$1 USB Cables Found At Local Chain Store
12-11-2006, 02:07 PM
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$1 USB Cables Found At Local Chain Store
If anybody is looking for a very cheap USB cable try Dollar Tree or some other local dollar store. I found this...30" rectractable USB cable type A to mini 5 pin. Connectors AM-MINI 5 pin. Instructions also say "This USB cable connects a computer or USB hub to any portable USB device using a 5 pin mini-B connection. Common applications include digital cameras, MP3 Players, PDAs, and mobile phones." Price: One dollar.
I am wanting to power my Aiptek 5100M digital pocket camcorder off it's USB port via a 3V regulator. Even just a mini USB plug would have been fine, since I'm going to solder it up to the regulator. Was shocked to find that all the stores I went to wanted $20 to $40 for a cable that I planned to cut up anyway. On a whim I hit Dollar Tree and there they were. Neat little device. It has a retracting thin cord and is very small. Not that it matters since I only needed the mini plug.
Figured it would be less weight and hassle than the dummy dowl rod AA rig I have hitched to the regulator right now. Just have to clear up a few things. USB devices usually need a 5V input via the USB port. Not sure if my camera's stock cable has a voltage regulator to step it down to 3V or if the camera will power up on 3V via that port. Going to use a voltmeter on the stock cable to check. Also, not sure if the camera will go into some kind of PC mode when power is supplied via the USB port and not give me any control via it's buttons. Have to check that as well.
Either way, if you are looking for a cheap USB cable or just need the plug off one for some other purpose that's where you'll find a good price on it.
I am wanting to power my Aiptek 5100M digital pocket camcorder off it's USB port via a 3V regulator. Even just a mini USB plug would have been fine, since I'm going to solder it up to the regulator. Was shocked to find that all the stores I went to wanted $20 to $40 for a cable that I planned to cut up anyway. On a whim I hit Dollar Tree and there they were. Neat little device. It has a retracting thin cord and is very small. Not that it matters since I only needed the mini plug.
Figured it would be less weight and hassle than the dummy dowl rod AA rig I have hitched to the regulator right now. Just have to clear up a few things. USB devices usually need a 5V input via the USB port. Not sure if my camera's stock cable has a voltage regulator to step it down to 3V or if the camera will power up on 3V via that port. Going to use a voltmeter on the stock cable to check. Also, not sure if the camera will go into some kind of PC mode when power is supplied via the USB port and not give me any control via it's buttons. Have to check that as well.
Either way, if you are looking for a cheap USB cable or just need the plug off one for some other purpose that's where you'll find a good price on it.
12-11-2006, 07:13 PM
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RE: $1 USB Cables Found At Local Chain Store
Just put in 5 volts from your receiver into your new USB cable on the correct two leads. The camera will power up immediately and perform well. Use 3 volt input if you are applying external power like a single small LiPo instead of the two AA batteries.
