USB Switch--eletrical/wiring help needed

M

MayorBloom

New member
For those of you out there that have experience with wiring/switches, I am trying to build a switch that will allow me to change from one usb source to another. (factory USB in glovebox and other USB in dash/center console)

Why: I will be changing out my head unit to an alpine aftermarket that has car play and android auto but it has to be plugged into the usb port in order to work. I would like to keep my ipod plugged in for music and the phone for all the extra features provided by android auto/car play.

This is what I know: USB has 4 cables inside, charge + and charge -, Data + and Data -. With no knowledge of wiring, I am thinking a 6 pin switch (on-off-on) would allow me to switch between sources by using the switch. Having it connected to the data +/- and keep the charging functionality by not having them interrupted. That way I can charge my phone while listing to my ipod.

So my question are:
Is it really that simple?
Would a relay or something need to be involved?
Is there an aftermarket 6 pin switch that would fit like those zombie light switches I see on ARB?

*Yes, I know I can hook my phone up via Bluetooth and talk/stream with my phone but I would like to have both options if possible.

Any help or knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike
 
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MayorBloom said:
For those of you out there that have experience with wiring/switches, I am trying to build a switch that will allow me to change from one usb source to another. (factory USB in glovebox and other USB in dash/center console)

Why: I will be changing out my head unit to an alpine aftermarket that has car play and android auto but it has to be plugged into the usb port in order to work. I would like to keep my ipod plugged in for music and the phone for all the extra features provided by android auto/car play.

This is what I know: USB has 4 cables inside, charge + and charge -, Data + and Data -. With no knowledge of wiring, I am thinking a 6 pin switch (on-off-on) would allow me to switch between sources by using the switch. Having it connected to the data +/- and keep the charging functionality by not having them interrupted. That way I can charge my phone while listing to my ipod.

So my question are:
Is it really that simple?
Would a relay or something need to be involved?
Is there an aftermarket 6 pin switch that would fit like those zombie light switches I see on ARB?

*Yes, I know I can hook my phone up via Bluetooth and talk/stream with my phone but I would like to have both options if possible.

Any help or knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

Can’t you just use a hub? If not just use a relay and it should work
 
I have been told that a hub will not work, that unlike a PC a car stereo does not have the "Brains" to decipher more than one input.

I will try a hub with the factory stereo and see if it will recognize both sources.
 
Superjet said:
Want head unit are you buying? Some have dual USB input.
Click to expand...

I have the alpine X208U, it does not have 2 usb inputs, only 1. It does have a single HDMI that you can upgrade to a Alpine HDMI switch to give me 2 HDMI in but I don't think HDMI will give me on screen/button control of the ipod.

I have tried using a USB hub on the factory non JBL with nav, you get a warning saying consult your owners manual, or something like that...Long, short is that a hub is a no go. I am guessing I will have the same results with the Alpine...

Back to the Switch, what size is the OEM switch? I think the only way to have this work is a On-Off-On switch and I would like to have it look as factory as possible with the wires hidden behind the dash.

Mike
 
MayorBloom said:
Back to the Switch, what size is the OEM switch? I think the only way to have this work is a On-Off-On switch and I would like to have it look as factory as possible with the wires hidden behind the dash.

Mike
Click to expand...

You would need a switch that measures 1.28" x 0.87" (32.5 mm x 22 mm). I am not aware of anyone making a double pole, double throw switch that fits factory knockout without cutting/modifying opening larger.
 
MayorBloom said:
For those of you out there that have experience with wiring/switches, I am trying to build a switch that will allow me to change from one usb source to another. (factory USB in glovebox and other USB in dash/center console)

Why: I will be changing out my head unit to an alpine aftermarket that has car play and android auto but it has to be plugged into the usb port in order to work. I would like to keep my ipod plugged in for music and the phone for all the extra features provided by android auto/car play.

This is what I know: USB has 4 cables inside, charge + and charge -, Data + and Data -. With no knowledge of wiring, I am thinking a 6 pin switch (on-off-on) would allow me to switch between sources by using the switch. Having it connected to the data +/- and keep the charging functionality by not having them interrupted. That way I can charge my phone while listing to my ipod.

So my question are:
Is it really that simple?
Would a relay or something need to be involved?
Is there an aftermarket 6 pin switch that would fit like those zombie light switches I see on ARB?

*Yes, I know I can hook my phone up via Bluetooth and talk/stream with my phone but I would like to have both options if possible.

Any help or knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

Hi Mike,

perhaps this device would accommodate that project:

2-port C2G 2-Port USB 2.0 Manual Switch - USB peripheral sharing switch - 2 x USB 2.0 - desktop

2-port C2G 2-Port USB 2.0 Manual Switch - USB peripheral sharing switch - 2 x USB 2.0 - desktop | Dell United States

If you go the the device page and scroll down the the technical specs, it has the details of exactly what it's capabilities are. 'Best to you' (and Diver Deuce for contacting me!)

rig
 
how about this? but not sure if these hubs support both data and charging at same time.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/targus...ffcode=pg199078&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2

4571721_sd.jpg;maxHeight=1000;maxWidth=1000
 
Last edited:
Hey everyone, thanks for the suggestions. As for the cableman switch, I don't have the knowledge to take the switch and convert it so I can keep it hidden. *I also spoke with cableman tech support and the device requires and PC operating system to work...so it's a no go anyway. (sorry, showmecables)

I have been playing around with a couple cables and have found out the following. BTW, I have no clue where a relay would go, but I am guessing it may help.
1. The car USB port will only charge one device when you put a toggle on-off-on switch. I was hoping that leaving the red/black wired would give charging to both.
2. It is possible but i am not sure if its a good idea, I am sending a constant current to a device and it is not recognizing the charge.
2A. Not sure why, I have a dual USB charging switch added and it only has the red/black wires.
3. I may take a blank and just drill a hole and use the toggle switch I picked up at O'Riely's.

If you know this is a bad idea using a set up like this, please tell me why. I don't want to hook everything up and then end up bricking my phone or ipod.

Again, thanks for all the help so far. I may just ditch the idea and put all my ipod files on my phone---May have to upgrade to a phone with more memory though.

Mike
 
Last edited:
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