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USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 17:11
by ColdGin
Hey,
I was sure I read somewhere all seats have USB connections for use with own media. Is that correct? I can't find it on the virgin site and was curious as to being able plug my iPhone in or not. More concerned for battery charging really!
Ta
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 17:45
by buns
Depends on the aircraft you are flying on
The 330 and the refurbished 747s out of Gatwick / Manchester allow you to connect an I phone to stop the drain on the battery. It is frowned upon to use simply as a charging method
I used it last week and all was fine
buns
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 19:10
by ColdGin
Should be alright then. I'm flying out of LGW on Thursday. I don't intend to have it connect from end to end, just if my battery gets a little low!
Thank you very much
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 19:13
by gfonk
Would anyone happen to know if the A346s have charging capability?
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 19:32
by mitchja
You are not supposed to charge anything up on any aircraft, but the A346's and the LHR 744's do have Empower sockets in Upper and Premium but nothing in Economy.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 20:41
by gfonk
mitchja wrote:You are not supposed to charge anything up on any aircraft, but the A346's and the LHR 744's do have Empower sockets in Upper and Premium but nothing in Economy.
Hi mitchja
I presume that means you can only use the power sockets to preserve battery life while using a device?
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 20:52
by mitchja
Yep, you can only use the on-board power sockets to power devices whilst you are using them. Once you have finished using the device, you need to unplug it.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 22:12
by gfonk
mitchja wrote:Yep, you can only use the on-board power sockets to power devices whilst you are using them. Once you have finished using the device, you need to unplug it.
Thanks mitchja
Where are the sockets located in UC on the 346?
I presume you can't take a plug? But should use a USB?
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 22:37
by mitchja
The Empower socket in the 346 UCS is located at the top of the magazine holder just below the IFE controller. Once the crew turn Empower on, the green LED next to the socket will light up.
In Premium the Empower sockets are located between the seats close the the cabin floor.
There are no USB sockets on the 346 aircraft sorry. You will need a power adapter or cable with an Empower plug on it.
Only the A333 or re-fitted B744 aircraft (the aircraft with VERA Touch) have the USB sockets and the standard 2/3 pin power sockets on them. Empower sockets are not used on these aircraft.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
07 Jun 2013, 23:39
by gfonk
Mitchja
Thanks very much for the info
How would one go about getting an empower adaptor ?
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
08 Jun 2013, 07:27
by Fuzzy14
gfonk wrote:Mitchja
Thanks very much for the info
How would one go about getting an empower adaptor ?
Tesco, Maplin, eBay, Amazon cost about £5.50
Google search for "EmPower Aircraft to USB Power Adaptor"
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
08 Jun 2013, 08:15
by gfonk
Fuzzy14 wrote:gfonk wrote:Mitchja
Thanks very much for the info
How would one go about getting an empower adaptor ?
Tesco, Maplin, eBay, Amazon cost about £5.50
Google search for "EmPower Aircraft to USB Power Adaptor"
Brilliant.
Thanks will give that a go.

Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
09 Jun 2013, 17:59
by samfarmer
Does vs have the empower to USB on board for rental / sale. Flying vs200 in PE and didn't realise I'd be able to support my iPad battery lifespan.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
11 Jun 2013, 09:02
by Fuzzy14
samfarmer wrote:Does vs have the empower to USB on board for rental / sale. Flying vs200 in PE and didn't realise I'd be able to support my iPad battery lifespan.
I've never flown on an Empower equipped aircraft so if I'm wrong feel free to jump in and correct me, however what I gather searching these boards is Virgin used to sell these adapters on the plane (for about £30) but they no longer carry them.
For all it costs and the length of time you'll be on the plane you'd be better buying one off t'internet.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
11 Jun 2013, 09:09
by AlecK
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
11 Jun 2013, 09:49
by slinky09
If you get stuck go to Dixon's in T3, they have a wide range of accessories including adaptors - although I can only actually vouch for the fact that they have Mac accessories since that's where I bought mine for my Air.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
11 Jun 2013, 11:46
by uktigger
Just out of interest, where are the usb sockets in seats 20A/C/H/K in the bubble on the LGW 744's, as the screen comes out of the arm rest.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
11 Jun 2013, 12:24
by MedwayControl
Hi All,
Las month on G-VSUN (A343) I was requested one of the red gaming packs which has an empower lead to connect an apple device in it. Be aware they only carry leads for the older connection as far as I am aware. Not all crew are aware they carry these but the crew in Upper and PE should be able to help you - just don't expect it as soon as you get on! Normally get mine a little into the flight after the first drinks round.
I have also used these leads on several of the LHR 747s in both UC and PE. The USB sockets on the A333 are great tho - saves all this fuss!
Cheers
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
12 Jun 2013, 11:45
by uktigger
uktigger wrote:Just out of interest, where are the usb sockets in seats 20A/C/H/K in the bubble on the LGW 744's, as the screen comes out of the arm rest.
anyone?
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
12 Jun 2013, 12:18
by JCBR
slinky09 wrote:If you get stuck go to Dixon's in T3, they have a wide range of accessories including adaptors - although I can only actually vouch for the fact that they have Mac accessories since that's where I bought mine for my Air.
They used to sell a great converter at Dixons that allowed you to plug a normal UK 3 pin into the empower socket (made by Kensington) but I have tried several times recently and they say they no longer carry them.
Re: USB connections in Seats?

Posted:
12 Jun 2013, 23:17
by Johnny G
Does that USB socket allow you to just listen to MP3's or is it also suitable for the likes of DIVX movies?