I have a plan to use an HDMI to RCA cable to hook a Mi Box up in my van. Then, my kids won't be limited to just the few DVDs that we actually own. My only concern is powering the Mi Box. Is there any way to power it via the USB car charger? Or, do I need to purchase something like this:
I've been using these to power the mi-boxes in my home off phone chargers.
It should work with that inverter. I haven't tried it though to verify
Inverter is probably the easiest, since the mibox takes a DC input it would technically be able to be powered via a USB car charger but you would need to find / make a custom cable
I use this USB to barrel connector (4mm x 1.7mm barrel), works absolutely fine, just provide enough current to it, 2 amps should be fine.
I made a DIY usb cable using a plug that came with PSP charger. I can power my mi box and other s905 boxes for hours using a 10000mah xiaomi powerbank. It needs to have an output of 5v 2A. Anything lower will like 1A to 1.5A will shutdown your mi box at high load.
check out my video here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEn3GDZJ-DA
the cable is something similir to this. https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1hEXsMXXXXXa5XpXXq6xXFXXXn/5v-Male-to-4-0x1-7mm-DC-Power-Adapter-font-b-Cable-b-font-Charger-For.jpg
btw, for usb car chargers just make sure you get a good brand. Don't just get those 2 dollar knock offs this might hurt your box in the long run because of poor circuitry, regulators and filters.
I just ordered a cable to see if I can power the MiBox via the TVs USB port. If you Google for "usb 5v to dc 12v 4mm x 1.7mm power cable" you should be able to find something from a retailer in your area.
The important thing is if the USB output is the correct ampage (MiBox wants 2Amps) so your USB will most likely need to be fast charge.
Then for the adapter cable, the important parts are the outer diameter is 4mm and the inner diameter is 1.7mm. (4mm OD and 1.7mm ID).
Your question about USB is moot!!
Plug mibox power brick into one of the standard 3 prong outlets supplied by this device. Plug other end into mibox power socket.
Use the usb ports to charge phones/tablets, etc.
The Mibox power adapter supplies 2A at 5V (usb spec) so a USB cable and charger will be able to power it. The barrel on the Mibox is the same as a PSP or Sirius Portable radio, so look for a USB cable for one of those. I actually just got a USB charger for my PSP off eBay for $3.