February 28th, 2010
A Mini D-I-Y Project
I used to make and modify things. It is a fun hobby. Hadn’t done anything like it in a long while, so my soldering set has been collecting dust and has suffered much neglect. As some of you know, I watch quite a bit of videos on YouTube. I came across this fella who goes by the name Kipkay. Kipkay does very good instructional videos on how to make/modify things.
I decided to whip out my soldering set and journey down the D-I-Y road again. What am I making? A USB Phone Charger so that I can charge my mobile via any USB port.
I watched this instructional video by Kipkay several times before starting the project. When it comes to electronics or electrical stuff, one can never be too sure so its better to watch the video at least twice. I scavenged as many of the parts in my home but some I had to buy. Here’s the list of ‘ingredients’ and equipment that I used for this mini project
- Shrink-tube (RM1.70 for 1 meter)
USB cable (from my old dead mouse).- Nokia phone adapter (had to buy this coz no one would give me an old one
) RM8/set 
Soldering set- Electrical tape.
- General tools (pliers, wire stripper, scissors)
TIP: If you don’t own a vice or crocodile clips, just use 2 pieces of electrical tape to mount the wires to the the surface so that you can solder easily.
Final product is this! And it works too! 
It only took about 10 minutes to do so give it a try yourselves!
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Q&A
Q:1 Why not just buy one?
A1: Where’s the fun in that when I am able to make it. Plus it costs less than RM10. The mouse was F-O-C
Q2: Why make it a USB Charger?
A2: I can use it wherever there’s a USB port i.e. laptop/PC, in my car, on planes, etc. Plus its lighter than a proper charger.
Q3: Is it possible to make one for other phone types?
A3: I’m sure its possible.
Q4: Why bother soldering the wires together? Can’t I just twist them together?
A4: It can come undone easily. Soldering ensures the joint remains solid and strong. Solder also helps conductivity.