hngvctr

I got one of those retractable cables from ebay.

Sure enough the [5V out] supplied by the usb was connected to the [5V in] for the axim usb intake like it's supposed to be, but in addition was piggy-backed to the [5.4V in] pin as well. I desoldered it from the [5.4V in].


[5V out] ------------------------[5V in]
USB end | Axim End
___X___[5.4V in]


(removed connection at X)


So now my cable will sync, but will not attempt to draw full power from the usb.


I am intending to buy another cable (not retractable so it will use a higher gauge wire I hope, or do you guys think the thin wires from the retractable cables are ok? I think it should be ok, I used to use really thin wire in my labs, with reasonable amps, never had any real signifigant drop on me) and remove all the usb data pins, and only leave the power pins, and use it with a USB power adapter. I'll see what happens. But where can I find a USB power adaptor (car or wall) that is rated to 5.4V? Most that I've found are not rated, amps or volts so I'm really not sure whats inside. Any good retailers?


This is what I want to make:

[5.4V out(from power adaptor)] ----------X------[5V in]
USB end | Axim End
------------[5.4V in]


(removed connection at X)


Any suggestions?

------------------------

Hrm...it formats weird.

Anyways, I was just thinking. The cables are sold/advertised as sync AND charge cables.

So the problem is
1. Usb from computer doesn't support that much power draw and/or can be dangerous to the computer so cannot charge from USB alone.

BUT
I want a cable that can sync to a laptop(sync only, cuz BT is wonky), and also charge in the car/from a wall outlet, and all at the same time take up less space then my cradle and the ac adaptor that came with the device.

Problem.
Sync-only cable will have the 5.4v pin disconnected from the USB power line.
Charge-only cable will have 5.4v pin connected to the USB power line which will be connected to some kinda suitable power source. (IE. not a compuer)

I was thinking 2 cables, but I just thought, why not use a switch to control the 5.4V piggyback. Cut it into the side of the axim connector, then, when connected to a computer, we can flip it off, to protect the computer. And when on the road we can switch it connected to allow charging from some type of adaptor that pushes 5.4v and supplies sufficient current.

I think I will try it! Time to go adaptor hunting.

Sorry for the rambling, its 2am! :)