Whether smartphone, camera or mini quadrocopter: the USB socket as a charging power source is now a widespread standard. For use at home, most manufacturers still supply a plug-in power supply, which of course fits perfectly. For very simple devices such as toys, the USB socket on the computer is sometimes used as a charging station.
But what if there is neither a power socket nor a laptop or power bank with sufficient battery power within reach - i.e. on the boat?
In Boote 07/2017, we went into detail about the big solution, namely using an inverter to bring a 230-volt socket on board. We will now look at the other option, namely adapter plugs and built-in sockets that provide a USB charging socket directly from the 12 volts. This means less hardware and flying cables, and it also works more efficiently than the inverter solution. This is important, for example, if you want to anchor with a small boat and low battery capacity.
The range is simply too large for a comprehensive test: for example, the online shop of the supermarket chain Real offers a separate cigarette lighter to USB adapter for almost every mobile phone model. We have therefore focussed mainly on products that you can find at the ship chandler and prefer to use built-in solutions rather than flying adapters.
This results in a marine-specific distribution of suppliers: Scanstrut and Philippi, with the latter company representing the manufacturers Alfatronix, Bluesea and Procar. The two cigarette lighter adapters are available in many electronics stores.
Format question
There are generally two types of on-board USB chargers: Adapters that fit into the car cigarette lighter like a plug and those that are permanently installed with their own power connection. The first type sounds nice and simple, and there is also a huge selection available at sometimes extremely low prices - often less than ten euros.
However, the large cigarette lighter socket required for this is rarely found on boats. And their contact reliability is not particularly good when used on board due to the choice of vehicle material. In any case, it is more practical to have the USB charging options within reach of berths or saloon seats rather than on the dashboard.
This is exactly where the built-in adapters come in. Typical designs use the same hole as the cigarette lighter that has just been criticised. However, there are also surface-mounted versions (which do not require a large hole) and even rectangular ones that fit some switch panels.
Prices start at around twenty euros and can go up to sixty depending on the design and features. The built-in electronics are usually better suited for continuous operation than in the plug-in adapters. There are various waterproof and fully waterproof versions for outdoor use.
Simple rubber caps are inexpensive and space-saving, but only provide protection as long as the sockets are not in use. The Rokk Charge from Scanstrut is a double socket that is completely sealed both with and without a plug - you will need to invest around 45 euros here.
You can read the full technical report in the June issue of BOOTE, which will be available in stores from 16 May 2018. For Subscribers Of course, sooner.
