USB hack?
 

Can I hack a standard USB A-Mini B cable and put a cigarette lighter end on it rather than shell out a tenner or so for a TomTom charger?

I want to make a shorter (40cm or so) cable.

Re: USB hack?
 

Presumeably the tomtom needs +5v from standard USB, stock ciggy lighter will be 12v (more likely 13>14v).

Fried tomtom?

Re: USB hack?
 

Check your local pound shops some were selling cigar lighter usb power plugs (cant remember how much they were though???)
If you cant find one will this do
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/usb-car-c...pter-p2822.htm

Re: USB hack?
 

I'm going to link to a picture, and if you don't understand the picture, save yourself the time & money by paying for a proper TomTom charger.

Not understanding this picture, when you try to make your own charger, will either cost you more than £10 in parts (if you don't have them laying around like I do), or like YC says, you'll fry the TomTom because you'll be giving it too much voltage.

This is overkill... and it's also not for your use, but it will give you all the information you need...

http://www.elecfree.com/electronic/w...by-mc34063.jpg


Before you ask me to make the cable, I will. Just pay me £15. No? Didn't think so. :lol: There's a reason the mass produced units are £10, mass production saves on costs...

Re: USB hack?
 

A standard car cig lighter/USB adapter costs a few quid and does exactly the same thing. One example here http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/usb-car-c...FYYU4wodIBm9jg

but loads available.

Re: USB hack?
 

I think its BP petrol stations that are selling a kit that consists of the USB cigarette adapter and a bunch of adapters for that to charge most makes of mobile phone at the moment.

I think it was £6 they were looking for it.

Re: USB hack?
 

Brilliant.

Thanks