Charging Cradle for the STK Tough Tab

Keep your Tough Tab topped up without fiddling with port covers. This drop-in cradle makes charging simple, rugged, and ready for life at sea.

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STK Tough Tab charging cradle

If you own the STK Tough Tab, this may be of interest. We’ve designed a custom cradle that allows you to charge the device without opening the micro-USB port cover – a simple and practical solution for use at sea.

The cradle has two main parts:

  • The stand – fitted with two brass spring contacts that deliver power.

  • The precision circuit board – solder-bathed to resist corrosion in marine conditions, with spring contacts that align with the STK.

The circuit board screws neatly onto the STK using existing blind-tapped holes. It’s intended as a semi-permanent fit, secured with screws (and optionally glue or sealant). The contact points can be rinsed with fresh water when needed to keep them clean.

To charge, simply place the STK into the cradle. The brass contacts connect automatically, drawing power from the attached USB cable (standard USB plug, works with any 5V USB charger).

The stand can be angled by bending the prongs, and it’s easy to customise the setup—mount the cradle on a surface or use Velcro tabs to secure the tablet when at sea.

This is a straightforward, reliable charging solution: keep the STK in the cradle at the chart table, remove it for pilotage, then drop it back in to recharge.