Author Topic: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center  (Read 9581 times)

Bill Borden

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Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« on: November 06, 2016, 12:14:42 AM »
I started out wanting to add USB power ports to the passenger seat area for the growing list of items needed to be powered during a trip by Debbee.  Phone, kindle, IPod, etc.

So I started to look at my options and settled on the information center above her, I figured there must be 12 VDC there I could use.

Also there was a Stereo switch that was not being used any longer by the latest system, so it could be removed. And it had 13 VDC, so this could work. So the plan was to remove the old Stereo Switch and replace with a USB power center.

But what I did not expect was that the instrument panel would break apart in my hands when I removed it.  Someone had previously tried to remove it without removing the door and hinges and broke it in half.  So now I had re-place the panel.

So with a drawing in hand off I go to Tap plastics.  They made a panel for me out of 1/4" thick Black ABS plastic.  I also decided to update the other panel so they would match.  At the same time I updated the antenna booster with the latest Wineguard Antenna booster which also helps locate the strongest signal.   I had recently updated the Wineguard antenna on the roof.

Included are photos of the panel and the final installation.  I really like how it came out. 

Just though I would share my little project.

Regards,

Bill Borden
2000 Patriot Thunder
C-12 425 hp 
Cool, California
The following users thanked this post: David T. Richelderfer

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2016, 01:10:55 AM »
Bill,
Nice job! At least 50% of the time we run into a surprise when taking on a project.  :)
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Bill Borden

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2016, 05:24:27 AM »
Thanks Steve, your right.  Always a surprise in store.
Regards,

Bill Borden
2000 Patriot Thunder
C-12 425 hp 
Cool, California

LaMonte Monnell

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2016, 03:03:46 PM »
That looks like it turned out well Bill. I just replaced the winegard antenna and also swapped out the amp box with the one you used. What a difference for finding the OTA signals. I had to replace the coax from the new antenna amp to the new winegard box as I had a shorted cable so I decided to run a whole new one.
Lamonte & Patti Monnell
2001 Beaver Contessa Naples DP 40' 2 slides
CAT 3126B
2021 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss

Weeki Wachee,Fl

Bill Borden

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2016, 04:48:17 PM »
Hi Lamonte,

The the antenna upgrade from Winegard was easy to do and the cost was low.  It really improved the reception and the new antenna amp makes it easier to locate the best signal.

If you use your HD antenna this is great upgrade.

Glad you liked my project.
Regards,

Bill Borden
2000 Patriot Thunder
C-12 425 hp 
Cool, California

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2016, 12:31:40 AM »
I too just upgraded the amp and added the UHF antenna  (wingman booster). Checked it out today and picked up 60 channels in the Phoenix area. A significant improvement. Thanks for the tip!
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Greg Kamper

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #6 on: February 27, 2017, 05:59:46 PM »
Where did you find the USB plugs?

Rick Daniels

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Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2017, 07:42:10 PM »
which Winegard antenna do you now have on the roof?
1999 Beaver Marquis Jasper 40' Cat C-12
2020 Chev 1500 High Country
Three Forks, Montana
"Where the Missouri River Begins"