Super Boost charging my phone off of two AA batteries.

I think that is enough update posts for right now.

I designed a 3D printed case for the Super Boost. It has two parts and is designed to hold two cylindrical 18650 lithium cells.

Files (AutoDesk 123D)

Super Boost Case Ver1.0
Super Boost Case Part_A Ver1.0
Super Boost Case Part_B Ver1.0

So I just finished building my first Super Boost. It converts 2.2V – 4.5V to a steady 5V source. This is perfect for charging a cell phone or any other device that charges via USB by using 2 AA batteries or a single cell lithium battery.

The project page is here and the DIY page on assembly is here.

Going to solder one together tonight.

Taking some suggestions from some members over at Dangerous Prototypes and Abdullah Kahraman I redid part of the Super Boost board to create V1.1. I updated the Super Boost Page to reflect this.

Thanks for the help everyone!

This is the how to page on how to build the SUPER BOOST pcb. Please refer to the disclaimer first. For hobby use only. This design is completely open source. Check the Super Boost project page for the file downloads.

Since the board contains almost only SMD parts you should be familiar in soldering them. If not SparkFun has a really nice SMD soldering guide.

You will need the following parts.

Bill of Materials

Name:            MFG P/N:               Mouser P/N:             QTY:
U1               LM2700MT-ADJ/NOPB      926-LM2700MT-ADJNOPB    1
L1               VLC5045T-100M          810-VLC5045T-100M       1
D1               B130-13-F              621-B130-F              1
C1               C1608X5R1A106MT        810-C1608X5R1A106M      1
C2               CC0805KRX7R9BB472      603-CC805KRX7R9BB472    1
C3               UCL1A471MCL6GS         647-UCL1A471MCL6GS      1
R1               CRCW060320K0FKEA       71-CRCW0603-20K-E3      1
R2               CRCW06033K01FKEB       71-CRCW06033K01FKEB     1
R3               CRCW06031K02FKEA       71-CRCW0603-1.02K-E3    1
R4               CRCW060375K0FKEA       71-CRCW0603-75K-E3      1
R5               CRCW060343K0FKEA       71-CRCW0603-43K-E3      1
R6, R7           CRCW060351K0FKEA       71-CRCW0603-51K-E3      2
USB Plug         87520-0010BLF          649-87520-0010BLF       1

Bill of Material list on Mouser

If you received the PCB on a business card you can cut the PCB out around the dotted lines or leave it as is.

Start by tacking the LM2700 chip down with a soldering iron in a single corner.

I usually tack down the pin 1 on the chip then apply some flux then finish the chip. After soldering the LM2700 down solder the resistors down.

Then the two small SMD capacitors.

The inductor, diode, and large 470uF capacitor should be soldered next. The inductor is non polarized but care should be taken with the 470uF cap and diode to make sure they are originated correctly.

The USB port is the last thing to install. Before connecting your device to charge it use a multimeter and verify that 5V is across the 470uF capacitor terminals.

Success! Android phone charging. It is charging at a steady rate of 750mA.

I am making these to hand out at Maker Faire next month.

PCB is routed on a single sided PCB. How about them apples.

Order boards in the morning.

This design is inspired by the Minty Boost but it fixes some of the issues in that design. The Minty Boost is limited to 600mA due to the LT1302 chip. The Super Boost uses the LM2700 which can push up to 3.6A. This will enable iPhones to charge much more quickly.

Charging more quickly will drain and reduce the life span of AA batteries so lithium batteries are the ideal source.