DIY Solar USB Charger - Altoids

Step 7: Prepare the Charger

So the charging circuit I use also has a couple of LEDs on it.  These in no way effect the USB charging and in fact are annoying.  I remove them because they're useless and a waste of power.  This is why I'm cutting them off in the pictures below.

You should NOT start cutting things away unless you know what you're doing.  Seriously Ben, I know you're reading this.  Stop cutting now.  This is how you lost a finger.

Anyways, if you've bought a cheap charger to use you have to take it out of it's plastic, and disconnect any random wires or battery packs. 

What you should be mindful of is where power connects to your board.  Mine has a nice little + and - sign to guide me.  You need figure this out on your own depending on your situation.

Lastly, and most importantly, you should watch out for any switches.  For instance mine has a little switch on the side to go from "Light" to "Off" to "USB."  I just keep mine set to "USB" as we don't lose any power unless something is plugged in.

Comments

[4lifenerdfighter]

I would also like a schematic. It looks simple enough to cobble together.

[JoshuaZimmerman]

Quite simple.

[4lifenerdfighter]

So give it to us!

[NeMewSys]

Hi, could you show us the schematic of your DC to USB converter?
This one: http://www.browndoggadgets.com/store/circuits/usb-charging-circuit/#!prettyPhoto[494]/0/