How To: Convert a light from AAA Batteries to USB Battery pack!

Follow along as I convert a AAA battery powered camping light to a rechargeable USB battery pack powered light! Think it'll work?

I bought some of these great little lights at Walmart to run in my Otter Vortex Lodge ice fishing hub & the only thing I don't like is that they get dim after a while. They don't seem to have a lot of longevity with the AAA batteries. Since rechargeable USB battery packs (and most USB power sources) have a 5v output, I figured that's close enough to the 4.5v the AAA batteries put out. I should be able to run the light off the charger without damage...right? 🤔😉

[gd.ritter]

USB cables don't always use the "correct" colors on the inner wires, it's good practice to check with a multimeter to be sure. The fuzzy stuff in there is strain relief, the idea being if the wire gets pulled, those fuzzy strands get tugged instead of the actual inner wires themselves. Voltage being correct is important. Alkaline batteries will have a max voltage when new of 1.65V and are "empty" at around 0.7-0.8V. That means devices that use 3 AA are expecting an operating voltage in the range of 2.1-4.95V and 4 battery devices work with voltages of 2.8-6.6V. So, a USB 5v supply will be fine "as-is" for most 3 or 4 cell devices. There is also the caveat that some devices will rely on the low current capabilities of alkaline cells in place of having current limiting built into the circuit, so the ability of a USB to supply higher current can potentially fry some circuits if you don't also add an appropriate resistor in series. You can measure the current draw with a multimeter using fresh alkaline cells to figure out what max current the device is expecting.

[aminuddinnusa]

Very clear explanation. Succeeded to convert my AA battery-powered doorbell to USB. Thanks for the video! 😁

[FrostElement]

Fantastic, clear video. Most anyone can put wires together, the super key info is discussing voltage and amps when necessary. Thank you so much.

[MatthewMorse]

This was super helpful! I have a little "neon" light that I got for my office from a discount store, but it ran on AA batteries. I was able to find a donor cable and do this and it's working great!

[mikem]

Again, impressed.
Every single old cell phone charger, 110, or 12 volt powers some type of LED around my place.
This is too funny, we’re on the same projects today.
Kuddos. Fantastic info and format. 😊

[brentweigelt]

I'm amazed on our thought processes... I just got a USB/12v Plug adapter for my cordless battery I use with my auger.
Then made adapters for my Vex and Camera. I was watching videos on MR. Heater Big Buddy USB conversion for the fan; and was thinking about a 12v plug for my ice house fan/light combo!!! Awesome Rush!!!

[PureGfx]

Always love Battery or USB Type DIY mods <3

[nancyrosanelli]

OMG! Finally, my questions have been answered! Thank you for this video. 😊

[charlesmurray]

Great little video, Ive always wanted to do something like this with my lights and spare USB cables.

[rmmccarthy]

Nice mod and an enjoyable tutorial. Thank you!

[breezepeaks]

Very useful, thank you for such a simple explaining!

[sunrise_sunshine]

On spot, I am looking for same DIY. Thanks for the education.

[jamesavanzado]

That saved me money from buying another AAA batteries, good tutorial, and keep it up !! Greeetings from philippines 😁😊😊😊😘

[kulyro]

Nice video.thank you.
"Chinese" tip, a knot would help the wire against being pulled out of the casing, plus the hot glue that's the best chance for it.

[krugz_]

This is exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[simonburke]

I like your thinking. It should be noted to check if the batteries are in series or paralell. In series the voltage is multiplied by the number of batteries and rated capacity remains the same; in paralell the capacity is multiplied by number of batteries and voltage will remain the same.
Thanks for sharing and inspiring diy ideas :)

[utubegeneric]

Another thing you could have done with the wire inside so it can't be pulled out, just wrap about 5 layers of black tape on the inside so it can't be pulled out. Or, at least not easily. The tape just has to be slightly larger diameter than your hole you made for the wires.

[adamgilligan]

Thank you for all the good videos I am subscribing

[roneelkumar]

This was helpful. I am going to attempt the same thing on a bubble machine for my kids..somehow everytime we use it we go through 3AA batteries and a USB bank would be much more efficient to run.

[eustache_dauger]

Really need this for my pet food dispenser. Can't be arsed with buying 4 D-sized batteries every few months