Are these device cables interchangeable?

Osem · 12-07-2009, 16:45

I have several devices e.g. mp3 player, portable DAB radio, battery back-up which use USB cables equipped with identical looking Motorola type (mini USB??) connectors * at the other end for either transferring data to/from the PC or charging these units. My question is are these leads swappable or may they be wired slightly differently for each device?

* The non USB end of each cable ends with a connector that looks like that shown on the left hand side of this connector:

http://www.sourcingmap.com/usb-mini-...l?currency=GBP

Cheers

CHiLL · 12-07-2009, 16:55

If this is the cable you are on about, then it will work on all devices, as long as they fit in the connector.

Osem · 12-07-2009, 16:58

Yeah that's what they all look like and it's a right pain trying to remember which is which and not mixing them up. I was going to label each one but I won't bother now.

Cheers!

**Kymmy** · 12-07-2009, 17:06

Although they all use mini USB you might find that cables just designed to charge might not have the data pins connected.. If the cable is designed to carry data then it can also be used just as a charge lead

Osem · 12-07-2009, 17:10

Thanks. All but one of them serve both puposes. The other came with a Maplin back-up battery and is therefore only used for charging it so I guess this may not have data pins. Anyway I can live with that situation. Cheers.

Hom3r · 12-07-2009, 18:32

I have something like this, and have loads of adapters and I recharge loads of my kit with them.

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...6045&CatId=648

**Stuart** · 12-07-2009, 18:37

All these devices using USB to recharge makes me wonder one thing. Why has no one come up with a system for distributing power to USB sockets around the house?

It might be expensive to install in a house with pre-existing sockets, but it would not add much to the cost of wiring a new house.

Osem · 15-07-2009, 13:25

OK guys - another question. The Tevion MP4 player

http://www.fascin8.co.uk/f8/index.ph...4/8gb-mp4-6304

doesn't come with a car charger but I do have a universal one I use for charging my Motorola phone. As they share the same mini-USB connections could I use this charger for the MP4 player? The phone has a 3.7v lithium ion battery but I can't find out what voltage the lithium ion battery in the media player is. The mains charger for the unit, however, states a DC output of 5V 200-300mA.

TIA

Osem · 16-07-2009, 18:41

Bump!

Lord Nikon · 19-07-2009, 21:57

yup, USB has a standard power feed of 5vDC up to 500mA so that would be fine.

Osem · 20-07-2009, 10:54

TVM