USB chargers and the art of ergonomics
PRO GuIDe
In an era in which creature comforts and rider conveniences are at a premium , why is it that the positioning of a 12V power socket is often an afterthought for many motorcycle manufacturers ? For TecMate , delivering powerful and reliable USB chargers that fit well and are positioned conveniently , and won ’ t kill the motorcycle battery , are major considerations . The most recent offering , the OptiMate USB O-115 , is a great fit for Triumph and Ducati Multistrada Enduro models . The popular O-105 90 ° dual 3300mA USB charger has been designed to fit BMWs and other motorcycles that have their 12V power socket fitted on a side panel or on the side of the motorcycle . The new O-115 in-line ( or 180 °) version came about when TecMate realised that the position of the 12V socket on Triumph Tiger 800 motorcycles ( for example ), tucked into the centre of the steering assembly next to the ignition key socket , limits space for a plugged in USB charger and cables – it simply isn ’ t ergonomic , increasing the chances that it catches or touches the steering bar assembly when turned hard right during parking lot manoeuvres . Enter the O-115 in-line , with the USB charger body moving the USB sockets and inserted cables out of the way . Sometimes it is the small things that make the big difference ! It ’ s also the perfect solution on motorcycles such as the Ducati Multistrada Enduro , which has its 12V power socket tightly tucked into a corner on the front dash . The O-115 delivers 3300mA of USB charging power through two sockets lined with a unique weatherproof seal and cap system – TecMate say that you can plug in any USB cable and the connection is rendered instantly
waterproof . The microprocessor-controlled motorcycle battery protection senses if the motorcycle has been parked , allowing up to 3 hours of charging before shutting down , or , if it senses the motorcycle battery is down to 50 % charge , it shuts down immediately . TecMate CEO / CTO Martin Human described the USB charger strategy by saying “ we cannot control where the motorcycle companies decide to put their power sockets , but we can give their customers a USB charger that delivers a user-friendly solution that speaks to the real world circumstances in which they do their miles . This thinking has brought about a number of innovative solutions , and we have more to come .”
TECMATE Tienen , BELGIUM Tel : + 32 ( 0 ) 16 805440 www . tecmate . com www . optimate1 . com
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018 43