Generic USB 2-port adapter/charger - 456/550 | FerrariChat
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Generic USB 2-port adapter/charger - 456/550

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by asgor, Jun 3, 2017.

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  1. asgor

    asgor Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2016
    715
    Virginia, USA
    #1 asgor, Jun 3, 2017
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2017
    I have been thinking about replacing the useless (to me) cigarette lighter in the front ashtray with something I can actually use: a USB adapter/charger. I am aware that Ferrari electrics are best left alone but I suspect the very modest draw of a similar device will not create problems - heck the cigarette lighter heats up to volcanic temperature in about 15 seconds, so I know the capacity is there.

    The other day I attempted to fit one of the USB adapter I routinely use in my other cars, but noticed that the plug socket in the console is too wide and every single USB charger I have ends up wobbling hopelessly without making proper contact.

    I admit that until now I thought all cigarette lighter sockets are the same size but, this being a Ferrari, obviously it's throwing a curve ball even for the simplest of things.

    Have any of you 456/550 owners (maybe even 575) found a generic two-port USB adapter/charger device that fits properly? I found on eBay a "Scuderia Ferrari" *original* USB charger that at least on paper should do the job, but I am thinking it is the typical Chinese knockoff with a bogus label that was never deigned to fit in a Ferrari. Here it is: Ferrari Bundle Car Charger Carbon + 2 in 1 ( 8pin + Micro USB) Charger Black | eBay

    Disclaimer: I have searched this forum before posting using a general "USB" keyword but I didn't find any relevant results. I did find some other interesting threads about completely different issues that I ended up spending quite some time reading, but that's another story.
     
  2. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 19, 2006
    4,271
    Northern Virginia
    #2 dsd, Jun 3, 2017
    CG Mobile makes licensed mobile accessories. This could be a knock off, but that brand is real and makes licensed products.

    I use a 2 port low profile one I bought at Walgreens.
     
  3. cls

    cls Formula 3

    Jun 12, 2007
    1,663
    Los Angeles/Montreal
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #3 cls, Jun 3, 2017
    I have one that you can have for free. Perfect fit in the cigarette charger hole, but you will need to work a little to fasten it from underneath (the nut, as is, slightly interferes with the ashtray door.)
    PM me if you want it.
     
  4. au-yt

    au-yt F1 Veteran

    Aug 13, 2006
    5,838
    Burradoo... Actually
    Full Name:
    Graeme
    #4 au-yt, Jun 4, 2017
    Not sure if this will help, I was looking to replace the actual lighter as it was missing and found the lighter was the same as a Mercedies of the same era.

    I have been using a generic USB charger but as you found it was "loose" in the housing and pops out.

    I was going to use the rear cig lighter (M) but there is no power, the manual does show a fuse for it....
     
  5. marce

    marce Formula Junior

    Jan 30, 2014
    454
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Marcel
    #5 marce, Jun 4, 2017
    I replaced the becker stereo in the 550 with an alpine.....it has Bluetooth phone and a usb charging port.
     
  6. asgor

    asgor Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2016
    715
    Virginia, USA
    #6 asgor, Jun 4, 2017
    Very generous of you, thank you. I just ordered a "Griffin PowerJolt" - or whatever - that according to reviews seems to be the holy grail of car USB adapters, for a meaty $7.50. Reviews also mention that it fits wider sockets. We'll see.

    I'll be back in touch if the mighty Griffin doesn't work as advertised :)
     
  7. cls

    cls Formula 3

    Jun 12, 2007
    1,663
    Los Angeles/Montreal
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #7 cls, Jun 4, 2017
    PM me if you would like to try both.
     
  8. KeithS

    KeithS Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 30, 2008
    154
    Paradise Valley, AZ
    Full Name:
    Keith Stephens
    #8 KeithS, Jun 4, 2017
  9. asgor

    asgor Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2016
    715
    Virginia, USA
    #9 asgor, Jun 16, 2017
    Closing the loop: I received the "Griffin PowerJolt" and it fits snugly in the receptacle. No wobbling, just a tight fit.

    In addition this adapter is small enough that the ashtray lid can be closed while leaving it inserted.
     

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