Considering that in the future I will probably use my GPS and other such items as iphone, are there any weatherproof USB panel mount sockets that would fit in the fairing inner ?
Most of the stuff I have has a USB connector at the other end and would save a lot of stuffing around
Here's a dual port offering. Googled it.
http://www.polyplanar.com/product/usb-pm-waterproof-dual-port-usb-charger (http://www.polyplanar.com/product/usb-pm-waterproof-dual-port-usb-charger)
I installed fused, dual marine 12V sockets and a waterproof marine rocker switch:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/697_16_11_14_1_14_50.jpeg)
The tough thing to solve with any of these is that when you have something plugged in, the cap is necessarily open. If you use a generic 12V socket, at least when the plug-in USB charger fails, you can just replace it with the spare you're carrying. I had one fail after 22 days of riding in the rain.
In a hard-driving rain, I toggle the sockets off until it lightens up enough that the fairing keeps things dry.
This setup also allows me to plug in other common 12V accessories. I used the lower socket for a 120V inverter in my tank bag to charge a small laptop, my camera battery and my electric razor.
It seems there are quite a few options on ebay...........
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-5V-Dual-USB-Power-Port-Motorcycle-Waterproof-Lighter-Charger-For-Phone-GPS-/191370676158?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c8e94c7be#ht_2181wt_1182 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-5V-Dual-USB-Power-Port-Motorcycle-Waterproof-Lighter-Charger-For-Phone-GPS-/191370676158?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c8e94c7be#ht_2181wt_1182)
This seems to have best of both worlds including switch to isolate the USB. Not the best fitting method though....
It seems to me that an ideal solution would have the USB ports mounted upside down so rain couldn't get in when they were in use. In looking at the unit you linked on Ebay, I would think you could mount that in the center on top of the dash well under the windscreen. That would be protected from the elements up there.
My thoughts too Ron,
but the flush mount type similar to yours looks better.
I'll look at this in more depth at the weekend.
Good read on this topic. It looks like you get what you pay for. There's other options shown as well.
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?debug;topic=79838.0 (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?debug;topic=79838.0)
Optimate sells a kit that has a fused link that plugs into the trickle charger port , which allows a USB type cord or the one used to charge many other devices, like a scala. The kit is simple plug and play. I plugged mine into the trickle charger line , then routed it under the tank along with the throttle cables and zip tied it to the handle bars, facing down. The kit sells for $40. Simple, cheap(ish) and easy to install. The fuse has an LED light in it which will drain a lithium iron battery in a week or two. DAMHIKIJKOK. This is the only drawback that I can see.
I bought a simple cigarette light plug that had a 3 foot pig tail that was fused from Cycle Gear. The plug has a waterproof cap. When not in use, I run the cable along the frame under the seat and store it in the tail cowling. When I need it, I route it between the seat and the fuel tank and into my tank bag. I don't ride with a GPS unit, but it works great to keep my phone charged while I listen to music on long rides.
Fred
Dont need no stinkin CIA usb ndp isa I phone Idis or Idat. Should be on the road out there Like Peter Egan once wrote The three best things in Life a Martin, Nikon and Triumph motorsikl. No one knowing if you were OK and if you would return!!
Chiz