Cheap 5 volt power adapter

Every want to make a portable Pi and all you have is a 12 volt battery? Or have you made a project using a LCD with a 12 volt battery and another then another 5 volt battery for the Raspberry Pi? This instructable will show you how to turn a cheap car 12 volt USB charger into an adapter that can use 12 volt batteries to power the Raspberry Pi.Cheap 5 volt power adapter

Step 1: Step 1: Materials

  • USB car charger
  • Female DC connector
  • Scrap wire
  • Heat Shrink

Use an extra USB charger laying around the house or pick one up for a couple dollars, such as this one. The DC plug can be scavenged from an old piece of electronics or purchased cheaply.

Step 2: Step 2: Disasemble the USB charger

Take everything apart and set aside the circuit card.

Step 3: Step 3: Soldering

The positive terminal is the fused center connection. The negative terminals are connected to the USB casing. To avoid confusion, I recommend a red wire for positive and a black wire for negative.

Solder the red or positive wire to the back of the circuit card, where the fuse connects. The black or negative wire may be soldered to one of the USB ground pins.Cheap 5 volt power adapter schematich

Step 4: Step 4: DC connector

If using a DC connector with screw terminal like I did, your almost done. Just place the wire in and screw down the terminals. If you used a DC jack from some scrap, you will more than likely solder the wires on.

Always observe polarity. Normally, the positive voltage rides on the center pin of DC power supplies, but it may be reversed on some. If the polarity is wrong, you will damage the Raspberry Pi. Be careful.

For more detail: Cheap 5 volt power adapter


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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