Introduction: USB Charge Cable Hack
Charge a USB device via USB without the need for data transfer.
In the case of my Sansus e280, it allows me to play music as it charges.
This effectively covers the two data leads on any USB cable.
Step 1: Gather Items
- Mp3 Player or Device of concern
- Notepad paper, slightly thicker than regular paper, but thinner than cardstock.
- USB Cable
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil (if you really need it)
- Template (In centimeters)
Step 2: Create
Draw the template on your notepad paper, and cut it out carefully.
Try not to accidentally cut off the small part like I did twice.
Step 3: Install
Fold the skinny part over leaving about 2 mm width for lower part of the plug. Insert into plug all the way, and fold the larger part around the flashing.
You can then plug it in and see if it fits. You may need to trim a bit of the paper off depending on your measurements.
It will stay in the USB slot if you do not pull the paper and the plug together.
Step 4: Complete
There we go, your USB cable has been hacked!
The uses for this may be endless. I hope you find a use for this.
PS. I am not responsible for starting a fire, overheating, breaking, frying, or otherwise damaging your device. (I don't see how it could anyway)

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31 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
I like easy solutions for common problems that are so obvious you never even bother to try solving them. I will do this with my iPhone that keeps asking me if I trust my computer every time I charge. Thanks mate!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I turned out to not work on iPhones and probably a problem for other smartphones as well. iPhone uses the data pins to determine what type of charger it is and how fast to charge. It reads the resistance value.
11 years ago on Introduction
My dad built a box for this. It's basically just a usb extension cable that has a switch for the data connection. You just flip the switch and it connects the data connection again.
11 years ago on Introduction
I also tried this on a car head unit that has a usb and does not support charging and it started charging my phone
11 years ago on Introduction
that is weird... the harmony 700 will not charge on a pc no matter what you do... and this cable mod will charge everything I have and sever the data link but the harmony does nothing
11 years ago on Introduction
This is a great tip for ANY USB device that you want to charge, but not "connect" to your system (Windows/Linux/Apple). I got sick of my phone trying to connect and install drivers when connected to my work laptop, when all I wanted was some USB juice to charge it. Paper template blocking pins 2 and 3 did it!! Nice tip, sbrown!
11 years ago on Introduction
nice! 10th! sansa connect
12 years ago on Introduction
you could just push select while you connect your sansa to your pc
14 years ago on Introduction
Yay!!! Let's start a Sansa group.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Ill second that
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
i'll third that!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
forth called it =)
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
man I got fifth :p
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Sixth. Sixth. Sixth.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
7.. i seventh.. 007
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I'm always friggin eighth
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
darn i'm 9th
13 years ago on Introduction
I'm a zune user, so this doesn't concern me. But, this is a great 'ible. I'll pass it onto my brother; be loves his e280; anything but ipod. Woot!
13 years ago on Introduction
Sansa Rulez! whoop whoop
13 years ago on Introduction
We should start a sansa group yayayaya