USB cable/port for 2012 RT?

On my 2012 R1200RT it has a usb port and audio port in the glove box. I bought a $75 cable (wow how can a foot long cable cost that much) that allows the iPhone to play through the audio system and you also have some basic control over the iPhone with the control wheel on the handle bar. I have the TomTom navigation app installed on my iPhone and it will lower the music volume and play the instructions through the audio system which was nice. It also charges the iPhone.

I tried connecting my Scala bluetooth headsets to the audio system but I haven't had any success, I'll see if the dealer has a suggestion when the bike goes in for 1,000 km service late this week.

Gerhard

I wonder if you only get the USB and audio jacks in the glove box if you have a bike with the radio? I could see omitting the audio jack, but hopefully the USB port is still in there.

It is part of the audio system. If you did not get the audio system, no USB. The power plug on the bike is the same as the Powerlet.

Here ya go: http://www.amazon.com/Powerlet-Mini...sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336957809&sr=8-2-spell for the mini-usb. If that is not what you need, just get the Powerlet cigarette adapter and plug in whatever you use for the car.

-Mark

HeliMark said:

It is part of the audio system. If you did not get the audio system, no USB. The power plug on the bike is the same as the Powerlet.

Here ya go: http://www.amazon.com/Powerlet-Mini...sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336957809&sr=8-2-spell for the mini-usb. If that is not what you need, just get the Powerlet cigarette adapter and plug in whatever you use for the car.

-Mark

Click to expand...

This is the same cable I use for my smart phone and/or my Nuvi GPS. Works great and steps the voltage down to 5V & 1amp which is what you need for such devices.

I just use a retractable USB charger (from Amazon for just a few dollars) for my old iPhone and then stream music wirelessly to my Scala G4 headset with A2DP. This way, I have my phone always charged, music streaming without wires, and Navigon app for GPS all in one device.

And if you need the micro, here it is. They're available in different lengths - thought this one would reach either the glove box or the tank bag easily enough. I imagine a guy could also have a powerlet port installed in the glove box for the phone charger. Might look into that.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MZ23CK/ref=pe_175190_21431760_C1_cs_sce_3p_dp_1

So are the powerlets BMW-specific or what? Can I find a powerlet to cigaret or powerlet to micro-usb anywhere, like at an Advance Auto store, Walmart, or bike shop? I'd like to have one now, without having to wait for shipment.

Diver4242 said:

So are the powerlets BMW-specific or what? Can I find a powerlet to cigaret or powerlet to micro-usb anywhere, like at an Advance Auto store, Walmart, or bike shop? I'd like to have one now, without having to wait for shipment.

Click to expand...

I've never seen Powerlet products at any of those mass retailers.

The Powerlet system is used for applications where weather or vibration could effect a regular SAE lighter socket/plug. It is the OEM standard for power sockets used by BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Victory, John Deere and others.

If you have a dealer for any of those makes nearby, they might be able to fix you up. My Triumph dealer and a dual sport accessory shop I go to have large racks of the Powerlet products. I've heard the John Deere dealers have the best prices. Otherwise it's by mail order.

If you want to control the iPhone or iPod from the handle bar wheel you need the $75 BMW cable... Period end of story. You can keep your iPhone charged from the USB port buy simply using the USB cable that came with your phone.

Powerlet can be found at most bike shops or A&S Cycle has a huge selection of goodies online.