Anyone add an LED to a Level2 J1772 plug?

[robochimp]

recently had a level 2 charger "Bosch Powermax" installed and it takes a bit of fumbling in the dark to get it to seat properly into the FFE charge port.

anyone hack an LED onto one of these things? I may have to get all geeky on the charge handle and figure out how to retrofit it with a bright white LED - but
I figured I'd ask first cause I know there are a bunch of smart people on this board.


maybe something like this:
http://www.tmart.com/pgallery/12V-3W-14CM-21-LED-3528-SMD-Car-Angel-Eyes-Light-Headlight-Ring-White_p116176.html

only problem would be transforming 240V AC to 12V DC but I guess I could put a small battery/mini solar panel thingy embedded somewhere on the j1772 handle..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-90-240V-to-DC-12V-450mA-5-5W-Isolated-switching-power-supply-board-module-/261279544704

or just strap an LED flashlight on it and call it done ;]
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xsqueeze+mini+led&_nkw=squeeze+mini+led&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

[unplugged]

Unless you are an electrical hobbyist or an engineer, I would hesitate trying to convert electrical current in a charging station. And as you probably know, the unit communicates with the EV and doesn't supply power to the car until the head is inserted into the EVs receptacle. I would go with the eBay flashlight.

 

[WattsUp]

Unless you are an electrical hobbyist or an engineer, I would hesitate trying to convert electrical current in a charging station. And as you probably know, the unit communicates with the EV and doesn't supply power to the car until the head is inserted into the EVs receptacle. I would go with the eBay flashlight.

You could also just hit the unlock button on your remote and make the puddle lights come on. Should provide enough illumination to see what you're doing at the charging door. If you're leaving your car, don't forget to lock again, though.

 

[robochimp]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions..
I found a stick on micro LED at pep boys
for 1.99! Works great.

 

[hcsharp]

I've done this. One of my minor gripes about the FFE is that it doesn't illuminate the charge port very well so you end up fumbling in the dark. (end of rant.) @unplugged is correct that you don't get any power to the handle until it's already plugged in and the FFE signals that it's ready to take power. A better idea is to hack the Bosch Powermax to find the 3.3v or 5v power supply inside the control box that powers the logic board. Then check to see if the Powermax is monitoring the proximity wire in the control box. If it's like 99% of the EVSEs out there, it's not and the small blue wire is probably unused in your cable. Use that wire to bring the 3.3 or 5v supply in the Powermax control box out to the handle where you can connect it to your LED driver in the connector. I drilled a hole in the middle of the contact block and glued the LED there. I also had to glue a second switch in the connector under the push button to turn it on, so the LED is on whenever you press the button. Very handy.

But of course your 3rd solution is much easier...

recently had a level 2 charger "Bosch Powermax" installed and it takes a bit of fumbling in the dark to get it to seat properly into the FFE charge port.

anyone hack an LED onto one of these things? I may have to get all geeky on the charge handle and figure out how to retrofit it with a bright white LED - but
I figured I'd ask first cause I know there are a bunch of smart people on this board.


maybe something like this:
http://www.tmart.com/pgallery/12V-3W-14CM-21-LED-3528-SMD-Car-Angel-Eyes-Light-Headlight-Ring-White_p116176.html

only problem would be transforming 240V AC to 12V DC but I guess I could put a small battery/mini solar panel thingy embedded somewhere on the j1772 handle..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-90-240V-to-DC-12V-450mA-5-5W-Isolated-switching-power-supply-board-module-/261279544704

or just strap an LED flashlight on it and call it done ;]
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xsqueeze+mini+led&_nkw=squeeze+mini+led&_sacat=0&_from=R40