BAC Forum

General Boards => Redecorating and Updating your Motorhome => Topic started by: Bill Borden on November 06, 2016, 12:14:42 AM

Title: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Bill Borden 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.

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Steve Huber Co-Admin 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

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Bill Borden on November 06, 2016, 05:24:27 AM

Thanks Steve, your right.  Always a surprise in store.

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: LaMonte Monnell 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.

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Bill Borden 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.

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Steve Huber Co-Admin 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

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Greg Kamper on February 27, 2017, 05:59:46 PM

Where did you find the USB plugs?

Title: Re: Updating the Information center Or adding a USB Power center
Post by: Rick Daniels on February 27, 2017, 07:42:10 PM

which Winegard antenna do you now have on the roof?