SJ23 Tech Tip E21, (Updated 2025-05-25) Bob Schimmel

Index

Wireless Cell Phone Charger - (Under construction).
INDEX - installation Parts
It is nice to have a convenient location to drop my cell phone into where it is secure, can stay dry, is within audible and physical reach of the cockpit.  I can charge it in the holder and I can see it to hopefully remind myself to I take it home at the end of s float.  I recently tested how much magnetic interference an Apple wireless charger has.  My concern was interference to the steering compass in the cockpit.  Not that I use a compass all that much on a lake but why create a problem.  The people at the Apple Store were quite surprised when I pulled out my hand compass.  The magnetic field extends out ~12" without an iPhone resting on it and ~2" with an iPhone on it.  If the charger is installed 4' away from the steering compass, on the opposite of the cabin in Panache's case, there won't be any interference to the magnetic compass or the Tiller Pilot flux gate compass.  Of course if its shut off, there is zero interference.

SECURE - I imbedded the wireless charger into the front of this holder since the iPhone will always lean to the low side to press against the charger.  In addition, the magnet can hold the iPhone tight thereby ensuring maximum charge current and preventing movement.  Eliminating vibration and shock is hugely important for electronics. 

DRY & CONVENIENT - Location is everything.  The holder will be installed against the starboard side of the companionway, away from rain and in convenient reach of the cockpit.  Just drop it in to let the iPhone charge, then get back to the helm.  There is one longish hole across the bottom of the case to pass sound from the speakers.  It would be nice to locate this holder to the cockpit but then a blue tooth ear bud could do as well.

CHARGER - The prototype holder is constructed of 1/4" wood.  The 1/8" thick MagSafe wireless charger and cord is imbedded in the front of the holder, creating a flush surface to protect the charger from the iPhone as it is slid into the holder.  I set the router bit in my drill press (high speed) to gouge out the 1/8" recess.  It was easier than using a router but hard to hold the wood.  A dab of Shoe Goop or silicon sealant can hold the charger in the recess. 

The 12V outlet is already switched via circuit breaker 10.  To achieve optimum charge performance requires a Mophie 12V 20W USB-C/A car charger plugged in the outlet.  The USB-C jack is for the Magsafe charger and the USB-A jack is for my buddies who show up with their old hardware.  I'll keep the existing 12V USB-A charger as backup.

VISIBILITY - The iPhone will be exposed at the top of this holder to reveal, "I'm here!" which will be more visible than the leather case with flap I currently have.  Hopefully this is enough to remind me to grab it when I leave the Panache!  As ridiculous as this sounds I'm tired of driving back to Panache to pick up my cell phone.

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PARTS -

  • Apple Mophie 20W USB-C/A car charger (metal case to block RFI).

  • Apple MagSafe wireless charger E/W 1M USB-C plug.
     

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