Usb adapter for Nintendo DS

How to create an usb power adapter for your nintendo ds out of an usb cable & your nintendo ds charger.

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Step 1: Analyzing

I noticed that my ndsl charger supplies almost 6v, so i decided to use a normal usb port to charge my ds, also because my pc can supply 5.1 volts that are perfect for charging it (and also because it is always turned on during the day).

1) Take apart your nds charger.
2) Look inside it & search for the power cord.
3) Using your tester(V), check & write down the position of the tiny cables inside the cord.
4) Close your charger, plug it on an outlet & write down the + & the - on the connector.

donnen says: Sep 2, 2012. 11:31 PM

really good work!!! but i think it's a little complicate than buy a new cable for DS or a charger for DS!!

GASSYPOOTS says: Feb 13, 2012. 3:25 PM

tahts a weard plug...

luig says: Oct 27, 2011. 5:23 PM

hello, i have a friend who supposedly used to have access to a cable that was from the ds charger to something that would connect to a projector (i would assume that it was to VGA) and it would display everything on the screen on to the projector, but it would drain the ds battery life, if any one knows about it plz tell me more, please note it wasn't me who was able to use this cable. and that i have never been able to see it in person. if anyone knows this instructable could help be used to fabricate the cable.

olistr says: Nov 4, 2008. 12:48 PM

they actually sell these. my bro has one.

zack247 in reply to olistrJul 13, 2010. 2:28 PM

why buy when you can make?

m6233555m (author) in reply to zack247Jul 14, 2010. 4:03 AM

Totally agree

olistr in reply to m6233555mNov 10, 2010. 2:15 PM

lol, i do agree too.

rik3098 says: Jul 15, 2009. 1:18 PM

can this also hack the ds???

m6233555m (author) in reply to rik3098Jul 20, 2009. 3:40 AM

Atomman says: May 15, 2009. 2:08 PM

Charge DS from computer... Cool!

Citwi says: Feb 19, 2009. 4:45 PM

nice Instructable. although it would be far simpler to just use a: USB A to 5-pin USB mini-B Cable (I'm certain it's the mini b). it just takes a little wiggling to get it in right but it'll work at least for the ds lite

cyrozap in reply to CitwiApr 1, 2009. 4:24 PM

No, different connectors. It could damage the port.

Citwi in reply to cyrozapApr 4, 2009. 11:02 AM

i've done this for months with no sign of damage

dsman195276 says: Jul 18, 2008. 11:18 AM

hmm, for some reason i am drawn to this... good work! i would try but i only have one charger, if i mess this up i can't use my DS.

CapnTac in reply to dsman195276Aug 4, 2008. 5:47 AM

I got a used DS charger off of Amazon.com for 50cents. (Plus 5 dollars s&h)

cyrozap in reply to CapnTacApr 1, 2009. 4:28 PM

LOL. Shipping more expensive than product.

m6233555m (author) in reply to dsman195276Jul 18, 2008. 11:46 AM

I have only a charger too... just pay attention and don't be in a hurry.

electronic boy says: Aug 12, 2008. 9:07 AM

it works fine UNTIL IT BLOWS YOUR DS BATTERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cyrozap in reply to electronic boyApr 1, 2009. 4:27 PM

It's not gonna. The DS has internal circuitry to prevent that. The adapter just provides +5 Volts. USB power just happens to be 5 Volts, so this will work fine (so long as you don't screw up).

garrett10 says: Mar 14, 2009. 4:21 PM

what is the purpose?

m6233555m (author) in reply to garrett10Mar 15, 2009. 4:49 AM

look at the step 1

awang8 says: Oct 18, 2008. 7:39 PM

I might do it when my AC charger's toast.

jon123321 says: Aug 6, 2008. 12:01 PM

(removed by author or community request)

bluenightweasel in reply to jon123321Aug 7, 2008. 8:49 PM

.......what?! There are all kinds of things wrong with that question.
Answer: No, this is only for charging a Nintendo DS.

jon123321 in reply to bluenightweaselAug 10, 2008. 10:14 AM

(removed by author or community request)

bluenightweasel in reply to jon123321Aug 15, 2008. 4:45 PM

I already explained it, this is only for charging a DS, because it only plugs into the power port of the DS. An r4 or super card plugs into slot 1,to boot software.Also, my first reply came across kind of rude, and that was unintentional.

flylaady in reply to bluenightweaselSep 25, 2008. 7:17 PM

thanks apology accepted I just got the system and dont know much about it thats why I asked the question...If you dont ask...then how will you know? I am quite sure I am not the only one on this site with some off the wall questions!

flylaady says: Sep 22, 2008. 7:02 PM

What is the purpose of this? I mean will I be able to download files from my computer to my ds with out a portable usb card? I would like to know before I tear up my cables...lol

wolf555hound says: Aug 14, 2008. 4:29 PM

lol, i just have a regular ds, and only 1 charger, hehe

RFilyaw says: Aug 5, 2008. 3:06 PM

This is exactly what I did when my AC adapter died on me. I used a USB cable from the dollar tree, spliced the appropriate wires and bam. Easy charge for $1. I later bought a commercial-made one which was pretty much identical except for the quality. The beauty of many electronics these days is that they are all 5ish volts to charge with no modifications, which is the same output of a standard USB port.

childthesecond says: Aug 2, 2008. 8:23 PM

what exactly would you use that for?

m6233555m (author) in reply to childthesecondAug 3, 2008. 3:53 AM

I thought that would be an excellent idea to charge the ds with my pc, also because my pc is turned on most of the time...

Head Wound says: Jul 22, 2008. 2:32 PM

I done the same project (before reading your guide). That is very close to what I did. Only difference is I did not open up my charger. Instead I used the label in the back of the adapter for a guide what wire is what polarity.

plane phanatic says: Jul 19, 2008. 11:08 AM

Nice work. I look forward to trying this with my charger.

tyeo098 says: Jul 18, 2008. 2:38 PM

Heh, I tried to build one of these a while ago, but I got the polarity wrong and ended up frying the usb power chip on my mobo, and if 1 chip dont work, none do. So a 20c chip kept my 1200$ computer from working. Just great. Check your polarities if you try this!