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USB Ports

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 8:06 am
by TwinStarScott
Has anyone installed a panel mounted USB charging port device? Panel space is clearly an issue and am guessing the only real possibility for TwinStars would be on the angled, under side panels below either the PFD or MFD - perhaps even on both sides. If this hasn't been tried yet, can someone please tell me if they think there might be enough clearance (behind the panels) for such an installation?

Here are two manufacturers that I'm aware of that produce these types of devices:

https://www.truebluepowerusa.com/aviati ... rts/ta102/

http://www.appareo.com/stratus-power/

Finally, if someone has had experience with either one of this units, I would find any information you can share most helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Scott

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 2:18 pm
by dwall
Scott:

The London ON factory installed USB charging ports in my DA42. They installed the pilot side USB port where the flashlight hole was by the left chart pocket. The co-pilot USB was installed in the exact same spot on the right side. I can send pictures this coming weekend when I go back out to the hanger if you like.

I had the true blue power USB's installed in the DA40 I had prior to the DA42. They worked perfectly and where installed under the PFD and MFD as your original post suggested.

Doug

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:24 pm
by mdieter
Just installed the Guardian Avionics iFDR Power 250. $300 from most providers. https://www.guardianavionics.com/ifdr-p ... l-usb-port

We put it under the panel to the right of the cigarette plug in the DA40. Originally we thought to put it in the cigarette plug, but the mechanic said it wasn't a good fit. Now we have both. Nice product, and seems to work well on the first flight.
sps_5430-frount.jpg

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 5:15 pm
by cptndavid
I had two installed in my DA 42 one in the pilots side near the flashlight hole in the side panel and one in the rear of the airplane on the right side behind the seat. Both work fine. I used the Blue Power units . The work was done by South Tech. Glenn Lawler in N.C.

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 6:19 pm
by Keith M
I had mine installed in place of the utterly pointless cigarette lighter socket. Since I took this photo, I've run a USB extension cable across the cockpit, clipped to the underside of the panel, to make it easy to plug in my iPad.

Image

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 11:25 pm
by TwinStarScott
That's ALL great information!

Yes Doug, that would be very helpful to see pictures of your installation with both of your blue power units (Mid-Continent).

The Guardian unit that Mark installed is nice because it offers a round version, as does the slightly larger Stratus unit. Yet, am a bit disappointed that even the smaller Guardian unit doesn't fit in the flashlight hole (pilot side only).

Would also really like to see a picture of David's installations, especially the one on the right side - behind the seat.

Keith's installation on the DA40 looks to be in an ideal location, however the DA42 has a row of circuit breakers there. However, this location might work on the left side, if a placard could be relocated.

One last consideration, for others who might be contemplating the same project: is Apple appears to gradually be moving towards USB Type C cables. Currently only Mid-Continent offers this option (one of each type - Type A & C) with their blue power units. Crystal ball time.

https://www.truebluepowerusa.com/aviati ... rts/ta202/

Many thanks to Doug, Mark, David & Keith for taking the time to weigh in on this subject!

Warm regards,
Scott

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:18 pm
by cptndavid
Scott, I will take a photo of the installation of my power ports and try to upload them if not I will send them to you as an e mail.
David

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 5:36 pm
by Wilfried
David, please do me a favor and post the picture here.
I am about to install USB ports in my DA42, too and I am really curious, how it looks in your cockpit!

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 10:59 pm
by Colin
I installed mine under my left knee. I can plug things in just fine by feel and there's no wire heading up to the instrument panel.

There are any two (one pair each side) in the luggage area, one of which powers the Stratus.

Re: USB Ports

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 2:40 am
by TwinStarScott
Colin,

When you get a chance, would you please post a few pictures of your installation? This would be of benefit for those of us who have yet to finalize our selection of places to install these devices. In particular, the one under your left knee. Also, which manufacturer you selected.

Thanks very much to David who sent me photos of his Mid-continent installation via email.

Scott