Friday, December 2, 2011

Battery Powered USB Charger

Intro:
This guide will walk you through building a battery powered charger for any device that charges via a standard USB connection, for example cell phones, iPods, etc.

Parts Needed:
1. 9V Battery
2. +5V (.7285) Fixed Voltage Regulator
3. Project Case (4x2x1")
4. USB Male A to Female A Cable
5. 22-Gauge Hookup wire
6. 60/40 Rosin Core Solder
7. 9V Battery Snap
8. 9V Battery Clip
All Items can be found at RadioShack

Necessary Tools:
1. Glue
2. Soldering Iron (with a fine point)
3. Soldering Iron Stand
4. Dremel Rotary Tool (with appropriate cutting disc)
5. Wire Strippers
6. Wire Cutter
7. Forceps
8. Safety Glasses
9. Screwdriver (Phillips)

And now, a few safety precautions:
1. Wear safety goggles while operating Dremel, pieces of plastic or dremel disc may hit your eyes
2. Choose a well-ventilated space to work, as fumes from soldering are hazardous to your health
3. Do not touch metal parts of the soldering iron while working, it will be very hot
4. Place the soldering iron securely on a stand, do not touch your table, clothing, countertops, or other things you do not want burnt or melted with the tip.
5. Do not touch the voltage regulator, it operates at near 150 C (302 F), it will burn you if you touch it.

Total Cost: about Rs.100/-(approx)

Time to Complete: approximately an hour