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2012 Tundra USB Port Upgrade

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by JMcDoodle, Feb 8, 2021.

  1. Feb 8, 2021 at 8:32 AM
    #1
    JMcDoodle

    JMcDoodle [OP] New Member

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    I'm looking to upgrading my original USB ports to new 2.1A ports and also putting an additional USB port to the left side of my steering wheel. Has anybody installed a USB similar to the one linked below? It has a factory harness clip, but I'm unsure if the 2012 is pre-wired to accept that on the left side. Any help/advise is much appreciated.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CTOKI06/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AXLVUUCJK6134&psc=1
     
  2. Feb 8, 2021 at 9:22 AM
    #2
    idiggplants

    idiggplants New Member

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    personally, im not a fan of the built in usbs. the tech has always and will always continue to progress, and no matter what charging rate you get now, in a few years they wont be ideal. even now, quick charge 3.0 devices are wanting 3.0a,a nd the 4.0 standard is already in the pipelines.. and PD devices want 4 or 5 amps. granted, you can still charge at a slower speed, but if you want max charge, the best way to go IMO is a plug in your cig lighter.

    but, if i was going the route you are, i would at least look at something compatible with either PD or QC 3.0. otherwise you're already going to be using old tech.

    just my .02.
     
  3. Feb 8, 2021 at 10:35 AM
    #3
    APalmTree

    APalmTree 4x4 SKEPTIC

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    1 or 2... I lost count
    I used one that looks almost identical to that one but has one port that is a passthrough data port that goes to my aftermarket head unit. I'm unsure what you mean by prewired, but most of the USB charge ports that you add you have to tap into wires, and I have never found one that is plug and play if that is what you are looking for. I installed mine in the center of the dash and taped it into the cigarette lighter circuit to power the charge port.
    IMG_1980.jpg
    For a different $0.02, while all the quick charge technology is convenient for the fastest charging possible, I have heard there are a lot of downsides to charging your devices at a high current and that batteries will last longer if you charge them consistently at lower amps. One thing that I don't like about the ports is the obnoxiously bright lights that come on every time I turn on the truck now but that is pretty minor.
    https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Char...through+audio+usb+port&qid=1612809002&sr=8-35
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2021
  4. Feb 8, 2021 at 10:50 AM
    #4
    JMcDoodle

    JMcDoodle [OP] New Member

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    Thank you both for your perspective. When I mentioned pre-wire I meant Plug-and-Play. I'm not a big fan of tapping into factory wires if I don't have to, but in this case it seems that may be the only way to add a USB to the drivers side. My goal is to have my phone/GPS on the left of my wheel without having to stretch a cable from the center counsel. I think wiring a 3.0a may be the best bet for today's technology, but your right idiggplants, that tech will soon be replaced with something else. It will at least solve the wire hanging over the wheel issue I'm having.

    [​IMG] Thanks!

    20210208_134437.jpg
     
    APalmTree likes this.
  5. Feb 8, 2021 at 10:56 AM
    #5
    idiggplants

    idiggplants New Member

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    thats actually why i prefer to use a cig plug for charging. i have one that has a qc charger, and a slow speed charger. i typically charge using the slow charger, but if i need to get as much charge into my phone as i can, i go with the QC. (some phones allow a toggle between qc and normal charge as well.) and while slow charging is better for the battery, the far greater impact is how you use/drain your phone.
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2021
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  6. Feb 8, 2021 at 10:59 AM
    #6
    idiggplants

    idiggplants New Member

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    for something like this, if you are really against tapping into wires, you can either run a pair of wires direct to the battery, or you can buy a socket that plugs into the fuse panel that will pull power from one of the fuse locations. aka, one that is powered only when the truck is on.

    but imo its very straight forward pulling + and - from any of the 12v outlets. just use some decent crimp connectors and youll be fine.
     
    JMcDoodle[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  7. Feb 9, 2021 at 11:07 AM
    #7
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    I installed this:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L9QST54/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    and this:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FD2Z6GF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Cut off both OEM connectors to the 12V outlets in the dash and crimped on terminal lugs to connect the USB plugs.
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2021
    JMcDoodle[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Feb 9, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #8
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    Resized_20210209_141019.jpg


    Installed.
     
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  9. Feb 9, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #9
    JMcDoodle

    JMcDoodle [OP] New Member

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  10. Mar 9, 2021 at 5:55 PM
    #10
    qqtip2

    qqtip2 New Member

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    I have the same PX6 Fast boot. did you get Russian software for it yet?
    How did you connect your USB charger?
     
  11. Mar 9, 2021 at 6:11 PM
    #11
    Unstable_Trip

    Unstable_Trip New Member

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    I just installed that exact port a few days ago. You will have to tap into some wires. I had some Posi Taps laying around so I just used those. Or, like @idiggplants said, run to a battery or fuse set up. I couldn't tell you how charging is though lol. I use mine for a usb plug light. I thought the missus might use it to charge, but she prefers the cig lighter. I did the DIY center console/armrest wireless charger mod. My phone stays in that compartment because it fits perfectly and I try to avoid my phone while I drive.
     
  12. Mar 14, 2021 at 2:55 PM
    #12
    CamTundra

    CamTundra New Member

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    The lights are a real issue, first I bought it I thought they were cool, but after a while, it is a little annoying for sure (obviously on a night trip), by the way I could stop looking at your radio, I noticed you have a 2007 SR5, I have and 2008 SR5 lower trim with no NAV or JBL, I wonder how did you get the info system to display on the radio, was is easy? @BlueCrushSC16
     
  13. Mar 14, 2021 at 6:47 PM
    #13
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    I have the Phoenix Automotive PX6 Tesla style radio with Sergey's custom firmware. That's how I got it done. It was fairly easy, but I have been dealing with, electricity, electronics, and software throughout my career.

    The LED usb doesn't bother me at night because the light is blocked from the bottom of the radio.
     
  14. Mar 14, 2021 at 6:53 PM
    #14
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    Yes, I have Sergey's firmware. As far as the USB chargers, I cut off the OEM plugs that went to the OEM 12V outlets and soldered on new ones for th USB plugs I chose.
     
  15. Mar 15, 2021 at 9:43 AM
    #15
    roughneck421

    roughneck421 New Member

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    For the guys with the PX6, can you get actual Android Auto/Carplay on those head units or just the phone mirroring (which I do not like)?
     
  16. Mar 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM
    #16
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    You can buy a dongle(s) to get Android/ Apple carplay.

    Capture.jpg
     
  17. Mar 15, 2021 at 10:29 AM
    #17
    roughneck421

    roughneck421 New Member

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    I'm going to buy one of those dongles and use it on my older android 7.1 deck, if it works well then I will get the PX6.
    Did you buy yours through Phoenix or somewhere else and any pros/cons I should know?
     
  18. Mar 15, 2021 at 11:31 AM
    #18
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    I don't use any version of carplay. I bluetooth my phone to the PX6 unit and I have a Hum x module from Verizon wireless ($15/ month) to give me WIFI to the PX6 itself which has all the apps my other android devices have.
     
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