Dash cam fitting recommendations

[Tux]

I'd also like to see USB A connections phased out on all IT equipment, Apple have lead the way on this. USB C - just whack it in any way you like and off you go. USB A - Two sides, a million possibilities.

Apologies for this blatent thread drift....

 

[Buckman]

Yep, very poor. Slightest knock and they become disconnected. Easy to accidentally short . And a pain in the jacksie when the fuse wants changing, little spring flies out never to be seen again.

I have had cars since the sixties and never encountered any of the above issues. We have had caravans with the cigarette socket and never had an issue with any of them and not even with our current caravan. Considering a cigarette lighter can draw up to20amp if using an air compressor, a USB connection would probably melt.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I'd also like to see USB A connections phased out on all IT equipment, Apple have lead the way on this. USB C - just whack it in any way you like and off you go. USB A - Two sides, a million possibilities.

Apologies for this blatent thread drift....

Ok, I'm a self acknowledged nerd so I can't help saying that USB A connectors can't have a million possibilities for insertion as they can only fit in one way around.

USB C connectors can be inserted either way up but some cables, particularly the cheaper ones, will only work correctly just one way up.

The trend is to make devices powered via a usb connector using USB C. I believe the French introduced legislation to this affect which made Apple switch to USB C connectors.

 

[otherclive]

Ok, I'm a self acknowledged nerd so I can't help saying that USB A connectors can't have a million possibilities for insertion as they can only fit in one way around.

USB C connectors can be inserted either way up but some cables, particularly the cheaper ones, will only work correctly just one way up.

The trend is to make devices powered via a usb connector using USB C. I believe the French introduced legislation to this affect which made Apple switch to USB C connectors.

It stemmed from an EU initiative aimed at cutting down on electrical waste. UK has still not made any definitive statement on whether this country supported the adoption of a single design connector. I think it was an act of wishing to assert our independence. But like it or not we get no choice and new stuff is USB-C.

 

[Tux]

“Ok, I'm a self acknowledged nerd so I can't help saying that USB A connectors can't have a million possibilities for insertion as they can only fit in one way around.”

It’s merely an expression of how fiddly USB A can be, especially when you are plugging it in blind.

 

[ProfJohnL]

None of the present day USB pattern connectors will be able to completely replace the jobs the cigar lighter pattern connector can do, they simply don't have the the physical area of connection to supply 180W at 12V (15A).

If we continue to need to run tyre compressors, portable fridges, high powered flash lights or other higher powered or motors that have high stall currents, then we will continue to need a some sort of connection with that degree of current handling capacity. If we changed away from the cigar lighter pattern, there would be a lot of items that most of us already have that would either be thrown away or need a new connector fitted. Personally I'd much prefer a more secure connector.

 

[Tux]

None of the present day USB pattern connectors will be able to completely replace the jobs the cigar lighter pattern connector can do, they simply don't have the the physical area of connection to supply 180W at 12V (15A).

If we continue to need to run tyre compressors, portable fridges, high powered flash lights or other higher powered or motors that have high stall currents, then we will continue to need a some sort of connection with that degree of current handling capacity. If we changed away from the cigar lighter pattern, there would be a lot of items that most of us already have that would either be thrown away or need a new connector fitted. Personally I'd much prefer a more secure connector.

Naturally there would be an changeover period where people use adaptors for older kit bit it’s absolutely doable.

 

[Buckman]

Naturally there would be an changeover period where people use adaptors for older kit bit it’s absolutely doable.

Maybe, but I do not know of any USB socket that can handle 10-12amps if using a air compressor or similar?

 

[Tux]

Maybe, but I do not know of any USB socket that can handle 10-12amps if using a air compressor or similar?

STILL you miss my point. I am not suggesting USB for compressors etc, I am a suggesting a new standard DC connector for higher draw items. A suitable connector likely exists. I am saying the the use of cigarette lighter sockets was convenient when lots of people smokes and before we had so many gadgets. Dedicated, sensible DC socket for high draw items and USB C for small electronics.

 

[Sam Vimes]

STILL you miss my point. I am not suggesting USB for compressors etc, I am a suggesting a new standard DC connector for higher draw items. A suitable connector likely exists. I am saying the the use of cigarette lighter sockets was convenient when lots of people smokes and before we had so many gadgets. Dedicated, sensible DC socket for high draw items and USB C for small electronics.

I think one of the issues would be all the legacy stuff that plugs into the current socket. Its not a great socket and I've had many problems with them over time.