Want to use external HD in my car... how to plug it in/power it?

[SadbutTrue 10+ year member]

When I had my head unit installed, the installer set up a USB cable that runs to my glovebox. He said that if I were so inclined, I coudl connect a hard drive there. I think i want to pursue that, but I'm curious on how everyone would recommend powering it?

I was thinking of finding an adapter from my car's charge port/cigarette lighter. Its pretty close, so wireing shouldn't be an issue. I do frequently use my phone's car charger, so it'd be really nice if there was some fairly inexpensive piece that would have a standard plug for the hard drive, and retain the car charging port for my phone (and/or the Valentine radar unit I intend to get eventually).

Of course, if tehre are other (better) options I could do that too. My car does have rear cigarette lighters, so in a pinch I could charge my phoen there... just not extremely convenient.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could point me towards such a unit, and if there's anything I should know so that I don't burn up my car? Thanks!

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[bumpin buick 5,000+ posts]

You could just wire a small power inverter from your battery and have that either in your glove box or up behind the dash, then just run the wire from that to your HDD, leaving the charger port free for use with the cellphone and free of other wires

 

[SadbutTrue 10+ year member]

You could just wire a small power inverter from your battery and have that either in your glove box or up behind the dash, then just run the wire from that to your HDD, leaving the charger port free for use with the cellphone and free of other wires

Do you know where I coudl get one inexpensively? Are there any power ratings or specifications the piece should meet so that its reliable and safe? Thanks.

 

[GearGuy2001 10+ year member]

On the Power adapter of your external hdd it should say a watts rating, just make sure that power inverter provides enough for it

Check ebay for them too (power inverter)

 

[SilverSquared 10+ year member]

get a solid state HDD