USB port near rear view mirror is intermittent

[azlambo]

Hooked up my radar detector to the usb port near the rear view mirror, using a voltage booster transformer to get the 5- volt usb port up to 12 volts. Sometimes the usb port works and sometimes it doesn’t. Anyone else experience this?

 

[Time2Fly]

I thought it required the engine to be running.

 

[virtualmacho]

Sounds like your voltage booster is unable to provide the required current with the input from the USB port.

 

[KAR120C]

Hooked up my radar detector to the usb port near the rear view mirror, using a voltage booster transformer to get the 5- volt usb port up to 12 volts. Sometimes the usb port works and sometimes it doesn’t. Anyone else experience this?

What model is your detector?

 

[MIGZ]

I tried similar approach, ended tapping the mirror. V1G2 need consistent 12V mine would not work from the USB

 

[Superman]

using a voltage booster transformer to get the 5- volt usb port up to 12 volts.

Likelihood of usb port itself being intermittent = unlikely (likelihood of usb port in a lotus being intermittent = some might suggest somewhat more likely, but I'll still put it in the unlikely bracket); likelihood of a 5V to 12V mini transformer not being able to supply the required amps from the usb socket = WAY MORE likely!!

 

[azlambo]

What model is your detector?

Valentine 1
And it works intermittently with either the engine running or just turned off for a while.

 

[azlambo]

I thought it required the engine to be running.

No, it works for a while after turning off the engine.

 

[azlambo]

I tried similar approach, ended tapping the mirror. V1G2 need consistent 12V mine would not work from the USB

Does the mirror have a 12 volt source wire?

 

[brainf18]

So stupid to put a USB power cord in the mirror and not provide it with enough juice to power a radar detector. WTH?

 

[silent cilantro]

Does the mirror have a 12 volt source wire?

Yes. Here

 

[PsymonR]

So stupid to put a USB power cord in the mirror and not provide it with enough juice to power a radar detector. WTH?

The USB in the mirror surround is most likely there with dashcams in mind rather than radar detectors.

As a note, radar detectors are illegal to use in the majority of Europe, they are legal in the UK but generally not widely used.

 

[azlambo]

Likelihood of usb port itself being intermittent = unlikely (likelihood of usb port in a lotus being intermittent = some might suggest somewhat more likely, but I'll still put it in the unlikely bracket); likelihood of a 5V to 12V mini transformer not being able to supply the required amps from the usb socket = WAY MORE likely!!

I think you are probably correct! The probability of the usb port being intermittent (even in a Lotus) is pretty low.
The in-line step-up power converter is probably at fault. I found another supplier that says his works with Valentine 1’s…..we’ll see! Fingers crossed!

 

[MIGZ]

 

[Nick Sticks]

The USB in the mirror surround is most likely there with dashcams in mind rather than radar detectors.

As a note, radar detectors are illegal to use in the majority of Europe, they are legal in the UK but generally not widely used.

That's exactly what it's for.

 

[azlambo]

View attachment 38754

Can’t see where your power wire goes into your mirror. Is it hard-wired to your mirror’s 12-volt wire?

 

[ttvetdoc]

View attachment 38754

What cable is that? Blends in really nicely

 

[Maurice R]

View attachment 38754

What mirror mount are you using.

 

[ttvetdoc]

What mirror mount are you using.

That's a Blendmount. I have a Blendmount in my Emira as well for my Escort detector. Not cheap but very high quality and so much better than the suction cup mounts.

 

[LIQUIX]

I tried similar approach, ended tapping the mirror. V1G2 need consistent 12V mine would not work from the USB

Which mirror tap did you use?