How to Make Lipo Battery USB Charger/Adapter for Phone, IPod, MP3, Etc.

In this instructable video, I show you how to make a device that uses a LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery to output USB power.  You can use this device for charging/running any USB devices, e.g. cell phones, MP3 players, iPhones, iPods, fans, lights, etc.  This assumes you have the USB cable for your device already.  This solution uses a 5 volt UBEC to convert the power from your LiPo to the right voltage used by USB.

Materials Required:
-LiPo battery (2 cell minimum, more cells are OK)
-male and female connectors for battery
-5 Volt UBEC
-female servo lead
-USB type A female connector

Tools Required:
-wire strippers
-multimeter or volt-ohm meter
-soldering iron or gun (optional)
-solder and heat shrink (optional)

Purchase options:  If you can't find the materials, check out some of the following.
-LiPo batteries: 
  o 2-cell 350mAh with JST female connector: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__20654__ZIPPY_Flightmax_350mAh_2S_20C_USA_Warehouse_.html
  o 2-cell 1000mAh with JST female connector: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16772__Zippy_Flightmax_1000mAh_2S1P_15C_USA_Warehouse_.html
-male battery connector:
  o JST:  http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9682
  o Deans:  http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11961
  o XT-60:  http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10414
-5 volt UBEC:  http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14310__HobbyKing_UBEC_3A_2_6s_LiPO.html
-Female servo lead:  http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=21757
-USB type A female connector:  http://www.amazon.com/Extension-Cable-Type-Female-Black/dp/B00182CIB8

Comments

[gkprashu]

can i use 20Amps ESC with linear output in place of the UBEC for my charger.......

[merryman]

3 Amps is the maximum output, so if your USB only draws up to 2 Amps, the BEC will support it.

[gadgetmakerx]

Hello There,

I've notice that the link for the 5 volt UBEC from hobbyking output at 5 Volt @ 3 amps. Isn't 3 amps a little too much for usb ? Usb amps are usally 1/2, 1, and 2 amps. I could be wrong but I love your post.