Introduction: Add a USB Port to Your Clock Radio

About: I have an associates degree in electronics engineering, But Im going to go for my Bach, and then my Masters. Currently thinking of going for a Mech. Engineering Degree too.
Well I got this idea pretty much out of nothing. I sometimes use my phone while on my bed, and the Cord is a tad too short, or rather the plug is too far away. You could argue "Get a longer cord" But wheres the fun in that! So I looked over at my clock and thought "its missing something"

A USB port is what it was missing. This is all pretty simple stuff. Get a clock radio, get a USB charger and figure out how to make it fit. Simple Right? The only downside is I had to remove the tuner that tunes the radio, not that I use it anyway.  I put the USB charger in where the backup battery belongs. Nice little storage compartment.

*obligitory warning* Im not responsible if you get shocked, or you do something wrong and something bad happens.*

Step 1: Obtain a Clock Radio and a USB Charger

You Have to have these already. I found a USB charger at walmart for $5 bucks, took it apart and had a look at the insides. Its your basic Flyback SMPS thats everywhere.  Not much to do here other than Look at the insides. It also Helps if you start taking apart the Clock Too to see what kind of room you have to deal with.

Your Situation will be Different depending on what model you have.

Step 2: Make Room, and Solder

I had to file down the edges where the battery backup goes to make it fit. It fit quite snugly once I soldered in some wires and pretty much supported itself. I probably should use glue of some kind. As for soldering, I just piggy backed off the main lines on to the input of the USB charger with some Wire. Not the thin stuff, I used wire from a Old PSU.

I also had to remove the capacitor and reposition it to fit. Not a huge job but just make sure to observe polarity if you do :)

Step 3: Reassemble and Turn On

Just make sure nothing explodes, and you have the wires connected properly. Theres really not much too this. Takes a hr worth of work or less.