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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: ammonsh on June 26, 2014, 06:18:38 AM

Title: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on June 26, 2014, 06:18:38 AM
I want to add a USB charger to my 2014 S.  Supposedly there is an accessory port somewhere.  How do I find it?  Is it a standard size?  What a huge difference it would be to not worry about my phone charge on a ride.  How do I get to this port?

Thanks all!
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: Burton on June 26, 2014, 06:32:11 AM
Most likely not wired yet but it is fused for it. You will probably have to find your small fues terminal and look for the one without a wire on it and a 30amp fuse if I recall. Don't have my wire diagram in front of me to be able to tell.
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: AustinSZF8.5 on June 26, 2014, 07:57:01 PM
The accessory port is a standard cigarette lighter type plug. The cutout for it is on your dash to the right of the display. The socket is available through your Zero dealer for $50 MSRP (link here) (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_5&products_id=206). They also sell a "W harness" which will allow you to connect multiple accessories like this directly to the bike's harness. I understand that you can piece together a DIY harness if you can find the correct Sumitomo connector.

I wish they sold a USB socket kit in addition to the cig lighter kit since that's what most portable tech uses as a power source these days. Maybe down the road...
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on June 28, 2014, 11:46:58 PM
Where is this mysterious harness?  How do I get to it? What does it look like?
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: dc5dd on June 29, 2014, 10:17:02 PM
Where is this mysterious harness?  How do I get to it? What does it look like?

Here is the post from what I've done with others, there are detailed pictures and part number

http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=3427.msg20412#msg20412 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=3427.msg20412#msg20412)

Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on June 30, 2014, 12:01:54 AM
Thanks DC, I guess I don't know how to ask the question.  Somewhere these things plug into a power source on the bike.  I fully understand the cutout, the lighter vs USB, the caps, all that.  What I don't understand is where the other end of the plug goes.  Do I have to take my seat off?  If so, how?  Do I have to splice some wires together (hope not).  I understand there is a fuse box under the seat.  Do I need to access that for some reason?  How do I "plug in" this accessory?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: GNU on July 02, 2014, 03:43:38 AM
On your 2014 there are two plugs. If you sit down next to the front wheel and reach in behind the tripple tree, above the battery you'll find two connectors hooked up to the same 10A accessory fuse.
The plugs have rubber hats on them to keep dirt and moisture out when not in use.

One of the connectors is a standard SAE connector (commonly used in the global motorcycle industry and the american auto industry for trailer connectors and such) the other is a Sumitomo connector. Haven't seen one anywhere else buy I'm told it's used by a couple of other motorcycle manufacturers.
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on July 02, 2014, 06:47:22 AM
Thanks!  I haven't found them yet. I am a little nervous about grabbing up around there.  I will probably just take it to a dealer. It just seems so simple, buy the port, mount the port, attach the port. But I don't want to blank it up.  This bike is so much fun.
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on July 19, 2014, 05:52:56 AM
GNU... could you take a picture or two of where this connector is?  I just can't see up in there. 
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on July 19, 2014, 06:16:10 AM
Ah... never mind.  I found it right where you said it would be!  The Sumitomo was capped but not the SAE.  Can I just buy a cigarette size USB adapter and plug it into the SAE?  Is it that simple? 
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: dc5dd on July 19, 2014, 09:49:44 AM
Hummm... what about water penetration?  ;)
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: trikester on July 19, 2014, 10:49:40 PM
I mounted a weather proof "cigarette lighter" style 12V accessory outlet (Zero also has a kit) and then I just use one of the commonly available adapters to USB (I got the adapter at Home Depot I think). Since dirt rides can be fairly long, I connect my iPod to the USB outlet to keep the battery up for the entire length of the ride. I can also keep the iPod screen back-light on, since it is connected to an external power source.

Trikester
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: ammonsh on July 29, 2014, 05:38:46 AM
Thanks for the help all.  I got the cigarette lighter harness today from UPS.  It took just a few minutes to install and now my phone/mp3/gps will never run out of juice!  The local dealer wanted $50 for the part and $75 for the install.  Instead, it cost me $20 for the part with shipping and the install was easy right at home.  And the SAE is still available for something else.
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: trikester on July 29, 2014, 09:56:04 AM
Quote
and now my phone/mp3/gps will never run out of juice!

Unless your bike runs out of juice. ;)

Trikester
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: benswing on April 05, 2016, 04:31:15 AM
Hey trikester and ammonsh, would you please provide a link to the devices you used?  I plan to install a USB (or two) for my summer ride and prefer to do it myself and save a little cash.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: acacia1731 on April 05, 2016, 07:01:06 AM
I just installed a very basic USB adapter on my 2015 FX ($10).  My goal was to power an iPhone with minimal extra hardware.   The adapter linked below tucked neatly under the tank area, and I have a 8" pigtail of charger cable hanging out to power the phone.  No extra clutter on the bars, nothing to keep dry, and the 12V plug is only powered when the key is on, so no worries about battery power drain.

Below are a couple pics (top shows adapter, bottom shows it tucked away with charger pigtail).

http://amzn.com/B00DJ5KEF4
 (http://amzn.com/B00DJ5KEF4)
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: Patrick Truchon on April 05, 2016, 07:39:43 PM
Here's my setup (https://ptruchon.pagekite.me/wiki/zerodsmods#volt_port). I'll have to change the location once I get my fast charger though.
Title: Re: Adding a USB charger
Post by: JasonHC on August 17, 2019, 08:23:55 AM
I just put one of these on:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SGJ5DN4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Fit's with a tiny bit of hole enlarging.