An assembled double adaptor plug for UDB power supply. It allows splitting between two or more camping devices by connecting them to extended copper pins.

DIY USB double adaptor

A simple ultralight DIY USB double adaptor for USB power supply for backpacking camping.

USB power is a very convenient electrical supply for lightweight camping and being able to power multiple devices from a single power outlet can be very convenient. For example, a LED light can be used while cooking at nighttime when using a blower stove that requires a small 5V current to operate. A DIY USB double adaptor for this situation would be just great if it could have no significant weight or volume.

I have previously described a simple DIY USB power plug that is formed from copper wires. I call it a ‘fang fitting’ and it is designed to fit into standard circuit board sockets.

Example of the electronic components that must link together when using the Blower Stove with a LED cooking light and a 18650 battery USB power pack. From left to right; blower fan with manifold, shutter and fixed cable with two-pin socket, USB power supply,  power supply cable with USB A socket & ‘fang fitting’ plug, LED snorkel light with 3.5mm jack plug and lastly, lighting module with two-pin socket (on long stiff cables) and an assembly with two-pin outlet socket+two pin inlet plug and 3.5mm jack socket for LED light.

Discovering the DIY USB double adaptor

As I made more of these fang fittings, I made the copper pins progressively longer, as this made the plug easier to make and use. The pins became so long that they could pass right through the socket so that an extra socket (or more) could be added to the pins. “That was the birth of the DIY USB double adaptor.”

An assembled double adaptor plug for UDB power supply. It allows splitting between two or more camping devices by connecting them to extended copper pins.
An assembled double adaptor plug for USB power supply. It allows splitting between two or more camping devices by connecting them to extended copper pins. The copper pins can pass through the first socket to allow the connection of a second socket.
The dissembled double adaptor plug for UDB power supply. It allows splitting between two or more camping devices by connecting them to extended copper pins.
The dissembled double adaptor plug for the USB power supply. It allows splitting between two or more camping devices by connecting them to extended copper pins that can pass through the first socket. The polarity of the pins is indicated by having the positive pin a little longer than the earth pin.
An LED cooking light on a stem. It is an example of a device that can be run along with a blower stove using a single USB plug and cable.
An LED cooking light on a stem. It is an example of a device that can be run along with a blower stove using the double adaptor.

Conclusion

My primitive fang fittings have given good service during my backpacking adventures. They are simpler and more robust than Jack plugs and sockets. They are, less bulky and more versatile than any other commercial plug. Now it can be used to run multiple devices off a single pair of copper pins by using these DIY double adaptors. This modification only adds about a gram to the weight of the already lightweight kit.

Tim

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