12v Outlets
Since the new radio has its own clock, I removed the OE analog dash clock and installed a set of 12v power outlets including a cigarette lighter type socket and a pair of USB outlets in the other plug. I wanted to be able to charge a device even with the ignition OFF, so these power outlets tap into the OE clock wiring that has constant power. The USB port has a lighted surround and draws 0.017A as measured with my DMM when the outlet is ON and nothing plugged in to draw additional load. There is a Touch button to turn it ON/OFF so it doesn’t draw the battery down when not in use.
I was so focused on making the $12 kit with plastic panel housing for the 2 outlets work in the clock opening I had to make a small intermediate backing panel when in retrospect the custom aluminum panel could just suffice alone to both fasten into the dash and secure the two plugs.
Since the new radio has its own clock, I removed the OE analog dash clock and installed a set of 12v power outlets including a cigarette lighter type socket and a pair of USB outlets in the other plug. I wanted to be able to charge a device even with the ignition OFF, so these power outlets tap into the OE clock wiring that has constant power. The USB port has a lighted surround and draws 0.017A as measured with my DMM when the outlet is ON and nothing plugged in to draw additional load. There is a Touch button to turn it ON/OFF so it doesn’t draw the battery down when not in use.
I was so focused on making the $12 kit with plastic panel housing for the 2 outlets work in the clock opening I had to make a small intermediate backing panel when in retrospect the custom aluminum panel could just suffice alone to both fasten into the dash and secure the two plugs.
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