MintyBoost! - Small battery-powered USB charger

Step 20 Test: Make sure it works

Now that it's built, its smart to do some minor tests to verify it's working properly. You'll need a multimeter with continuity test and voltage measuring capabilities, which every multimeter has. Read the manual to verify how to get into the modes you want.

Comments

[Reboot]

Spoke, it's quite obvious, and not just in the USA, but in the rest of this physic universe, since NI-CD REDOX reaction gives you around 1'25 V ;)

[Spokehedz]

Most rechargeables sold in the USA do not output 1.5v like AA batteries do. They typically output 1.25v which is why the battery industry allows them to remain in business. Otherwise, there would be no market for throwaway batteries. Why buy batteries that you can only use once, when ones that are only 1.5x the cost that will last a year or more? Just keep this in mind when your testing your battery connection.

2xRechargables = 2.5v
2xAlkaline = 3v

This project won't notice (in fact, it will be better--as the rechargeables are way more cost effective for recharging your rechargeable devices) but some that require more strict voltages will act wonky at best, or none at all at worst.

Also, make sure your getting the most mAh out of your rechargeables. 2000mAh are about as low as I'd like to go. The more mAh, the longer the batteries will last.