USB Charger for 6 Volt System? Looking for Solution

[Skirted]

I don't recall seeing this issue addressed. Has anyone found a solution for USB charger that works on a 6 volt system to power a phone, GPS, etc? I believe the output needed on a USB is 5 volt so suspect there may be something available, but I have not ran across a proven solution. I heard a rumor that a 12 volt car USB charger will work on a 6 volt bike but I am hesitant to try it on a $1000 phone or $500 GPS

[Rioranchopan]

Could you hook up the charger and measure the voltage coming out before connecting your phone.

[chuckthebeatertruck]

I get the question . . .I also just keep smiling to myself that we've gotten to the point where guys on 6v systems are worried about phone charging and having a GPS.

To the answer, almost any 12v charger will work fine but will put out very little amperage.

You can't get around Volts times Watts = Amps

In this case, rather than a 3amp charge coming out; you'd get around 1.25-1.5a at 5v.

That's gonna be fine for small devices or if your phone is mostly off, but if you have a current hungry device; you won't stay ahead of the battery.

If you don't find what you like on AMCA . . . know that this is a common question across the old car world and there are multiple videos/articles from clubs on the topic.

The most common solution - just wire in a regular USB port and live with the lower amperage output.

[pisten-bully]

Jason, I always assumed there's no way to charge a phone with a 6V system, so I'm interested to hear! On the other hand, we're all different and I usually remember to put my phone in "airplane mode" and that cuts way back on battery use, it lasts all day and my wife can still track me when it's in airplane mode.

[Skirted]

Alright I'll give it a try then. Thanks. Indeed we are a weird bunch to want high tech on a low tech bike. But hey... thats what happens when we ride them for more than a trip to the ice cream parlor. National Road runs are trending towards using "Ride GPS" or similar apps for route management which adds incentive to run an easy to read GPS unit. The other option is to not worry about it and follow the guy in front, but I learned that doesn't always end well! Or if I need to pull off for some reason even for 2 minutes the group keeps going and then I become leader not follower.

Hi Harry - Agree my phone and even the Zumo X2 GPS will last throughout the day on a full charge. My problem is absentmindedness occasionally forgetting to get a full charge before heading out and by the time I pick up phone to leave and see its not charged, its too late. I'm more focused on the bikes prep. The screen readability on the X2 GPS going down the road in bright sun on an old vibrating bike is far superior to my phone so I want to start using that more. Getting spoiled on the ADV bike maybe.

We had a Chapter run Sunday and I experiemented with a new Insta360 X5. Battery life on that camera is not all day so either a spare battery or charger would be needed depending on amount of filming.

[BigLakeBob]

I carry a portable power bank with me on trips, about the same size as my phone. Can charge my phone quickly or if needed charge my portable tire air pump. Maybe an option for now Jason.

[knucklehead 61]

i need something like this as well to operate the gps odometer/speedometer on my cannonball/cross country chase/trans am race bikes.
currently i have been using a small 12v sealed battery in the toolbox with wiring up to the unit mounted on the bars.

[otis71]

I dislike gps on a bike but if necessary I use ear buds with the screen turned off. It uses next to no battery.

[joe fxs fxr]

I carry a portable power bank with me on trips, about the same size as my phone. Can charge my phone quickly or if needed charge my portable tire air pump. Maybe an option for now Jason.

i need something like this as well to operate the gps odometer/speedometer on my cannonball/cross country chase/trans am race bikes.
currently i have been using a small 12v sealed battery in the toolbox with wiring up to the unit mounted on the bars.

I think a clever person could mount and wire one of those tiny lithium jump packs to run their devices all day. Make it a habit to recharge that when you check into your hotel room.