this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2025
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Hey, I just bought a cool old piece of tech, and it needs a cable with that old fat USB connection they used to have. I dug in my box of old cable and found several, of different lengths.
I also keep a box of old AC adaptors, and when I get some old electro-box thingy, I can almost always find an adapter for it.
Everybody makes fun of the tech hoarder, until he saves the day. Then they go back to making fun of him again.
You can get USB cables that output selectable voltages from about 1v-20v to a barrel jack. I just make sure the power requirements are labeled on the device and get rid of the bulky wall adapter. I have to keep a few weirdos like the N64 power supply, but I was able to free up a significant parcel of closet space.
So you are saying that there are USB cables that can replace an AC adaptor? So I can run an older unit off my computer using a special USB cable? Or in my car?
This is interesting, I'll have to look into this.
I'm also wondering if there is a way to replace the power supply within a gadget, to convert it from say, 2 AA batteries, to being rechargeable with USB. Could you collect the little rechargeable "beans" from old headsets and such, string them together, and wire them in? Or maybe hook up a small portable rechargeable phone bank. Is it possible to wire in something like that?
In case it isn't apparent, I know nothing about electronics.
I am saying that. Just checked one that I have and it appears to be capable of supplying up to 60w. Give it a try before getting rid of any official adapter. Make sure the polarity is correct (most things besides music gear are centre positive).
I am not sure what you mean by beans. But I have shoved some alligator clips into a battery compartment in a pinch. Two AA batteries in series are 3v so that is the voltage you would supply for that. Doesn’t come up much because I have quite a few rechargeable batteries around. I did recently find my old Tamagotchi and have been considering putting it on display somewhere after Frankensteining a power supply for it.
By beans, I mean those little batteries that you find when you dismantle old headphones and such. They don't look like batteries, just little blobs.
I am wondering if you are talking about capacitors. Like this?
No, not those. I've taken apart small electronics like headphones, and found what I thought were the "batteries," but maybe they weren't. I can't find any photos of what I am thinking of.
I can only conclude that I don't have a clue what I am talking about. Please ignore.