instructables.com — This project details a small & simple, but very powerful USB charger for your mp3 player, camera, cell phone, and any other gadget you can plug into a USB port to charge!.The charger circuitry and 2 AA batteries fit into an Altoids gum tin, and will run your iPod for hours: 2.5x more than you'd get from a 9V USB charger!.
May 31, 2006 View in Crawl 4
harri2097May 31, 2006
How long has it been the standard to mod things into Altoids tins? Won't it get confusing after a while when all your home-made gadgets look the same? Cool mod though.
Closed AccountMay 31, 2006
Why would you want to charge via USB? Straight A/C (ie. from your gets you a longer-lasting charge. USB is poor quality when it comes to charging a battery. And, USB + D/C power = Totally useless.Then again, if you're on the road, and absolutely have no other method of charging your oh-so-precious iPod, I'm sure something like this could suffice.
briguymaineMay 31, 2006
items like this are perfect for long international flights and the layovers in between. I have no skills so these types of projects are out for me. TuneJuice is my friend.
cardsMay 31, 2006
On an airplane.
webcesterMay 31, 2006
A lot of good an outlet is going to do for someone who always charges their iPod on their computer. Also, iPod chargers aren't included in the package anymore, and they're much too expensive.
auhsorMay 31, 2006
^ She.Anyways. This is an awesome guide with alot of photos. I didn't notice it at first, but you can hover over the rectangles on the pics and it shows comments. I was into electronics when I was younger and would like to get back into it one day and it's guides like this that push me back to doing that.
astrotrainMay 31, 2006
If you got a standard mp3 that uses AAA or AA batteries you would not need this now would you?Standard MP3 player runs down, just replace with new AAA or AA batteries. ;)
nichumMay 31, 2006
There is already such a thing at <a class="user" href="http://boxwave.com/products/batteryadapter/index.htm">http://boxwave.com/products/batteryadapter/index.htm</a>Made by BoxWave.Features: - Uses just 4 standard AA batteries to power your device - Provides up to 5 full recharging cycles for your device - Have the power you need to charge your device in any scenario Technical Specifications:Batteries Required: 4 AA alkaline batteries (batteries not included)Charging Capacity: Up to 5 full recharging cyclesSize: Approx. 4.9" H x 1.59" W x .75" D (124.5mm x 40mm x 19mm)Weight: 1.8 oz
ladyadaMay 31, 2006
store has been updated, you can buy a tin of gum along with the kit :)
worfeusMar 5, 2009
Dude...AC HAS to be transformed into DC to charge ANY battery through USB (5V)