How to Put USB-C Power on ANYTHING (almost)

Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group.

FOLLOW US
---------------------------------------------------

MUSIC CREDIT
---------------------------------------------------
Intro: Laszlo - Supernova

Outro: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High

CHAPTERS
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 USB-C all the things!
0:55 USB-PD is confusing tbh
3:14 Our test subjects
5:10 F it! We'll do it live!
6:57 Quick disclaimer
7:31 Out with the AC, in with the 12v DC
8:56 Other cable?

[eldibs]

Linus probably remembers the early days of cellphone chargers, where basically every model had a different charger, even across a single manufacturer's devices. A "universal" charger to replace a dead or dying charger would come with like nineteen different plugs and had a mile-long compatibility list that you'd have to read through and hope your phone was on there. **shudders**

[MaybyAGhost]

If there's something I can already take away from this video it's that it can't be long before Linus tries to make a PC inside of an electric dog.

[greatwall]

I actually want to see Linus declutter all of LMG with the solution shown in this video.

[gblargg]

6:58 Negative-tip power cables were common into the 1990s. They seemed to start switching to positive tip when they started using switching supplies. Always verify the polarity for older devices.

[Ale-bjnd]

Always put a reverse protection diode INSIDE the device with barrel jack. And clearly indicate voltage, current draw and orientation on the outside..

[rfmerrill]

Big warning: The pictured conversion cable sold by Console5 for SNES is correct if you are plugging a *center-negative* 5.5mm plug into it. The similar cable that's sold by Castlemania is correct if you are plugging a *center-positive* 5.5mm plug into it. Because the US SNES uses a weird plug it has no polarity protection (or at least the later ones don't). Don't fry your SNES! To make sure, use a meter to confirm that the final 7mm plug is *center-negative* as that is what the SNES expects.

[ProjectPhysX]

I'm powering a 19V LG monitor with a 12V laptop charger. There is a voltage regulator inside the monitor that accepts a large range of voltages, provided there is sufficient current. That charger has enough amps, so it works without issues.

[jokercardzz]

Would've loved to see Linus doing some soldering action and hardwire a USB-C female end into the old consoles

[teg]

Fun fact, the NES's power system is designed to work with any 9V source, AC or DC, center positive or negative. Might make having multiple cables a little easier, if the barrels match, you can use the same cable for all earlier devices.

[KeithOlson]

FWIW, Brother has a line of label printers that can print directly on heat shrink tubing. That would be *VERY* handy for labelling the different modified USB-C cables.

[afurinperil]

"Magicians are shifty swindlers who steal your ear quarters"
-Linus Sabastian, 2022

[Ametisti]

I love the idea of combining these, with mods for an HDMI out, making an old console so much more convenient for modern use.

[alienJIZ]

I took a shot at this like 6 months ago when my laptop charger broke and replaced it with a GaN charger USB-C to barrel jack cable. I was surprised it wasn't being discussed much anywhere. But I didn't think to use the same tactic for old game consoles since they can be a bit sensitive

[andrewwood]

I’m actually amazed Linus did an 11 minute video on USB power delivery and didn’t mention the iPhone!

[SwirlingDragonMist]

Ya know after 30 years, Capacitors can leak out their fluid, or fall out of spec. It’s probably worth doing a recap on old Consoles. Capacitors are often employed to smooth out ripple, so it could play into these power supply considerations, among others. It could even change the sound of the output, maybe un-nostalgically, or it could restore childhood memory sonic performance.

[SetitesTechAdventures]

I have been researching to do just his thing. I was honestly going to first solder a USB-C replacement for all the mini and micro usb things first before moving on to triggers for other things. You seem to have solved my problem as I didn't know there were triggers that were switchable by soldering pads.

[alcedob.]

This video demonstrates what incredible progress has been made in the field of power delivery

[Kholaslittlespot]

Quite enjoying LTT again at the moment. Keep up the good work and keep having fun!

[snowdaysrule]

The USB-C to barrel jack cable is my favorite out of all the cables I own. Being able to make older devices operate similar to the new ones is pretty awesome. I have one that triggers for 20V that I use to charge my laptop and if I use it with a USB-C power bank that has a maximum output of 12V I can use it to power a router for easy testing.

[thexgamer]

Linus: *I will put USB-C on everything.*

Apple: *Write that down! Write that down!*