USB charging port for e-bike or e-scooter

[slbaker]

I have designed and built a USB charging port for an e-bike or e-scooter.

Specs:
Input Voltage: 20V to 60V
Output Voltage: 5V @ 1A



I made a prototype run of just 3 boards.
The parts costs including the circuit board is about $20
If there is enough interest, I could make more and make them available for sale (perhaps on Ebay?)

I have posted an instructable that describes the circuit here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/A-USB-Charging-Port-for-an-Electric-Bicycle/

 

[icecube57]

I appreciate your DIY effort but a cellphone charger can take 25-100vDC through the AC input and put out a regulated 5v for usb devices.

 

[rp3]

Why the double posting now?
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=50964&p=754032#p754032

 

[adrian_sm]

Nice.

Is there any advantage of yours over those already available on ebay for ~$6, other than having the USB connector already included.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Adjustable-Switching-Power-Supply-Module-IN-5V-60V-OUT-1-25V-26V-LM2576HV-/190830068373?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item2c6e5bc295&_uhb=1

 

[slbaker]

>> Is there any advantage of yours over those already available on ebay for ~$6, other than having the USB connector already included.
>> http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Adjustable-S ... 295&_uhb=1

a) Just adding a USB connector will not work for some devices (e.g. iphone) because they require a ~2V signal on USB pins 2 and 3
So you would need to also add a resistor-divider network to supply the 2V

b) Reliability. The components I picked are over-designed to handle a 3A continuous current even tough most changing applications require much less than that.

But that Ebay adjustable DC/DC module is pretty cool and incredibly cheap.
In the small quantities from Digikey, It's not even possible to buy the parts for the price that they charge for a completely assembled unit.

 

[Kingfish]

I did mine completely differently: I used a 60W DC-DC converter to branch off 3.3 & 12V for various auxiliary lighting (healights/blinkies & DOT indicators respectively). From the 12V side, I hooked an automobile Lighter socket to 12V, and used a plug-in 2-port USB adapter. I agree that's probably a Rube Goldberg way of doing it, but it does look pretty cool behind the dash.

Can you see it peaking out on the right side?

I have excess power from the converter. It crossed my mind to bypass the LM317 on both controllers and use the 12V supply directly - saving on yet another space heater. But then another idea floated in my head:

Why not pull the 5V from the 7805? Might need to upgrade the device for more current - but the power is there on the controller.

My 1/2 W, KF

 

[skyungjae]

I have designed and built a USB charging port for an e-bike or e-scooter.

Specs:
Input Voltage: 20V to 60V
Output Voltage: 5V @ 1A



I made a prototype run of just 3 boards.
The parts costs including the circuit board is about $20
If there is enough interest, I could make more and make them available for sale (perhaps on Ebay?)

I have posted an instructable that describes the circuit here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/A-USB-Charging-Port-for-an-Electric-Bicycle/

Speedict needs to make one of these so people don't kill their cellphone batteries using their device.

 

[r3volved]

I appreciate your DIY effort but a cellphone charger can take 25-100vDC through the AC input and put out a regulated 5v for usb devices.

Does the iPhone AC-to-USB function like this? Their adapter outputs 5V @ 1A.

Anyone know if the iPhone can charge at less than 1A? I found a few AC chargers kicking around that output 500-700mA

 

[spinningmagnets]

I think this is a great thread. I also don't believe that there is one "perfect" system for all users...each proposed system has benefits and drawbacks. I need to confess right up front that I am (still) weak on electronics, so I must trust in the opinion of those posters who have displayed a certain competency in that field. I will be watching this for further developments...