USB and 12v

Thread Starter

Newbie123456789

Joined Jul 7, 2025
4
Hello All

Im after some help and information for the following.

Im installing some usb ports in my minibus. Im making everything from scratch (intergating the usbs into some existing components thanks to the 3d printer) . Id like the ports to be quick chargers at the least and there is no requirment for data transfer.

The van has a 12v supply that i will be using. Are there any converters or inverters (magic boxes) that i should use to ensure the volts, amps are the right level.

Thanks in advance sorry if its not making sence
 

Thread Starter

Newbie123456789

Joined Jul 7, 2025
4
You could use something like this. Those types of converters are inexpensive and readily available. Although if you want them to be "quick chargers", I suggest you find a converter capable of delivering at least 5 amps.

That looks ideal, my bias is mechanical so please for give my ignorance but am. I right in thinking higher the amps the faster the charge?
 

ericgibbs

Joined Jan 29, 2010
21,439
hi 123,
What are devices are you wanting to charge from the 12V to 5V convertor, and what type of batteries are they using?

E
 

cmartinez

Joined Jan 17, 2007
8,760
Yes, usually the higher the amps, the faster the charge. Although other factors come into play depending on the type of phone that you have that might affect charging performance. This because phones limit the amount of current flowing into the battery when charging. Just because you have a charger capable of delivering 100 amps doesn't mean that the phone will charge instantly, for instance.
 
Last edited:

ericgibbs

Joined Jan 29, 2010
21,439
Hi,
Do you have details of the existing chargers that were originally supplied with the equipment?

I expect you know that different battery types require specific charging methods?

E


Added:
Are all your existing devices designed to be charged from a USB power pint?
 

BobTPH

Joined Jun 5, 2013
11,515
A USB power connector is not a charger , it is simply a 5V source. The phone or other device that you charge will set the current. You will probably need resistors in the data lines to enable charging above the 500 mA minimum. A USB port capable of 5A may or nay not charge a device faster, depending on the device.
 

wraujr

Joined Jun 28, 2022
259

bassbindevil

Joined Jan 23, 2014
922
Converters that support QC or PD can supply more than 5V (even arbitrary voltages in some cases), though I think mostly only step-down, so you'd need a 24V system (used on some big trucks) if you want PD to supply 20V to run a laptop. or soldering station or ?
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,513
A USB power connector is not a charger , it is simply a 5V source. The phone or other device that you charge will set the current. You will probably need resistors in the data lines to enable charging above the 500 mA minimum. A USB port capable of 5A may or nay not charge a device faster, depending on the device.
Wait a while!!! I have year old smart phone and I use two different chargers.NEITHER CHARGER ALLOWS ME TO SET THE CHARGING CURRENT!! One claims to deliver "5 volts", the faster charger ALSO claims to deliver "5V, 2A", and it does recharge the phone in much less time. I seldom use it, though. Why stress the phone and battery with a fast charge when I have no need of that at all?????
Then stop and consider the damage that can easily be done by using more VOLTAGE than the phone is intended to handle!!
That damage may not be as much as 2-pound hammer can do, but it can happen much faster.
So I suggest thinking carefully about just what sort of USB chargers you get.
Many will say that ALL of them are GOOD, none will do any damage. I can't think of a bigger LIE. Close, but not bigger.
 
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