Using a USB socket to power a Go Basic (Serial X5.........)

[TonyGr]

Having recently bought a 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulietta I find it has a USB socket (unlike my previous 2011 Giulietta). Could this be used to power a Go Basic since it location means less trailing cable than using the "cigarette lighter" socket beside the handbrake with the adapter?

 

[Willy875]

No, a USB socket installed in a car does not have access to power to power a GPS.

Use the cigarette lighter socket.

 

[TonyGr]

Thanks. I suspected as much but then saw this thread

Cigarette lighter to USB adaptors

I have two TomTom adaptors to power my TomTom from the cigarette lighter, one with one power take off and the other with two (see photo attached), and neither works. I've bought a dual take off adaptor from ebay and that works as expected so can anyone throw any light on why the TomTom adaptors...

www.tomtomforums.com

where Paul said, in post #4, "I'd just never used them because my cars have had USB sockets." which set me wondering

 

[canderson]

It depends upon what current the manufacturer provides at the USB port. It could well be only 500mA, which isn't enough to operate your Basic, or it could be more. If you can't get the spec from Alfa, all you can do is try. If, over time, the battery becomes depleted, you'll know it's not enough!

 

[Willy875]

There are output standards for a USB socket
a USB 2.0 is 500 ma a USB 3.0 is 900 ma maximum.

 

[TonyGr]

Thanks both,
The handbook states
"NOTE the USB ports handle data transmission from the Pen Drive/Smartphone, etc. and slow recharging of an external device, which is not guaranteed as it depends on the device type/brand"
Slow recharging suggest only 500 mA or less.
Given that, I don't think I will try it I will just stick with the tried and trusted adapter.

 

[Kieron M]

Hi there @TonyGr -

1.2 - 1.5 Amp is the norm for powering your particular device which would be supplied by the TomTom adapter.
500 mA (thats 0.5 Amps) from the factory fitted USB port on your Giulietta wouldn’t be enough.

 

[TonyGr]

Thanks Kieron, that confirms what I presumed in post#6.

 

[canderson]

It

Hi there @TonyGr -

1.2 - 1.5 Amp is the norm for powering your particular device which would be supplied by the TomTom adapter.
500 mA (thats 0.5 Amps) from the factory fitted USB port on your Giulietta wouldn’t be enough.

That will depend upon the vehicle. Some have only a data port (almost always 500mA max) but some have additional charge-only ports, and these may be rated higher. My Kia, for example, has 3 USB ports... one data and 2 charge-only (one inside the center console, and one for rear seat passengers). The latter produce enough to power a GO 620. The data port does not.

 

[Kieron M]

Thanks both,
The handbook states
"NOTE the USB ports handle data transmission from the Pen Drive/Smartphone, etc. and slow recharging of an external device, which is not guaranteed as it depends on the device type/brand"
Slow recharging suggest only 500 mA or less.
Given that, I don't think I will try it I will just stick with the tried and trusted adapter.

Yes - as you have stated in one of your earlier postings, 500 mA.