USB to Beadboard Cable

This project allows you to either prototype to a breadboard your USB 2.0 project, or power your breadboard project from a USB port. Whatever your evil genius desires, I don't judge.

1. Four jumper wires with one of the ends a male end. The colours you need are red, black, green and white.

2. A male USB housing. I used the Adafruit USB DIY connector shell male, part number 1387.

3. A sense of patience for when you hot glue your hand to something.

4. A soldering iron

5. Lead free solder

6. Painter's tape (optional if you are a stud)

7. Wire strippers/cutter

8. A hot glue gun with a glue stick

9. A small rounded file

Cut off the female or male end of the jumper wires, being sure to leave one male end intact on the wire. Match the length to the solder pad on the USB shell.

Standard pin out and colours for USB 2.0:

Pin 1 Vcc +5v red

Pin 2 Data- white

Pin 3 Data+ green

Pin 4 Ground black

Solder the correct wire to the correct solder pad. For this sequence we will be starting with the red wire at the top, with the male USB facing to the right. Note that I have taped the wire and the metal USB to my work area. For soldering items that are flat, sometimes this is easier than using helping hands or toughing it.

Finish soldering the wires to the pads, the sequence is red, white, green then black.

I needed to file the hole the jumper wires stick out of, it was a very tight fit and the plastic shell was not flush. A little bit of filing did the trick.

Note that the bottom of the metal USB piece has two holes that align with one of the plastic shell pieces. Well played Adafruit! Attach the metal piece so that the holes line up and stick on the top piece. I hot glued it for added durability, so when I drop it for the nth time it doesn't pop open.

Now you can use it as a prototype device or a power supply for a breadboard. Boom, done.