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Using built-in USB

Discussion in 'Prius v Audio and Electronics' started by PanthersFan, Mar 27, 2016.

  1. PanthersFan

    PanthersFan Junior Member

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    I recently traded my crossover in for a Prius v (best decision ever). Anyway, I avoided using the built-in USB in my crossover because it 1) charged much slower and 2) silenced text sound notifications, for "safety" I assume. I ended up plugging an adapter into my crossover and charging that way instead.

    Does anyone know if the Prius v does the same thing? I've only had it a few days so I haven't had time to experiment yet. Just thought I'd ask the community of experienced owners.
     
    #1 PanthersFan, Mar 27, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    this question just came up. the answer, not sure if correct, was that the usb works fine for charging, and is just as fast as a 12v adapter. we use the 12v adapter.
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 27, 2016
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  3. PanthersFan

    PanthersFan Junior Member

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    Thanks, good to know. I'll happily come back to post on here if I find out the opposite is true.
     
    #3 PanthersFan, Mar 27, 2016
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  4. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Using a USB charging cable, and using the USB data option often causes audio conflicts.
     
    #4 Air_Boss, Mar 27, 2016
  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    USB ports are usually limited to 12v 500mA, whereas using an adapter in the 12v outlet can "charge" your device at more than 500mA if it is rated for it.

    So the USB will charge your device, but an adapter in the 12v outlet might be faster.
     
    #5 xliderider, Mar 27, 2016
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  6. PanthersFan

    PanthersFan Junior Member

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    Will the difference matter for an iPhone, do you know?
     
    #6 PanthersFan, Mar 27, 2016
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  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Look at the rating on your iPhone wall charger. If it's something like 5v DC at 1.0A (amps), then yes. Most smartphone chargers put out 800 mA or more current when charging.
     
    #7 xliderider, Mar 27, 2016
  8. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Not necessarily. There are multiple versions of USB standards with different charge rate capacities. Numerous folks with devices that can use faster charge rates discovered that the Gen3 Prius USB was an older version with lower current. I seem to remember that some devices wouldn't even charge at all.

    The 12V->USB adapters are available in all current capacity versions, so choices are available for devices that exceed the Prius USB slot capacity.
    Also, using USB for data but with a separate charging cord to a 12V adapter, has been known to cause ground loop problems. This degrades audio quality, usually with severe added hum. There are technical solutions for those who understand the issues.
     
    #8 fuzzy1, Mar 28, 2016
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  9. PanthersFan

    PanthersFan Junior Member

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    Thanks, everyone. I think I'll stick with my adapter and avoid the built-in USB port.
     
    #9 PanthersFan, Mar 28, 2016
  10. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

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    I have a s5 and mainly use a cgl adapter but have used the prius USB with no issues. It charged at the same rate as my 1amp charger. But I mainly use 2.1a for fast charging.

    Big issues I had were on super hot days when I would unplug s5 would say something like fast charge error.

    Also disabling auto play.
     
    #10 D_n_D, Sep 1, 2016
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