Introduction: 4-AA USB Charger for Cellphones & MP3 Players
Mabuhay! This instructable is a simple, portable and easy to use device. It is portable because I want my stuffs to be "on the go" anytime and anywhere -- especially during long travel and blackouts. It is a charger made for any kind of device or gadget that re-charges using USB charger like Apple iPod and Motorola and other phones. I don't have great knowledge in electronics so I made one without using capacitors, resistors and etc. Hope you like it.
Step 1: Materials Needed
Check out the photos.
The USB receptacle I used came from our broken CPU.
Step 2: Create a Housing/casing
I used 1.5mm and 3mm white sintra board. My original concept was to use an empty small ice cream container. I use sintra board to make it simple and look Apple-ish product, LOL. There was no specific plan on the dimensions, I just make sure that the battery holder, switch, USB (female) and all internal parts will fit inside.
For wire (USB) connections click this link:http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8A/PSZO/FZHLAGM3/F8APSZOFZHLAGM3.MEDIUM.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.instructables.com/answers/how-can-you-know-which-wire-on-a-USB-cable-is-eith/&usg=__I_cXDsyoU-Ngo5ZQXiT1ing95Y4=&h=321&w=493&sz=15&hl=fil&start=24&zoom=1&tbnid=ZeJBtcdkayGJEM:&tbnh=168&tbnw=255&ei=dk02Tb-4JIb0cafA9LYB&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dusb%2Bwiring%2Bpositive%2Bnegative%2Bground%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dfil%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D653%26tbs%3Disch:10,1315&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=468&oei=JUw2TeSPGJCurAfVtPDdAg&esq=16&page=3&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:24&tx=90&ty=102&biw=1024&bih=653
See pictures for details.
Step 3: Test It
Check if it is connected properly and gives out as much as possible 5V, enough to charge cellphones and mp3 players.
I used 4 pcs. 1.2 V rechargeable batteries, for a total of 4.8V
See photos.
Step 4: Create Cover
Made of 1.5mm and 3mm sintra board.
See photos for details.
7 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
would you mind sending me the circuit diagram.
rameezkoya007@gmail.com
11 years ago on Introduction
Hi! nice hardware work, but dont think it will be reliable as when the batteries start to discharge they will reach 1.1 volts giving a total of 4.4 volts which is below usb standard voltage.. My recommendation is to use 5 rechargeable batteries with 5Volt low drop out regulator that can regulate at 5.5 volts input (5.5/5 = 1.1Volt/cell)
Also 1.2v rechargeable batteries are charged at 1.4 volts per cell, which gives 5.6 volts for 4 cells which is above the USB standard.
Hope the above adds value to your design.
Keep the Good Work coming ;)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hi thanks to all your comments!
I'm not really good at electronics, i just try it out with 4 batteries.
Your suggestion is noted and I'm considering it when I "edit" my ible in the future..
Kinda busy with my studies now. :D
Thanks again!
11 years ago on Introduction
I made one also out of a Lego battery thing for a robot lego monkey.
it used 6 AA batteries at first, but then I soldered a few wires and a diode and a switch (to change the current flow in case the voltage goes too high). and i just tested it out as I am testing this and it works!!!
12 years ago on Introduction
I tried this with my ipod touch 2nd generation and...
Nothing Happened!
I heard somewhere that you need to put resistance to the data pins or something?
I don't understand
12 years ago on Introduction
Cool! What an awesome idea!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
thanks! =)