USB connection wired into chair

[funkykeyboard]

So I have the BM-2 style wheelchair, with R-net controller, R-net actuator, and pod. Can I connect this USB socket straight into the controller or the actuator, or do I need to wire it directly to the batteries?



Any advice appreciated, Tremulous Tetra. :-)

[Irving]

what USB socket? Can't see one in that picture. Do you have spec/link?

[foghornleghorn]

USB is 5 volts. Has it got a step down voltage regulator in the wiring or is it just a socket?

[Irving]

USB is 5 volts. Has it got a step down voltage regulator in the wiring or is it just a socket?

That was my concern; I don't even see a USB socket there. No way to advise until I know what he's actually got there...

[Irving]

I was expecting to see something that looked like this (but maybe boxed)

[Dan]

Can you use one made for a motorbike wired directly to the 24v output of the batteries? Put a switch on it to prevent battery drain when not in use.

Motorcycle USB Charger Motorbike Phone Adapter Waterproof 2.1A 12V/24V USB Power Supply Port Motorbike Motorcycle Mobile Charger Socket.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Charger-Motorbike-Adapter-Waterproof/dp/B07F3KC639/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1MDXDLOACF227&keywords=motorbike+usb+charger&qid=1571103912&sprefix=motorbike+usb%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-5

[ex-Gooserider]

If it is rated for 24V nominal, it SHOULD be fine to wire into the chair - it doesn't matter a lot where you hook it up, but simplest would probably be to go direct to the batteries. (there have been some reports of issues w/ some of these things, keep an eye on it, especially at first and take it off if you get noticeable heat, smoke, etc...)

The important thing is to be sure you are connecting across BOTH batteries for 24V, don't just go across one, as that will lead to problems w/ battery balance.

Fusing as close to the batteries as you can is important. Nothing wrong w/ adding a power switch, but it isn't really critical as one of those converters draws so little power if there isn't anything plugged into it that it won't make a lot of difference - the controller itself will draw more and we only really worry about that if storing the chair for a long time...

ex-Gooserider

[Irving]

I was being cautious about advising how to connect until we'd ascertained it was 24v+ rated. Also that puny Molex style white connector (which will need to be cut off) doesn't give me confidence there is a 24v+ buck converter in the box at the end, the form factor looks wrong.

I could be wrong... but best to be sure...

[wheelie junkie]

I fitted one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JPJTKCC/ ... 11_TE_item direct to battery, so far no problems, charges my USB C ipad and normal USB iphone plus has a handy battery voltage display.

[funkykeyboard]

Can you use one made for a motorbike wired directly to the 24v output of the batteries? Put a switch on it to prevent battery drain when not in use.

Motorcycle USB Charger Motorbike Phone Adapter Waterproof 2.1A 12V/24V USB Power Supply Port Motorbike Motorcycle Mobile Charger Socket.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Charger-Motorbike-Adapter-Waterproof/dp/B07F3KC639/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1MDXDLOACF227&keywords=motorbike+usb+charger&qid=1571103912&sprefix=motorbike+usb%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-5

yes this is what I have. A Motorcycle Mobile Charging Socket.


the one with the blue circle round it is the USB socket.

and the one with the red circle round it is the fuse.


It's a shame I have to go to the batteries with another set of wires, it would have been nicer to have a power source from the actuator or the controller.

Any advice appreciated, Tremulous Tetra. :-)

[Irving]

Well that device is going to take around 0.5A so its probably asking too much to take it from the bus cable as that's quite small gauge already for what it does. You've no option really other than go back to the batteries. If you think you're likely to add more later you could always bring 24v via some 18awg to a wiring centre under the seat to make it easy for the future.

[flagman1776]

I think I'd like to see the USB under the armrest or pod so easy to reach. Most charge cords would have excess length, maybe need an armrest bag for cable.

[funkykeyboard]

What about 1 of these with the wiring taken straight into that fuse and the motorcycle USB socket? Would the XLR out on the pod be strong enough?

https://cpc.farnell.com/pulse/pls00265/ ... fHEALw_wcB

Any advice appreciated, Tremulous Tetra. :-)

[funkykeyboard]

I like the XLR solution, neat and tidy.

However, alternatively, if I connect the cable I've already shown you above into the Anderson connection that I use to charge the batteries with a Hyperion charger, this should work shouldn't it?

Any advice appreciated, Tremulous Tetra. :-)

[ex-Gooserider]

Both the XLR plug charge pins and the 24V pins for the Hyperion connection would have 24V on them and be able to supply enough power, so there is no reason not to use them if that is what you want...

Basically wiring to the batteries will give you a 'permanent' installation, and wiring to the XLR or Anderson connector is a temporary connection - only real difference...

The other thing to keep in mind is whether or not having a plug sticking out of the XLR or Anderson while driving around poses any potential of hitting or getting snagged on things... For example if I had an XLR plug sticking out of the socket on my joystick pod, it would potentially be a problem when rolling up to a table or desk....

ex-Gooserider