumption without load. If you need to charge your mobile phone when the engine is off, then just turn on the ignition, but do not start. Are you afraid to leave the key in the lock? Isn't it scary to leave a mobile on a moto without review? So I thought that there was no need to constantly connect the circuit to the power supply, and in practice this was confirmed.
