MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0 | Make:

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By ladyada
Time Required: 45 Minutes to 1 Hour

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MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0

Safely and effectively charge your USB-powered devices when you are away from your computer with this handy charger!

Please note: There have been reports that the Minty Boost has issues charging the iPhone 3GS.

December 18, 2012, 10:45 pm PST

Parts
/
Tools

Parts

10uH power inductor, at least 1A current capability, RLB9012-10 (1)
1N5818 (or 1N5817, etc) Schottky Diode (1)
USB type A female jack (1)
2 x AA battery holder (1)
Circuit board (1)
1/8W 1% 49.9K resistor Yellow White White Red Brown (2)
1/8W 1% 75K resistor Violet Green Black Red Brown (2)
8-Pin IC Socket (1)
5V boost converter, LT1302CN8-5 (1)
Power supply capacitor 220uF/6.3V+ (2)
Bypass capacitor (0.1uF) (2)
1/8W 5% 3.3K resistor Orange Orange Red Gold (1)
MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0 (1)

Tools

Desoldering tool (optional) if you're prone to incorrectly soldering parts
Flush diagonal cutters for cutting leads close to the PCB
Multimeter, or oscilloscope, (optional) to check voltages and continuity
Solder, rosin core, 60/40 Use good quality solder; bad solder causes bridging and cold solder joints. Get at least a 1/2-pound spool so you won't run out.
Soldering iron, with temperature control One with a stand is best. Don't use a "ColdHeat" soldering iron, they're not suitable for delicate electronics work and can damage the kit.
Third-hand tool, with magnifying glass, (optional) makes things go much much faster
Tinsnips

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Steps

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Step #1: Gather your Materials

MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0

MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0

MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0

Check to make sure you have all of the necessary components to build version 3.0 of the Minty Boost.
Heat up your soldering iron and wet your sponge, and get ready to start!

Conclusion

Adafruit has also documented the process of designing this kit, in case other people interested in designing and making kits are interested in learning how to start selling their own kits!

ladyada

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4 Responses to MintyBoost USB Charger Kit v3.0

sam on May 12th, 2013 at 5:02 pm said:

i want to attach a solar panel to the top of the can but what would i have to do to make the battery case to a rechargeable battery case that still works as a ipod charger
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein on July 14th, 2013 at 8:08 pm said:

I bought the kit at radio shack. Beware that some of the parts look different. It is hard to unsolder and resolder, but I did it. The voltages checked out, even the pins inside the USB connection but then it would NOT charge my or my wife’s iphone. My computer did not like me sticking a common volt meter in the USB port but the voltages are the same as what is stated here and that USB connector will charge the iphones. I know the iphone cords are good. All I can figure is that this is an out of spec USB connector with the kit.
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quantumrider on July 24th, 2019 at 12:21 pm said:

Could this kit be modified to provide 16v on USB port? I need that to power a motor, will be sure to place huge sticker on case “NOT USB CHARGER!”

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