Hard wiring for phone with USB-C and smart/fast charging? - Hardware Hacking General

Hey folks, so I've done the hard wiring of older phones with MicroUSB and <2000mAh charging before. It was pretty easy by just using a 12V to 5V 3A converter similar to what you see in the attached pic.
Now I want to do something similar for my Google Pixel XL which has a USB-C interface and does smart/fast charging.
Problem is, I'm unfamiliar with this tech and don't want to just wire it up without asking for advice first.
I'm thinking I'll be just fine using the same adapter you see in the pic below.
And I'm thinking I'll be just fine by using the two power wires and two ground wires from the USB-C spliced onto the 12v-to-5v converter.
I do not believe I need to worry about the fifth cable used for signaling between two devices.
So, from the USB-C connector, I would splice its two power wires to the single [out] power wire on the converter. And the two ground wires to the single [out] power wire on the converter.
Then the [in] power and ground on the converter would be spliced into my 12v harness of my car (or Motorcycle).
This should get me full speed charging just like my stock USB-C charger from Google.
Do ya'll agree or am I missing something that may screw things up?
https://hackaday.com/2016/04/22/hackaday-dictionary-usb-type-c/
Four of these connections are designated as VBUS connections, carrying the power for charging and operating connected devices. In addition, two pins are used for grounding, and one pin is used for signalling between the two devices to determine how much power should be sent. Running at the USB standard 5 V, the VBUS cables can supply up to 3 amps, a big increase on the 2 amps available in USB 3 cables, and much more than USB 2.
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The 12V to 5V 3A converter I use:
post a picture

Related

Wizard Car Charger

So I visited my local Walmart and discovered a car charger, designed for Blackberry 6200 through 7500 and Motorola RAZR series phones.
The connector is the same, mini USB B.
$25,000 Question: Can I use this to charge my TMO MDA? Same connection, just worried the voltage or wiring might not be the same.
The AC chargers that came with my Razr and MDA are the same voltage-wise (5V) but not the same Amps.
MDA is 5V 1A, Razr is 5V 0.5A, they are not the same
However, it shouldn't damage the battery, just charge slower.
Just so you know, USB ports output 5V at 0.5A as well.
Edit: Sorry, I realize I completely changed my post, but didn't want incorrect info out there.
Thanks...I figured that, but was just making sure.
I got it in case of emergency...I almost always charge via USB; just leave it plugged in all day.
But you never know.....
Thanks!
fuzzie said:
Thanks...I figured that, but was just making sure.
I got it in case of emergency...I almost always charge via USB; just leave it plugged in all day.
But you never know.....
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't expect it to charge if you battery is below 30-20% charge. I'm not sure why this is an issue but it has bitten me in the rear once already.
Does anybody know why it's a problem for "less-than-1amp" chargers to charge back from the low threshold?
boxwave.com sells a 1 amp car charger. It has a USB port, so you just use it with any cable that normally plugs into a USB port. Since my Globalsat GBH-820 BT adapter came with a cable with large USB at one end, and _two_ mini USB at the other end, I can charge the GBH-820 and my 8125 at the same time.
oconnor.jb said:
boxwave.com sells a 1 amp car charger. It has a USB port, so you just use it with any cable that normally plugs into a USB port. Since my Globalsat GBH-820 BT adapter came with a cable with large USB at one end, and _two_ mini USB at the other end, I can charge the GBH-820 and my 8125 at the same time.
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Click to collapse
That's not true,... if you use the VersaCharger like I do. This is where I learned of the "charging only" cable that Boxwave sells (how conveinent) and then they sell a Sync/charger for USB only. I have a Boxwave VersaCharger that I can't use without buying their "cable" to make it charge the 8125. I found this out because I have a Belkin retractable sync/charge cable that doesn't work with the VersaCharger as I had hoped. The cable that you have may work with 1amp charger but it probably won't work with theVersaCharger.
What is the output on the "min-usb" connector end of the cable? This sounds like the cable that I need for the 2 devices that I use.
...I wonder if they are putting some electronics in the cable connector...?
I bought the bundle that had a car charger (I have the regular; not the high output; not the Versa) and two mini-Sync (retractable) cables. I got caught by the fact that one of them is "charging only" when I was trying to use the "charging only" cable between my laptop and my TI-84plus calculator. I switched to the mini-USB cable that came with my calculator, and it worked fine, as did my phone with AS. That's when I looked closer at the two mini-sync cables and noticed that one was for "charging only". So, that mini-sync cable (the charging only) stays in the car, and works fine for charging my phone or my GBH-820. The really odd thing is that the "charging only" cable looks "thicker" than the one that works for syncing. Maybe lower gauge wire to help the higher current flow easier.
I have also used my other USB-miniUSB cables with my car adapter. E.g. the cable that came with the phone, the cable that came with my TI-84plus calculator.
My Bluetake headphones came with their own USB cable that has, for lack of any better term, an ultraminiUSB (or some kind of proprietary connector, cause it's not marked with a USB symbol like the other cables) plug at the end. I just plug the regular USB end of that cable into the car charger, and it charges the Bluetake's just fine.
Excellent car charger for Wizard
I have purchased and used the "Ecovell 4x USB" adapter on both a Wizard and a Universal. It provides a 2 Amp output which is equivalent to the AC adapter and works with any mini-USB cable. It will charge a Universal from absolutely dead which I have not been able to do with any other adapter. Here is the link to the item on Yes Depot:
http://www.yesdepot.com/product/ud0520.html
I've ordered from them and the service was OK. I haven't seen the item available anywhere else.
Regards,
Dave

connect a usb plug to the car electrical system?

I still have an old Nokia carkit in my car and I was thinking of replacing it with one of those brodit cradles. My main problem is that I don't want to use the cigar lighter for power.
Is it possible to just cut the usb connector of the cigar lighter loader cable, connect it to one of the cables from my old Nokia carkit and use this for loading?
Dont do that, its possible you could fry your device or at least do some damage.
I am biased, yes, as I retail the Brodit kits, i would advise spending a little more and getting the 971671 Molex Hard Wired kit that allows you to safley hard wire it to your cars power system, and also power any BT GPS reciver with an additional Molex adapter lead that fits your unit (Holux, Edo, Haicom etc)
Hope that helps, if you need any advice, drop me a line,
Thanks,
Bryson
I think I'll look into that option, it seems a lot safer and easier.
Is it hard to do the fixed installation yourself or is it better to go to the car dealer and have them install it?
Hi,
It depends on whether you have easy access to the console beind your stereo head unit, and how familiar you are with the wiring, not all cars are obvious as to which to attach the loose end cables too!,
- also, if it is a car you care for and need to keep warranty on, I would sincerley recommend going to a dealer, it should not be too expensive, its quite a quick job, depending on your car, and if you do go the Brodit route, you can fit the Proclip and Molex holder yourself, thats a 2 minute job,
Hope that helps,
Thanks again,
Bryson
DO NOT CONNECT YOUR MINIUSB CABLE TO THE CARS MAINS
Yes, you will probably destroy your Prophet. USB powered devices run at 5V, a normal computer USB port can provide a maximum of 500ma. The voltage in your car is 12 volts and a direct connection can provide whatever current that leg is fused for. Don't worry about the current DO worry about the voltage. The cigar lighter adapter most people use contains a voltage regulator to reduce the voltage to 5v and a very low current fuse. The one sitting on my desk is 2A (2000ma). If you want a do it yourself solution you can get a 7805 voltage regulator at any Radio Shack or any other electronics supply store. You wont even need a heat sink as the Prophet is desined to only draw a few hundred milliamps and the 7805 is rated at 1A. There are only 3 leads on the 7805 one for the 12V in, one for the 5v out and a common/ground. These are not the most efficent regulators but will be fine in your car.
-j

HTC TyTN Y Cable

Has anyone ever tried splicing the HTC TyTN Y Cable Version: 11pin to 5pin + 6pin to a regular 5pin USB cable.
cooldrewb said:
Has anyone ever tried splicing the HTC TyTN Y Cable Version: 11pin to 5pin + 6pin to a regular 5pin USB cable.
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Huh? It already allows you to plug in a 5 pin USB cable into the power side (5 pin). What are you trying to do?
URPREY said:
Huh? It already allows you to plug in a 5 pin USB cable into the power side (5 pin). What are you trying to do?
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Click to collapse
I would guess power in and audio out at the same time
I am using my phone in my car and don't want the power cable and music cable hanging down in front of my dash. What I want to do is run a USB cable out of my phone, drill a small hole and have the HTC TyTN Y Cable and everything else hidden.
Ooops when I said drill a small hole I am drilling it in my dash. I am just trying to extend the HTC TyTN Y Cable and unfortunately that is a different style connect on the end so there are no cables out there with a female end. So I figured I would splice it.
So can this be done?
If you want to split audio/power, you CAN NOT USE an USB cable.
See the difference between AUDIO jack (hearphones) & USB Jack.
also, the jack of the earphones is good, but it hasn't connected the power cables to the pins. i hope if you cut the cable, you will find only audio/mic cables.
so, or you buy a TyTn Y Cable and cut/extend it; or you have a male connector like that on earphones, and do with it all that you want.
::::::::::::::::::::.
OOps... i've understood now the very question.... :emb :emb
an user has dismantled it... HERE
What I want to do is leave the headphone and power intact and cut the male end off(the end that plugs into the phone) then take a regular USB 5pin cord and splice it onto that. Does that make more sense.
cooldrewb said:
What I want to do is leave the headphone and power intact and cut the male end off(the end that plugs into the phone) then take a regular USB 5pin cord and splice it onto that. Does that make more sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want to extend it, buy the 3 way adapter from Brando and mod that one. What we're trying to tell you is that there are 11 wires in that harness, so if you want to extend the cord, all you'll need to do it splice a new set of extension wires in (multiple USB cables?). If you can solder, that's no big deal. I have mine mounted in a Brodit powered cradle with audio going into my car stereo, and the y cable is tucked behind the cradle and the wires hidden into my dash.
How many wires are in the Brando? Is it pretty easy to splice? Sorry if I am asking a stupid question.
cooldrewb said:
How many wires are in the Brando? Is it pretty easy to splice? Sorry if I am asking a stupid question.
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Click to collapse
I haven't taken mine apart, but I assume it still has 11 wires (one for each pin). The reason I was suggesting this is because if you want to have a 3.5mm audio out, you either have to buy an HTC-specific USB to 3.5mm audio adapter for $12-$15, or you can buy the Brando unit which includes everything for ~$20 (and if you screw it up, you're only out the $20).
Splicing wires isn't difficult, but if you're not handy with a soldering iron it might be. These a pretty small wires (30 gauge?). Practice on an old USB cable first.
I already have the 3.5mm headphone jack and the power connected. My only problem is the end that plugs into the phone. Instead of making a standard mini USB HTC changed it so it is a different shape. I guess I figured I could just cut off that end and it would be same as any USB cable. I didn't want to go into the jack itself where the headphone and power is.
cooldrewb said:
I already have the 3.5mm headphone jack and the power connected. My only problem is the end that plugs into the phone. Instead of making a standard mini USB HTC changed it so it is a different shape. I guess I figured I could just cut off that end and it would be same as any USB cable. I didn't want to go into the jack itself where the headphone and power is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They changed the jack because it won't work in a USB plug - it has 11 pins (5 for USB power/sync and 6 for audio). You can extend it either way, but it takes 11 wires to extend it. I have a similar setup in my car, so I understand where you're coming from, but aside from extending the cable I've not seen a better solution...
What a pain. What really stinks is I only need to go about 8 inches.

Car Charger?

Does anyone have a confirmed working car charger for this phone?
My motorola car charger that I used for my GNex and GS3 isn't fully compatible with the G2. I get a message saying "slow charging" when I plug it in.
What do you guys use to achieve full charging speeds?
I realize there's a Q&A forum, but since this is directly related to accessories, I wasn't sure if it was better suited for this forum.
Nobody has a working car charger?
Both of these work for me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042B9U8Q/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SU0SX0/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
the powerjolt is much more low profile though
That's just a generic list. The G2 requires a hi power charger
jeff_warner said:
Hi check out this collection of car charger for LG G2...they all are compatible with LG G2 and wont create any issue of slow charging and all...you can avail any of them for free shipping too...
Thanks !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from Bad Azz VZW LG G2 Cyan Tapatalk
beddachedda said:
Both of these work for me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042B9U8Q/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SU0SX0/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
the powerjolt is much more low profile though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The powergen dual port works great. It has two 2.1amp USB ports, one that works with Android, and the other with Apple products (when using a data cable --> detecting USB vs AC charge mode). I have custom USB cables where I shorted the data pins so I always pull at AC charge rates regardless of the port type. In any event, this charger should provide you with the same capability as the OEM wall charger.
I have a 2amp car charger and it works fine, no message about slow charging.
the issue im runnin into is find a usb cable that enables fast charging
i have a dual usb car charger that put out 2amps per usb but cant.find an aftermarket usb to micro that can support more amps (fast chargin)
the oem lg g2 cable works...as well as the nexus 7 cable
i got this cable but doesnt charge more than 1amp
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004G...c=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_details_o01_s00_i02
---------- Post added at 10:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:54 AM ----------
kyler13 said:
The powergen dual port works great. It has two 2.1amp USB ports, one that works with Android, and the other with Apple products (when using a data cable --> detecting USB vs AC charge mode). I have custom USB cables where I shorted the data pins so I always pull at AC charge rates regardless of the port type. In any event, this charger should provide you with the same capability as the OEM wall charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do u short the data pins?
nitric13 said:
the issue im runnin into is find a usb cable that enables fast charging
i have a dual usb car charger that put out 2amps per usb but cant.find an aftermarket usb to micro that can support more amps (fast chargin)
the oem lg g2 cable works...as well as the nexus 7 cable
i got this cable but doesnt charge more than 1amp
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004G...c=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_details_o01_s00_i02
---------- Post added at 10:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:54 AM ----------
how do u short the data pins?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To short the data pins, I actually cut a USB cable, stripped back the insulator, re-soldered the +5V and ground wires, soldered together the data pins on the microUSB side of the cable, and stagger cut the data wires on the other side. Prior to the re-soldering, I slipped some shrink tubing on one end of the cable to re-insulate everything. Not for the faint of heart.
Background for those that don't know... Typically, Android phones look for little to no resistance on the data pins to detect a high current charger. Any other load triggers USB mode since most PC's are only designed to supply 500mA via USB. I assume this is a safety issue to prevent overdrawing a PC's port. Apple operates differently. They look for some nominal resistance as USB and switch to fast charge under open or some higher resistance. Most chargers >500mA are designed for the iPhone market unless they explicitly state other compatibility. Therefore, the data pins are floating. Any charger can be used at its max rating if you trick the Android phone with the homemade cable described above. Of course, then it becomes a power-only cable, useless for data. Clearly, OEM chargers for Android phones short the data pins internally so your OEM cable can be used with a wall charger (fast) or with your PC for data connections and nominal (slow) charging.
So the powergen mentioned above has two 2.1A ports, one labeled NA (non-apple) and A (apple) so you don't need to worry about mix-n-match devices and cables. Any USB cable will fast charge on the appropriate port. With my homemade cable above, my Galaxy Nexus will fast charge on either port.
Fast forward to the G2... Just got it yesterday and while in the car, I noticed my homemade cable only permitted SLOW charge on either port. Huh. Kinda a head scratcher. I ran in the house and got the OEM LG cable and both ports worked with FAST charge. So I tried one more thing, I grabbed a regular USB cable and observed the following: the phone went into FAST charge on the apple port and SLOW charge on the non-apple port. I can only assume that LG is detecting fast charge in a different way. The fact that a standard USB cable doesn't work with the data pins shorted at the charger but the OEM cable does makes me think there is something about LG's cable that allows it to pull max power from the charger. FYI, I plugged the OEM LG cable into a 850mA Motorola AC charger and it registered as SLOW charge.
kyler13 said:
To short the data pins, I actually cut a USB cable, stripped back the insulator, re-soldered the +5V and ground wires, soldered together the data pins on the microUSB side of the cable, and stagger cut the data wires on the other side. Prior to the re-soldering, I slipped some shrink tubing on one end of the cable to re-insulate everything. Not for the faint of heart.
Background for those that don't know... Typically, Android phones look for little to no resistance on the data pins to detect a high current charger. Any other load triggers USB mode since most PC's are only designed to supply 500mA via USB. I assume this is a safety issue to prevent overdrawing a PC's port. Apple operates differently. They look for some nominal resistance as USB and switch to fast charge under open or some higher resistance. Most chargers >500mA are designed for the iPhone market unless they explicitly state other compatibility. Therefore, the data pins are floating. Any charger can be used at its max rating if you trick the Android phone with the homemade cable described above. Of course, then it becomes a power-only cable, useless for data. Clearly, OEM chargers for Android phones short the data pins internally so your OEM cable can be used with a wall charger (fast) or with your PC for data connections and nominal (slow) charging.
So the powergen mentioned above has two 2.1A ports, one labeled NA (non-apple) and A (apple) so you don't need to worry about mix-n-match devices and cables. Any USB cable will fast charge on the appropriate port. With my homemade cable above, my Galaxy Nexus will fast charge on either port.
Fast forward to the G2... Just got it yesterday and while in the car, I noticed my homemade cable only permitted SLOW charge on either port. Huh. Kinda a head scratcher. I ran in the house and got the OEM LG cable and both ports worked with FAST charge. So I tried one more thing, I grabbed a regular USB cable and observed the following: the phone went into FAST charge on the apple port and SLOW charge on the non-apple port. I can only assume that LG is detecting fast charge in a different way. The fact that a standard USB cable doesn't work with the data pins shorted at the charger but the OEM cable does makes me think there is something about LG's cable that allows it to pull max power from the charger. FYI, I plugged the OEM LG cable into a 850mA Motorola AC charger and it registered as SLOW charge.
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Click to collapse
I have pretty much the same thing, had a cable that would only do slow charge, so I stripped the wires back, and on the micro usb side I cut the green and white(data) and twisted them together. Now its fast charge no matter what charger I plug this cable into.... not sure why urs isn't....
My AT&T branded charger doesn't give me the slow charge notification.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4
droidiac13 said:
My AT&T branded charger doesn't give me the slow charge notification.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
Yes, but its not a 2 amp charger. We want a bigger fast charge vehicle charger...
I tried the USB plug in my car (Scion 2012) and two different Belkin cigarette/USB chargers today. The USB and one of the Belkins gave slow charging. The other Belkin did not -- worked fine. They were supposed to be identical, but I had suspected one was a fake. Guess I was right.
I just use the usb cable that came with their phone and plug it into my auto usb or the car's 110 outlet.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk 4
Tylt. Flat ribbon charger works.
Sent from Bad Azz VZW LG G2 Cyan Tapatalk

Dash Charge Cable

How does USB cable influences charge of speed? Why DASH speed charging works with the red USB cable provided by manufacturer, but not my other USB3 cables?
Does the cable have to be some some special kind, i.e. sort of certification or whatever? I would really like to use longer (i.e. 1.5 - 2 metres) cable from my charger, but all the cables I have and tried, plugged into official charger, does not support fast charge.
Thanks for answers!
vector88 said:
How does USB cable influences charge of speed? Why DASH speed charging works with the red USB cable provided by manufacturer, but not my other USB3 cables?
Does the cable have to be some some special kind, i.e. sort of certification or whatever? I would really like to use longer (i.e. 1.5 - 2 metres) cable from my charger, but all the cables I have and tried, plugged into official charger, does not support fast charge.
Thanks for answers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is mostly cause of a resistance between the wires which voltage drop indicates its a cable that meets the requirements. That is the common practice for such proprietary accessories.
Maybe someone has time to measure this and/or cut his original cable and find the resistor, I need mine
I'm sure it's that method.
vector88 said:
How does USB cable influences charge of speed? Why DASH speed charging works with the red USB cable provided by manufacturer, but not my other USB3 cables?
Does the cable have to be some some special kind, i.e. sort of certification or whatever? I would really like to use longer (i.e. 1.5 - 2 metres) cable from my charger, but all the cables I have and tried, plugged into official charger, does not support fast charge.
Thanks for answers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a third party one cheaply from ali express. They work like the proprietary ones and there's also a 1.5m option. I personally haven't found any drops in charging speed at all.
Look in the USB-A side of the cable, there is an extra pin above the 4 normal USB pins which signals dash charging.
skanadian said:
Look in the USB-A side of the cable, there is an extra pin above the 4 normal USB pins which signals dash charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that can be the reason!

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