What wires to tie in usb charger?

[Pinhacker71]

I am planning on adding a usb charger on the captains side of my scarab 215 and not sure where to tie into electric. I was thinking of either ignition or even the horn. I assume there is a positive and negative to the horn. Anyone know what colors the wires are? It is awfully tight back there. I don't really need it switched because I keep batteries turned off when out of boat. I don't want to run it directly to battery because I couldn't shut it off with the battery off/on switch. Thanks for any help.

 

[Bruce]

Do you have a 12 volt plug that you could replace with the USB power supply?

These are an easy swap and a quality charger
https://www.bluesea.com/products/1016/Dual_USB_Charger_Socket/featured

 

[Pinhacker71]

Not on the captains side.

 

[ScarabMike]

If you open the swing up bow backrest on the driver side, look towards the helm. You will see a white vinyl cover with snaps. Open the snaps, and you will see the wiring for your helm. Buy a T-Tap and just tap into your stereo's remote's power wires for the LED. I know in my 195, there is a panel back there with spare positions for aux wires. If you find that then just wire it up to one of them. I would take a pic on my boat, but its in the shop right now.

Neither the USB, or the remote will draw enough amps to worry about overloading the circuit.

 

[Pinhacker71]

Good idea on stereo wired remote. Are wires red and black or a different combination of colors. I know how to get behind dash, just really tight back there. Thanks for advice Scarabmike.

 

[ScarabMike]

@Pinhacker71 They are red and black. There are 3 total connections behind the remote. 1 grey 3.5mm cable, and the red/black power wires. Be carefull not to loosen the cage for the remote. Its a PITA to get straight if you do.

Make sure the power wires are not switched in conjunction to the nav lights. I don't believe they are. If they are, then follow the wires to the switch. There should be a constant power connection there.

Now there is a way to run a wire from your (switched) 12V to the helm if you cant find it. All of the storage locations open to each other. If you feel on the top of each, you will find the boats wiring harness that comes in through the rear port side, and makes it around the boat. Just tie wrap to it. That how I ran my data cable for my Sony alpha numeric remote.

 

[Jackew]

Great idea just popped in my head. I can install one of these in my boat on the passenger side so everyone keeps the hell away from my USB port .

Mods never ending list - lol

 

[Pinhacker71]

The remote is switched. I gotta return the usb to Amazon anyways. I tied it into wires off remote. Couldn't figure out why it wasn't working. Finally switched on courtesy lights and remote lights up but still no usb power. Remove usb and hook directly to battery. Still nothing. Probably should have done that first time. Oh well. Thanks for advice. I'm going to order the one you recommended this time.

 

[ScarabMike]

@Pinhacker71

I just read the description of that usb connecter. This is why it didn't work. You neede a fuse that isn't included.

Charge two mobile devices on the go

Made with corrosion resistant materials which ensure a solid contact and low voltage drop.

• Fits in same mounting hole as a traditional 12 Volt outlet
• Compatible with most mobile devices including Apple® products
• Protective dust cap with tether keeps dust and spray from shortening the life of the charger
• Conformal coated circuit board to stand up to the harsh marine environment
• 2A Supply fuse is not included

 

[Pinhacker71]

Nope. I had the polarity reversed. The white prong is positive and the red is negative of course. Gonna run directly to battery and not worry about switching. Parasitic draw is so small with this. Adding fuse as well.