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MG TD TF 1500 - Satnav connection/ phone charging port

Whilst some may frown on the idea of adding a satnav/12v. socket to our cars I'm sure like me others would find it benificial. Any advice please on the easiest or preferred method please bearing in mind my car atleast is negative earth and I'm not sure whether that is a problem with phone charging or satnavs. I realize to some this is a simple question but as I'm uncertain thought I'd ask.
JK Mazgaj

Easy - fit a 12V cigarette lighter socket on a panel under the dash, then plug a USB converter plug into it.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Fuse the supply line, probably feed from A4 connection so it is only active with ignition on.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

I'm working on a charger that plugs into the power socket on the dash. It will only pass current when the plug is inserted correctly. That is the plan anyway.

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

I have two 12 volt charger ports in a piece of walnut below the dash on my TF. One for the cell phone and the other for a GPS. Here in the States you can find a variaty for less than 10 bucks at auto parts stores or places like Walmart.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/12V-Auxiliary-Dual-Power-Car-Socket-Adapter-Outlet-Waterproof-Car-Motorcycle-Wired-Cigarette-Lighter/321201915

L E D LaVerne

Not sure if Sat Nav runs on 12V dc? but phones that use USB only need 5V. This little socket connects to an ignition switched supply does the step-down and runs the phone on an 18" short USB lead. Will run two items.

Under $9.00 and has a weather resistance cover as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6S2SNM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



Rod Jones

Rod, it looks like in the photo you have a Smiths heater, are you using the original motor or did you upgrade it? PJ
PJ Jennings

I installed two 12v cigarette ligher sockets for my phones in my TF in 2014, shortly after I bought it. The car is negative ground.

I bought the sockets, insulators, etc from "The 12vtechnology Store" on ebay. Good products. Good people with whom to do business.
https://www.ebay.com/str/the12vtechnologystore#120679837530:

They have a large selection of cigarette lighter sockets and USB ports, so wander around the site. Buy waterproof sockets and rubber insulating boots.

I mounted them facing downward in a plate that strattles the H bracket under the dash of my TF. Added a fuse in the plate. Hidden unless you stand on your head.

My iPhone with GPS sits in the TF open glovebox in front of the driver. A BlueTooth earbud hears the directions.

Lonnie
TF7211

Photos of plate with layout lines before painting and mounting in car.


LM Cook

Thanks all. Somee great advice. I especially like Lonnies' method
JK Mazgaj

No upgrade PJ. It chucks out enough heat as is.
Now in Florida I can use it during the very hot days to add a little more cooling. :)
Rod
Rod Jones

Well, I thought I had a picture but I don't. Anyway, I mounted a normal 12v. lighter/accessory socket (reversed wired because I'm still +earth) below the dash and stuck in a gizmo that reads voltage and has two USB ports. Very handy for phone and GPS. Also reads temp and amps being drawn through the USBs. About $15 from Amazon.
Jud
J. K. Chapin

This thread was discussed between 30/07/2019 and 31/07/2019

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