USB Boost Converter

[Flex727]

I'm sure everyone has a portable 24v power supply they use to power up Unitronics PLCs when out in the field. But how many times do you find yourself without a handy 110v power outlet? Wouldn't it be nice if you could power your PLC off the USB socket on your laptop, or even a USB battery? Here is what I put together:

 

This steps up the 5v from USB to 24v for the PLC:

DROK® LTC1871 3.5V-30V DC Boost Converter Power Transformer Voltage Regulator 5V/12V Step Up Volt Module Power Supply Board

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DWX8PM2

 

This cable has a USB plug on one end and a barrel plug on the other:

StarTech.com 2m USB to Type M Barrel Cable - USB to 5.5mm 5V DC Cable - USB to Barrel Jack 5V DC Plug

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009C3CJG4

 

These are to provide barrel plugs and jacks for connecting everything together with a bit of simple wiring:

E-outstanding 5 Pair DC Power Jack (5 x Male and 5 x Female) 5.5mm x 2.1mm CCTV Power Jack Adapter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011YKCK5M

 

This box fits the boost converter nicely so everything is neat and tidy:

Hammond 1591MBK Black Flame Retardant ABS Plastic Project Box

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003A67F90

 

A cheap 10,000 mAh rechargeable USB battery will run a V570 for about 4 hours. This is usually plenty of time for field work, but larger USB batteries are readily available and are not much more expensive. I'm using this one:

Anker PowerCore+ 10050

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013HSQXZC

 

[Flex727]

My iPhone turned the picture upside-down, but I think you can still see what's going on.

[Joe Tauser]

A hack after my own heart!  Looks very nice - I especially appreciate the use of ferrules on the wiring.

 

Joe T.

[Cara Bereck Levy]

Nice!