Adding extra USB port

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by yoyoman, Dec 24, 2016.

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  1. yoyoman

    yoyoman Active Member

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    I'm wondering if there is a way to add additional USB port for 1) USB drive for MP3 & 2) iPhone charging.

    Anyone recommendation?


    iPhone ?
     
    #1 yoyoman, Dec 24, 2016
  2. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    #2 priuscatprimeguy, Dec 24, 2016
  3. Insirt

    Insirt Junior Member

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    The provided USB port's amperage is so low that my phone continues to discharge when plugged in so I'm just going to use an Anker dual-USB port 12-volt adapter where each port will have 2.4 amps.
     
    #3 Insirt, Dec 24, 2016
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  4. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    true, that's how I charge my phone, but The USB port on the car doesn't it connect to the audio in the car? The 12 volt accessory outlet does not have that capability (I'm assuming)
     
    #4 priuscatprimeguy, Dec 24, 2016
  5. yoyoman

    yoyoman Active Member

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    I'm aware that the 12v port will charge my phone but i thought we need to connect my iPhone thru the USB port in order to get entune function correctly.


    iPhone ?
     
    #5 yoyoman, Dec 24, 2016
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  6. Insirt

    Insirt Junior Member

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    Maybe try a usb splitter? I'm not sure if it's possible actually to have both connected directly at the same time...
     
    #6 Insirt, Dec 24, 2016
  7. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    that was my point:D
     
    #7 priuscatprimeguy, Dec 24, 2016
  8. yoyoman

    yoyoman Active Member

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    If this is a true USB port, the splinter sb working.

    Has anyone try it?


    iPhone ?
     
    #8 yoyoman, Dec 24, 2016
  9. Civic4982

    Civic4982 Member

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    Actually the support folks at Toyota keep telling me that to get entune to work correctly you're to connect with Bluetooth but not to the USB port as it doesn't know which is prioritized.

    It's odd.

    Anyways for that reason I use a cigarette lighter adapter for charging.


    iPhone ?
     
    #9 Civic4982, Dec 25, 2016
  10. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    What about a common USB hub, 1-in 4-out? For best results, these may need external power (i.e. boosted from the 12V socket).

    I haven't tried this to check if my car's USB controller is smart enough.
     
    #10 fuzzy1, Dec 25, 2016
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  11. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    Just use one of those USB power plugs in the cigarette lighter port if all you want is power.
     
    #11 MikeDee, Dec 25, 2016
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  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The car will recognise up to two USB device via the USB port if you use a splitter. Any more, and it's just for charging.

    If it's for charging, a 12V-to-USB charger will work and it charges at a faster rate. (1A and 2A ports). If you need USB access, then use a USB splitter.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Dec 25, 2016
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  13. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    The Navigation manual does not say the USB post is able to charge an iPhone. If it is like the Gen 4 Prius, the power only meets USB specs, not phone charging.

    I did spot this warning in the manual, though.

    upload_2016-12-25_18-45-6.png
     
    #13 Prodigyplace, Dec 25, 2016
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  14. Optimus PRIME

    Optimus PRIME Active Member

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    I would definitely use separate charger from the 12V cigarette port for USB charging, and use Bluetooth for connecting your phone to the vehicle for Entune.
     
    #14 Optimus PRIME, Dec 26, 2016
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  15. yoyoman

    yoyoman Active Member

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    I have tried this last night without plugging my iPhone into the USB port. Seem like everything is working.


    iPhone ?
     
    #15 yoyoman, Dec 26, 2016
  16. jcburns

    jcburns Junior Member

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    We have a 3-USB to 12 volt adapter, and we moved it from the old car to the new one. We've connected (1 of our 2) iPhones to the system via Bluetooth and (although I was a Bluetooth skeptic) that's more than enough. Play audio, do phone calls, the works. One problem is that changing the volume or just selecting 'Bluetooth' from the Entune source menu plays the last music track on my iPhone whether I want it to or not (and no, I don't want it to.) Not sure if that's the iOS operating system's way or what.
     
    #16 jcburns, Dec 26, 2016
  17. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    What do you mean by get Entune to function correctly? My phone connects via Bluetooth for phone calls. I haven't tried it for music yet. I've got all my music on a USB stick. Sirius radio is good as well. I don't need to use the phone for music.
     
    #17 MikeDee, Dec 26, 2016
  18. yoyoman

    yoyoman Active Member

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    If I remember correctly in my 14 prius, I need to plugin my iPhone to USB port in order to get entune traffic, and other search tool to function correctly. However, android phone doesn't need to plug in to work.


    iPhone ?
     
    #18 yoyoman, Dec 26, 2016
  19. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    The Entune apps need your phone to work, so that can be via Bluetooth or USB. Traffic is over the air. (I think)


    iPhone ? Pro
     
    #19 MikeDee, Dec 28, 2016
  20. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    nope, traffic is derived from the Entune app on your phone:D
     
    #20 priuscatprimeguy, Dec 28, 2016
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