Modernize a Kindle and Lots of Other Devices to Use Wireless Charging Tech.

This project intends to be a base guide to convert a lot of old and new devices to be charged wirelessly.

It took me around 15 min to complete, so I don't intend to make it too long.

Wireless induction charging has had a new life since the widespread of the “MagSafe” compliant accessories, even though said tech is somewhat ancient tech.

Recently I lost two newer Kindle models (10th gen), one got stolen, and the other with a broken screen. Having tried to repair the latter without success, being an almost not repairable device, had to look out for my old Kindle 3.

Loved the fact that said device is really easy to replace some inner parts, like the screen.

This gave me the idea of modernizing somewhat my beloved Kindle 3 using some spare items that I had lying around.

Let's add wireless charging functionality to the Kindle 3, which will be able to use some MagSafe-compliant items.

Bear in mind that the following could easily apply to a lot of other different gadgets.

Supplies

The list of materials is really simple, just a wireless charging adapter (any will do the trick for low-consumption devices), and a spare metallic ring from a Mag-Safe charger that might be worth buying if your charger came without one.

I got my items from AliExpress for less than 3USD long ago, but I will leave some links (not the cheapest, you will have to find some different options on sale):

Wireless charging pad adapter. ---- https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005006046070670.html
Wireless charger (comes with metallic ring) ---- https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005005989806292.html

For the tools:

Solder iron (fine tip).
Tin solder, some flux.
Like 10 cm of spare cable.

That's it!

Step 1:

First, let's remove the plastic cover from the pad, please be careful to not bend or tear any of the internals.

The coil will have a metallic squared pad attached to it (in my case it's the yellow one), be careful to not bend or tear it. The pad functions as the metallic core of the inductor and without it, it would charge poorly or not charge anything at all.

Step 2:

Once that the pad has been stripped down from the useless plastic cover, check that it works, it should give a 5-volt output.

Secondly, using the multimeter, check which side is positive 5v. I got mine marked with red color.

Lastly, desolder the tail that comes with the USB connector, it won't be used, so save it for future projects. This is why I said that it didn't matter which version you needed to buy.

Step 3:

The tricky part comes now.

Dissasemble the device, in my case the Kindle 3.
Connect the device to the usual charging port.
Carefully, using the multimeter, check the pins that give positive 5V. Use the port connector as reference GND.

In my case, the pin marked as "1" was the 5V input, so I will use that pin to solder my Positive and the GND will be soldered to some easy access

Step 4:

Solder the cables to the charging pad respective pins.
Use some tape (I know it's not ideal, but it was what I had) to electrically isolate it from any metallic surfaces.
Choose a proper location and fix it there (some more tape).