USB Passthrough users: cheap AC adapter in local stores . . .

[nash076]

If you have trouble with your computer complaining about your USB passthrough (i.e., drawing too much power, or in my case just flat out rebooting spontaneously), there's a cheap AC adapter available you can make use of without having to worry about shipping costs or waiting to get it:

Search for the Kodak USB AC adapter, model 8695611. It doesn't list the output specs on any site, but I have one sitting in my hands and it reads as 5v, 1000ma . . . i.e., perfect for your USB passthrough. It's only $10-$11 at Best buy and Staples, but if you get one get it soon; it's been discontinued. Best bit is, the wall plug bit detaches, and you can plug in a longer cable which is exactly the same as the cable that comes with your battery charger. It'll work with anything that charges with a USB cable.

I know some people might be able to find these cheaper, but I just wanted to pass this along if you wanted an AC adapter that was relatively cheap and still readily available in a nearby store.

Nash

 

[Majestic]

Another source for power with USB Pass Throughs are the those little brick transformers you have on your various electronic gadgets. I usually save them when the device like an answering machine dies and put them in a box in the basement for future projects. When I started my e-cig modding, I found a 5 volt 1600ma transformer on which I installed a USB female connector. Now I can vape in the rest of the house or garage away from the computer and it nicely powers both my OEM and home build USB Pass Throughs.

 

[lorraineg57]

Another source for power with USB Pass Throughs are the those little brick transformers you have on your various electronic gadgets. I usually save them when the device like an answering machine dies and put them in a box in the basement for future projects. When I started my e-cig modding, I found a 5 volt 1600ma transformer on which I installed a USB female connector. Now I can vape in the rest of the house or garage away from the computer and it nicely powers both my OEM and home build USB Pass Throughs.

Could you elaborate on this? I, like you, save the transformers, I must have 20 of them lying around, maybe one would have the right specs...

 

[Kewtsquirrel]

You're looking for one that is putting out 5v and around 1amp. (1000 mA)

If the amperage is a bit higher you'll be fine, but the voltage needs to stay under 6v.

 

[aldo]

Or if you can wait (from China) at half the price

DealExtreme: $5.24 For iPod Original-Style 2nd-Generation 1A USB Charger
DealExtreme: $6.02 USB Power Brick Adapter for iPod and USB Gadgets (5V 1000mA White)
DealExtreme: $4.89 USB For iPod Style Power Adapter
DealExtreme: $4.30 1000mA USB AC Adapter (European)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19242

I have the last 3 and they work just fine

 

[Majestic]

Could you elaborate on this? I, like you, save the transformers, I must have 20 of them lying around, maybe one would have the right specs...

Look over your pile of transformers carefully. Listed on them will be the output voltage and amperage. Something in the 4.5 to 5v range should work fine as long as they put out at least a 1000 mA.

As for the wiring, usually the wires coming out of the transformer will be black and the positive wire will have a white trace marking on it like a white stripe. Otherwise use a voltmeter to check polarity and to verify the voltage output. If you connect the transformer to a USB connector then you will only need to use the red and black wires in the USB cable. Red is positive. Black negative.

The reason I used the USB connectors is for variety. I can plug in my factory made Pass Through as well as my home made verson. In one of my vehicles I use a $3 USB cigarette lighter power source that I can plug my Pass Throughs in while I'm on the road. For my other vehicle, it has a AC power source so I use the brick transformer. USB gives the e-cig plug & play versatility.


Have fun with the mod!

 

[radsmachine]

I found a 6 v 1 amp transformer. Can I solder it up to a usb pass-through and vape away?

 

[Majestic]

I found a 6 v 1 amp transformer. Can I solder it up to a usb pass-through and vape away?

Yes you can, but the 6 volts might cause premature atomizer failures. I just back down my homemade Pass Through from 5.2 volts to 4.6. The reasoning for doing so was unexplained atomizer failures where they just went cold. One atty had lasted a week and the second for 24 hours. Since the change, I was able to get 12 days out of the last atty before it died.

To reduce the voltage, I used a 1N4001 Diode from Radio Shack wired in series with the positive wire. I also incorporated the diode with a toggle switch so I could run the pass through at dual voltage of 5.2 or 4.6. The diodes come 2 to a pack for 99 cents. In your case you could use two diodes in series for a voltage drop of roughly 1.2 volts. Someone may come along with a better way, but that's what I would do. Click here for the diodes I am referring to.

 

[echoblack]

I don't understand? I can see why you would make one if you have the stuff around the house. If your going to buy something why not just by a AC/USB adapter and then just plug you USB pass-though in it?

Well I guess it is just more fun to solder stuff

 

[billyboy689]

thanks for those links aldo , i never really knew they were out there
i was sent one of these items that came from dealextreme

USB 5.0V to 6.0V Voltage Step Up Dongle
DealExtreme: $2.55 USB 5.0V to 6.0V Voltage Step Up Dongle

but it didnt seem to kick out enough amperage to power my usb twin atomiser 801 mod which is a power hungry beasty
while it definitely pumped out 6.13v it actually performed worse than my computers standard usb output or an independant usb powerpack
i will definitely try a couple of those items you have linked to and see what they can do

 

[Majestic]

I don't understand? I can see why you would make one if you have the stuff around the house. If your going to buy something why not just by a AC/USB adapter and then just plug you USB pass-though in it?

Well I guess it is just more fun to solder stuff

In my situation, if I went out and brought a AC/USB adapter I would still be running to Radio Shack to buy a toggle switch and diode to reduce the voltage down from 5 volts.

Besides building and modding is half the fun.