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Post Info TOPIC: Weather resistant USB
FBF


Resident crash test dummy

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Weather resistant USB
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These were the usb connectors I saw on the net.

http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/product.php/654/motorcycle-usb-din-plug

motorcycle_usb_charger_socket_12v.jpg

It has a weatherproof cap when not in use and has a built in 5volt tranformer.

The leads they sell are in various usb types ie mini /micro / standard iphone etc but they have a rubber hood that fits over the outside of the socket much like these in the lower half of the image

ipod_iphone_usb_micro_mini_iphone5_motorcycle_charger.jpg

Due to the nature of the weather proof socket they only are single usb only but do provide a water proof solution to usb connection when connected to a cable. There are dual usb outlets and cigerette style dual usb converters available elsewhere but are not water proof. They do a range of din type connectors but although they are far better than crappy cigerette sockets they are not really waterproof when the socket is in use.

Downside is my Loox PDA has specialised plug on it so the waterproof connector would be no good as its not standard usb on the other end although it would be easy enough to cut the mini usb off and make up a lead with the right plug on, they do a waterproof tank bag connector kit which could be used to power things from within the bag should you want a tank bag.

I have a B-squared tank bag which has a clear plastic map reading top on it which could easy accomodate a sat nav and phone but attaching it to the Versys would be tricky but not impossible because of the plastic side panels as the magnetic pads do not really do much, they can grip the top of the tank but not the sides, tank bags are a pain but if reasonably easy to detach means you can put all your valuables in it and take it with you on stops. Might have to think about that one, tank bags can get a huge amount of stuff in, they look horrible but are quite practical.

 



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Loadsabikes

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Why does the usb need to be waterproof when the battery connections are not? I'm not altogether convinced that anything but circuit boards and components need to be water proof in a 12/5vDc situation, after all there are not waterproof connections in the bikes wiring loom. My GPS runs off a Euro socket without a problem.

What do you think Paul as your knowledge base on the subject is probaly far better than mine.

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FBF


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Well when not in use a waterproof cap it essential as water filling your socket up is going to play havoc with connection corrosion, if it stands outside like mine most of the time (and when travelling) keeping water out is a good idea, when in use with most bikes the fairing and screen tends to keep the majority of water out of the socket, its when you stop or are in traffic and its hurling it down that water can get in. Most charger leads just have the power supply leads connected, but most leads that come with your phone or PDA have data connection leads also which its why not a good idea to have water ingressing into the plug and socket.

For a modest outlay you have peace of mind in that the connections are dry and corrosion free, with cigerette connectors and din the connectors are way apart so water ingress is not a problem but usb pins are small, prone to damage and tracking as the connections are so close together. The integral usb sockets offer a compact solution whereas  din and cigerette sockets are bulky and can foul the handlebars when you have a convertor plugged in, plus the cigerette type convertors invariably self distruct with vibration.

The battery could be immersed in water with no effect as the terminals are far apart for water to short it at 12v as to the din and cigerette versions, but smaller connectors like on the Versys are sealed with a rubber seal in the plug, particularly on electronic devices like ecu and associated injection components where the currents are small and close  together then water can short the electronics.

Besides the corrosion problem unpure water contains ions that readily conducts over short distances and causes electrolysis (absolute pure water does not), the higher the voltage the easier it conducts, at 5v the effect is tiny but still present which causes corrosion and can upset sensitive electronics. As I said with charger leads that just connect positive and negative then possibly no problem, however a combined charger/data lead can wreck your PDA or iphone or smart phone etc if water conducts small curents in the wrong place.



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 Walk a mile in another man's shoes.
...and you will be a mile away... and have his shoes..

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