Simple USB Altoids AA Charger!

Today I am going to show you guys how to build a 4x AA charger that works very well on any USB device. I have noticed that it can charge as fast as a wall charger, maybe even faster!
This tutorial is perfect to do if you are a beginner and want to learn how to solder!

Step 1: Parts

Here is what you will need, I have included the radio shack part numbers for some parts.

- 4 x AA Battery Holder #: 270-391 ($1)

- 1.2V/2000mAh AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries #: 23-525 ($20)
You need 4 of these, the part number is for only a 2 pack, you can find them cheaper like $4 for two sometimes.

- AA battery charger ( there are many kinds at radioshack and elsewhere)

- Soldering iron #: 64-2051 ($8)

-USB extension cable http://tinyurl.com/l78l5n ($1)

That's all, lets get started!

Comments

[OzzyManson]

how can i get this to work with my itouch? i see a comment talking about connecting something in the female usb port, but can anybody give more detailed info please?

[mph121]

instead of getting the a male to a female or whatever if you get the a male to a male(http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030303&p_id=8609&seq=1&format=2) you can use the other end to build another one.

[jamerperson]

It would have to be a female to female. not a male to male. The part that you put inside the altoid tin needs to be the receiving end of the usb cable.

[smeezekitty]

It would work (new batteries start a 1.6v) but not very long.

[8888tx]

I've got a slight problem. The as soon as I touch the wires to the batteries it turns whatever im using off,

[Andy-K]

 Would this work better if you put a 4.8v regulator in it. Between the USB cable and the battery holder. Since my 4 NiMH Batteries are equaling 4.8 volts (4*1.2v) I think this would be safer. Im not sure if Im correct though, Im kind of new to electronics.

[dabomb1022]

 yes it would

[knektek]

I can guarantee you that this will not fry ur ipod. as this charger will only output 4.8v. if you want to you can put a 5v regulator in and + and - got to the 2 side pins and a switch will go to the middle and + or - for a switch.

[Adum24]

Can u gurantee this wont fry my ipod?

[Brad79]

Send power down the data ports the middle ones on the usb . But with these batterys i cant see it charging it for long . The batterys will drain.

[pancho del rancho]

can we just use normal batterys

[dabomb1022]

No, the voltage is too high

[pancho del rancho]

okay im not sure but i got 4.8 so 3 AA wouldnt that be 4.5 and a usb isnt it 5 volts so why wouldnt it work

[denry12]

You should at least put a diode there.

[dabomb1022]

why? rechargeables equal 5 volts

[denry12]

What if somebody puts in half-discharged batteries that have >5V? 5V won't charge them up fully anyways.

[Wiggin]

Is this safe for expensive cell phone equipment? I looks really cool and easy. Almost too cool and easy to be safe ;-)

[Padlock]

It isn't regulated; with alkaline or lithium ultra batteries it would be 6 volts or lower, with NiMh it would be around 4.8. Defiantly not! I would only use this for simple, hard to break stuff. (Say a keyboard light, or fan.)

[dabomb1022]

Wow, you need to buy ni-mh and it is right around 5v which is safe

[Padlock]

NiMh batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts. 1.2 times 4 = 4.8. But, as NiMh batteries are used, their voltage decreases. That means it's all a guessing game... low voltage can mess up IC's, voltage transducers, and the like. So, it is NOT safe. If this had a step-up and regulator, it would be much, much more safe. The only thing I would trust with this is non-voltage dependent objects (like a keyboard light or fan) and defiantly NOT expensive cell phone equipment.

[dabomb1022]

Ya but for some reason mine are always around 5.3 volts

[Padlock]

I'm guessing that you have the "Ultra" type batteries, which have been specifically engineered to provide power more congruent to that of a AA. I'm just here to point out that it isn't safe for everything, and in fact could be quite destructive on some technologies.

[dabomb1022]

It is safe, 4 AA rechargeables equal 5 volts to make sure test it with a multimeter

[superken67]

I have built a usb charger based on these instructions. I have tried it with both 4 AA and 4 AAAA batteries, but the outcome has been the same. When I connect it to my iPod or Zune, nothing happens. However, when I connect it to a flash drive, the light turns on, so the circuit works but something else is wrong. Do you have any ideas on what I can do? (P.S. it is set up in a series circuit, not parallel). Thanks.

[axeman911]

What you want to do is connect the middle to pins of the Female usb together, this tricks the ipod into thinking that it is a legite apple charger.

[dabomb1022]

It's because apple is dumb and wants you to buy their chargers, you can bypass it by searching around for a tutorial. And I guess zunes are the same

[Unclefisty]

I've connected both a Zune and iPod to non OEM chargers and they worked, I have a generic 12v car socket usb charger that works with both.

[coolsciencetech]

cool and simple. might try this...