USB panel charger/sockets

[2greens1red]

There's been discussion elsewhere about charging USB-compatible devices from a/c electrics. A simple solution, but prone to distributing RF interference, is a simple converter plugged into your a/c's 'cigar' lighter.

We're trying this custom-made solution from the States: http://goo.gl/oB2SLG; not cheap, but not as expensive as the 'certified' version (£250+).

Has anyone experience of similar equipment, preferably sourced in the UK?

[John Dean]

I bought a cheap USB charger from Halfords to use in the aeroplane with a recently purchased Nexus 7 and was a little concerned it would not charge or cause noise on the radio.

In the event, I have no noise on the radio and it does charge although very slowly. On a recent flight of about 40 minutes, the charge went up from 65% to 67%.

[Trevor Harvey]

I also use a double socket & USB adaptor plug from Halfords, It charges the iPad & phone, no interference. I fitted a 5amp MCB into the socket casing to feed it.

[Richard Mole]

I have just bought one of these for charging a device with a USB plug.

Blue Sea - Dual USB Charger Socket - 2 Usb Ports W/Watertight Cap from Amazon at £20.50

Delivery next week so I can't comment on weight or dimensions etc let alone possible radio interference. But, on the face of it, likely to turn out to be a neater solution than mounting a typical 12v 'cigarette' style socket in the panel and then pushing in a USB adaptor.... unless of course an existing 12v socket is already in place and retained for other purposes!

[Richard Mole]

Here is another very similar device (maybe the same core?) with tubular fitting/panel mount options:
Motorcycle Twin USB Power Supply Socket Adaptor 12v Weatherproof from Amazon

Both this and the previous one have a minute power drain to the LED even when not in use. But the usual practice of taking power downstream of the master switch would isolate the unit in any case.