How to Make a USB iPod Wall Charger

If you use your iPod a lot, you probably have to charge it frequently. While you can purchase a charge cord or hook your iPod up to your computer to charge, another option is to build your own iPod wall charger using an AC/DC adapter and USB port adapter.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Parallell port external zip drive
• USB to PS2 mouse adapter
• Knife
• Electric multimeter
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Wire cutters, diagonal
• Wire strippers

1. Remove DC plug end of AC/DC adapter on the zip drive. Split the DC wires apart by cutting between them on the insulation approximately one inch from the end.

2. Strip each wire about 1/4 inch from the end and twist each wire individually to make tight. Its important that the bare wires don't touch each other.

3. Find out which wire is positive and which is negative by using the multimeter. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage, plug in the AC/DC adapter and test the wires. Be sure to write down the results for later use and unplug the AC/DC adapter.

4. Separate the plastic on the USB adapter, starting at the PS2 end and stopping about 1/2 inch from the USB end. Open up the USB adapter.

5. Take out the epoxy glue and wires inside the USB adapter, leaving the soldering lugs on the back. Cut out the data lugs from the USB plug, which are the middle two lugs.

6. Run the DC wires you stripped through the opening on the PS2 side of the USB adapter. In the USB plug, solder the positive wire to the +5V lug and the negative wire to the ground lug. Fill the void in the USB adapter with epoxy glue and close it up.

7. Make sure your new USB adapter fits the iPod USB port. Then, plug it in and charge your iPod.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow each step exactly. Failing to do so may damage your iPod.
• Don't do any work on the AC/DC adapter while it is plugged in to avoid electrocution or injury.