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  • #1

    USB Chargers

    I am thinking about having 4 or 5 USB charging locations. 2 or 3 switched chargers for cameras, and another 2 for the 4 people to share.

    I am having a tough time coming to grips with spending over $2000 for garmin chargers.

    Does anyone have any experience with Powerwerx?

    These are the ones I am looking at from steinair: https://www.steinair.com/product/dua...v=0b3b97fa6688
    Tags: None
  • #2
    I have used powerwerx, you can order them directly from powerwerx themselves or Steins markup is minimal. A cheaper alternative is BlueSea Systems on Amazon, but they don’t make a USB-C version. Both are noiseless, and work well. Also, when planning things out, size wiring appropriately, as the new USB-C PD standard can pull quite a few watts, so your backend (wiring, CB, alternator etc) needs to be able to handle the load.
    • Likes 1

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    • #3
      I think Aliexpress is what you've been searching for (your whole life ) Approximately USD$10 including delivery.
      HERE.

      You're welcome
      Nev Bailey
      Christchurch, NZ

      BearhawkBlog.com - Safety & Maintenance Notes
      YouTube - Build and flying channel
      Builders Log - We build planes
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      • TJ_Slice
        #3.1
        TJ_Slice commented
        10-21-2025, 04:21 PM
        Editing a comment
        I'm cheap, but not that cheap!
      • Nev
        #3.2
        Nev commented
        10-21-2025, 04:32 PM
        Editing a comment
        Seriously - I order off here weekly and it's a whole new world. In general the quality is top notch. This is where wholesalers are purchasing products from before adding mark-up after mark-up, and retailing to us. I just go directly to source. My workshop contains many tools sourced from Chinese manufacturers. Today I received a new center console for my truck, including an Android screen for Apple CarPlay and all the connections, for USD$131. That included delivery. Most retailers are charging around four times the price for the same product, sourced from the same place.
      • TJ_Slice
        #3.3
        TJ_Slice commented
        10-21-2025, 05:35 PM
        Editing a comment
        OK, I'll check it out.
    • #4
      I use a 12v cigarette lighter jack in the plane. That way I can plug in whatever kind of usb thing I might need in the hopefully decades of flying. I use a 7.5a fuse and 20 gauge wire. One on the panel, and one on each side of the cabin near the front seat lap belt attachment. $2000 for a charger just isn't an option for me, especially not when there is a $20 option.
      • Likes 1

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      • #5
        Originally posted by Untainted123 View Post
        I have used powerwerx, you can order them directly from powerwerx themselves or Steins markup is minimal. A cheaper alternative is BlueSea Systems on Amazon, but they don’t make a USB-C version. Both are noiseless, and work well. Also, when planning things out, size wiring appropriately, as the new USB-C PD standard can pull quite a few watts, so your backend (wiring, CB, alternator etc) needs to be able to handle the load.

        Thanks, I'm hoping to go with a dual alternator system.
        • Likes 1

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        • #6
          For things like a tablet, camera, or ADSB-in, that is always plugged in, you can just buy USB, any type, pigtails and leave them connected all the time. Mine come on with the avionics master switch along with almost everything else. Many USB devices can handle 12 or 5V. Pro-tip, the ADSB-in kits cannot. For that I used a step down transformer.

          I have one cig lighter, and one double USB-C with a voltmeter built in. Tablet and ADSB hard wired.

          You can also get aftermarket LEMO plugs which are 1/4 the price of Garmin.

          Garmin is very very proud of their stuff.

          Comment

          • TJ_Slice
            #6.1
            TJ_Slice commented
            10-21-2025, 05:33 PM
            Editing a comment
            The reason for the switched USB plugs is the newer cameras can be set up to record when they have usb power, and stop recorded when it is shut off. Essentially it's just a record switch for the cameras.
        • #7
          Originally posted by Nev View Post
          Seriously - I order off here weekly and it's a whole new world. In general the quality is top notch. This is where wholesalers are purchasing products from before adding mark-up after mark-up, and retailing to us. I just go directly to source. My workshop contains many tools sourced from Chinese manufacturers. Today I received a new center console for my truck, including an Android screen for Apple CarPlay and all the connections, for USD$131. That included delivery. Most retailers are charging around four times the price for the same product, sourced from the same place.
          Don't forget the 100% tariff in the US
          • Likes 1

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          • #8
            No reason to overthink the USB thing for cameras. Use fuses, correct awg wire and test them for electrical noise.

            The newer cams that do power on recording are pretty cool.

            Utah-Jay wired his companion for cameras, even out on the wings. If I recall he installed small power supplies at the end of his cable drop for clean power. Maybe he will chime in here.

            Found it on his build log. https://eaabuilderslog.org/?blprojen...&listcat=&sid=

            Comment

            • #9
              Originally posted by Have-Purple View Post
              No reason to overthink the USB thing for cameras. Use fuses, correct awg wire and test them for electrical noise.

              The newer cams that do power on recording are pretty cool.

              Utah-Jay wired his companion for cameras, even out on the wings. If I recall he installed small power supplies at the end of his cable drop for clean power. Maybe he will chime in here.

              Found it on his build log. https://eaabuilderslog.org/?blprojen...&listcat=&sid=
              As I like to film and not have batteries die, I am very glad I did it. I use a HUGE micro SD card and just hit the power button on my panel and the recording starts.
              N678C
              https://eaabuilderslog.org/?blprojec...=7pfctcIVW&add
              Revo Sunglasses Ambassador
              https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0...tBJLdV8HB_jSIA

              Comment

              • TJ_Slice
                #9.1
                TJ_Slice commented
                10-22-2025, 10:29 AM
                Editing a comment
                Jay, what is the 5v power supply you used? I have searched but can't find it/
            • #10
              Originally posted by Utah-Jay View Post

              As I like to film and not have batteries die, I am very glad I did it. I use a HUGE micro SD card and just hit the power button on my panel and the recording starts.
              That is my intention as well. I want a camera on the wing, one looking forward to include the panel, and possibly a pilot cam.

              Comment

              • #11
                TJ_Slice

                Mine is directly wired to the panel with a rocker on/off switch, so it is all ultimately controlled by the Dynon ACM. I just ran a wire from the appropriate plug out to the wing mounted power box
                N678C
                https://eaabuilderslog.org/?blprojec...=7pfctcIVW&add
                Revo Sunglasses Ambassador
                https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0...tBJLdV8HB_jSIA

                Comment

                • #12
                  Originally posted by Utah-Jay View Post
                  TJ_Slice

                  Mine is directly wired to the panel with a rocker on/off switch, so it is all ultimately controlled by the Dynon ACM. I just ran a wire from the appropriate plug out to the wing mounted power box
                  The power box is what I was searching for.. I can't seem to find it anywhere. I've searched for the part number on the photo of it, but no luck.

                  Comment

                  • #13
                    Not what Jay used but here is one from Falken avionics. https://store.falkenavionics.com/col...it-usb-c-ipads

                    i’m 99% sure you can find these things on aliexpress.

                    edit: found it. https://www.coolgear.com/product-cat...power-delivery
                    Last edited by Have-Purple; 10-22-2025, 10:25 PM. Reason: Update

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                    • #14
                      Originally posted by TJ_Slice View Post

                      The power box is what I was searching for.. I can't seem to find it anywhere. I've searched for the part number on the photo of it, but no luck.
                      Pm me and I will send you the guys phone number
                      N678C
                      https://eaabuilderslog.org/?blprojec...=7pfctcIVW&add
                      Revo Sunglasses Ambassador
                      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0...tBJLdV8HB_jSIA

                      Comment

                      • #15
                        Originally posted by Nev View Post
                        I think Aliexpress is what you've been searching for (your whole life ) Approximately USD$10 including delivery.
                        HERE.

                        You're welcome
                        Have you used this and can confirm no radio interference?

                        I had a cheap usb charger once that was really bad.
                        • Likes 1

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