USB port compatibility

[noreast]

I tried to hook up my phone (which also happens to be my MP3 player) to my 2010 SEL Fusion but to my surprise I found that ford has the square format USB receptacle (like the ones on the back of printers). All MP3 players, Phones, iPods, and iPhones I owned in the past all come with cables that have the flat format USB connector.

I did not have much luck with finding adapters on the net or in my local electronics store.

Does Ford offer a choice of which receptacle comes in the car? Can it be changed?

How do you hookup your USB devices to Sync?

[TmD73]

Hmmm ... Interesting.

 

I just purchased a 2010 SEL and it has the standard USB-A (flat one) in the center console along with an AUX jack and a power point.

 

Where did you find the USB-B (square) jack?

Edited April 11, 2010 by TmD73

[noreast]

Where did you find the USB-B (square) jack?

 

My poor dexterity! Indeed it is a flat USB but it is aligned vertically. I was sitting in the driver seat trying to plug in my USB cable using my sense of touch to do so. I assumed a flat USB would be alligned horizonatlly so as I failed to plug in the cable, I felt the receptacle and it felt narrow, so I assumed it is the square type. After reading your post, I went back and leaned across the driver seat so i can have a more comfortable look and sure it is a standard flat, vertical, USB port.

Sorry for the confusing post!

[TmD73]

No problem.

 

I had trouble getting it plugged in from the driver's side as well. Luckly, I have an old iPod that was replaced by the iPhone as my daily music player so I just leave it plugged in all the time. I think other are just using a jump drive and leaving it in all the time as well. Seems to be the way to go since it is a little clumsey to take in and out.

 

Glad I could help. Hope you are enjoying your new Fusion as much as I am.

Edited April 12, 2010 by TmD73

[rpreuss]

My poor dexterity! Indeed it is a flat USB but it is aligned vertically. I was sitting in the driver seat trying to plug in my USB cable using my sense of touch to do so. I assumed a flat USB would be alligned horizonatlly so as I failed to plug in the cable, I felt the receptacle and it felt narrow, so I assumed it is the square type. After reading your post, I went back and leaned across the driver seat so i can have a more comfortable look and sure it is a standard flat, vertical, USB port.

Sorry for the confusing post!

 

I would like to meet the engineer who figured that the current location for the USB plug is convienent. I had a very short, (maybe 6 to 12 inches) USB extension that I just leave permanently plugged in. Makes switching my drive, iphone, and "Sync Updating Drive" easier. Just drop it into the console.

 

And since I am an engineer, that was not meant to be an insult. Just a little dig. :beerchug:

[commishbob]

I would like to meet the engineer who figured that the current location for the USB plug is convienent. I had a very short, (maybe 6 to 12 inches) USB extension that I just leave permanently plugged in. Makes switching my drive, iphone, and "Sync Updating Drive" easier. Just drop it into the console.

 

And since I am an engineer, that was not meant to be an insult. Just a little dig. :beerchug:

 

 

I use one of those extensions as well. Very odd placement of the plug, reminded me of some of the places I used to have to reach to get to my oil filter (back when I was ambitious to change my own oil).

[akirby]

I would like to meet the engineer who figured that the current location for the USB plug is convienent. I had a very short, (maybe 6 to 12 inches) USB extension that I just leave permanently plugged in. Makes switching my drive, iphone, and "Sync Updating Drive" easier. Just drop it into the console.

 

And since I am an engineer, that was not meant to be an insult. Just a little dig. :beerchug:

 

Where would you prefer it to be? It can't be bottom - too much chance for stuff to fall into it.

[TmD73]

Where would you prefer it to be? It can't be bottom - too much chance for stuff to fall into it.

 

I agree that it has to be on a vertical surface to avoid having things fall into it. I also think the center console is the best place for it since it is completely out of the way and makes for a clean "install" with no visible cords so I am not sure what else the could have done. Maybe put it closer to the top of the compartment?

[FtLewis2002]

There is only ONE style of USB plug. Anything else is not a USB. Anything different would be firewire, or proprietary. A USB port is what is in the vehicle.

[rpreuss]

I agree that it has to be on a vertical surface to avoid having things fall into it. I also think the center console is the best place for it since it is completely out of the way and makes for a clean "install" with no visible cords so I am not sure what else the could have done. Maybe put it closer to the top of the compartment?

 

I don't know about everyone else, but my console if full of CRAP! Sunglasses, some CD's that I don't use because everything is on USB, wifely stuff like tissues, yadda, yadda. Oh, and an iPhone cable, a cigarette lighter to USB charger adapter, and more. Bottom line is it is almost up to the top. Even though my USB stick is only removed to update it, it isn't a very safe place sticking out of the side of the compartment near the bottom.

 

A better place? If it was on the dash, you would have exposed cables. Maybe the reason for putting it in the console compartment is so you can toss your iPod/iPhone/iPad (nope - too big) into the console and close the lid and fageddabout it.

 

So, given the fact that it is where it is, the mini extension cord brings it to the top, and there are even two notches so I can leave it stick out to swap drives. :shift:

[akirby]

There is only ONE style of USB plug. Anything else is not a USB. Anything different would be firewire, or proprietary. A USB port is what is in the vehicle.

 

Sorry, but that is incorrect. There are 6 different USB connectors:

 

A, B plus mini and micro versions of each one.

 

[acdii]

Mini-B is the style of the USB-2 port on the Sync module.

[sbrueggie]

I would like to meet the engineer who figured that the current location for the USB plug is convienent. I had a very short, (maybe 6 to 12 inches) USB extension that I just leave permanently plugged in. Makes switching my drive, iphone, and "Sync Updating Drive" easier. Just drop it into the console.

 

And since I am an engineer, that was not meant to be an insult. Just a little dig. :beerchug:

Thanks for the idea guys! I have a 12" adapter sitting here at work that is now in my bag and will be extending my port this afternoon! Sure makes it easier to put in and pull out the memory stick!

[akirby]

Thanks for the idea guys! I have a 12" adapter sitting here at work that is now in my bag and will be extending my port this afternoon! Sure makes it easier to put in and pull out the memory stick!

 

Why not use a dedicated memory stick and leave it connected all the time?

[noreast]

Why not use a dedicated memory stick and leave it connected all the time?

 

Because I keep my music is on my cell-phone, which doubles as my MP3 player, and I do want to take it with me when I leave the car.

[akirby]

Because I keep my music is on my cell-phone, which doubles as my MP3 player, and I do want to take it with me when I leave the car.

 

sbrueggie said he wanted the extension to plug in a memory stick which prompted my question.

The cell phone would obviously come with a cable.