Repurposing a Cost-Effective USB-C Lamp with Unconventional USB-C Port: Challenges and Solutions for DIY Enthusiasts
Local man modifies purchasashed lamp with non-standard USB-C cable
Dillan Stock, a resident of an unspecified locale, recently acquired a $17 'mushroom' lamp from his local Kmart. The product listing for the Inaya-branded lamp mentioned USB-C rechargeability, a feature that initially piqued Mr. Stock's interest.
Upon closer examination, however, he discovered that the item came with a USB-C cable featuring a distinct label, indicating it was specifically designed for the lamp. Attempts to charge the lamp using a regular USB-C cable proved unsuccessful. In a bid to remedy the situation, Mr. Stock acquired a second unit and embarked on a DIY project to modify it.
Mr. Stock delved further into the peculiar aspect of this unique cable. Upon investigation, it transpired that while both ground (GND) and voltage control (VCC) connections were standard, the data lines (D+, D-) were also linked to the VCC. This configuration, likely intended for the lamp, could cause malfunctions when paired with a conventional USB-C cable. Conversely, using the lamp's cable on compliant USB-C devices may be harmful, although Mr. Stock did not test this theory.
Equipped with the second unit, he commenced the hack. His modifications included a regular USB-C port for charging, an ESP32 board with a built-in battery charger for the lamp's 18650 Li-ion cell, and an N-channel MOSFET to manage the lamp's LED power. Mr. Stock has made the full plans and schematics available on his website.
Having harnessed the ESP32's raw power, the two modified lamps were integrated into the Home Assistant network, enabling features such as activation in response to the morning alarm. The entire project, including the $7 component costs and a few hours of work, was completed with a minimal investment of resources.
While applauding Mr. Stock's resourcefulness, his endeavor underscores a concerning trend: the proliferation of non-compliant USB-C cables. These lesser-quality cables could pose several problems, including power delivery issues, safety risks, data transfer limitations, device compatibility issues, and a lack of support for advanced features. Using certified, compliant USB-C cables is essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of USB-C-powered devices.
- After encountering issues with the USB-C cable that came with his smart-home device, Dillan Stock decided to modify it, leading him to hack into gadgets like the lamp, using an ESP32 board and an N-channel MOSFET.
- Dillan Stock's smart-home device hack using a USB-C cable, although successful, serves as a warning about the proliferation of non-compliant technology, potentially causing power delivery issues, safety risks, data transfer limitations, device compatibility issues, and a lack of support for advanced features, making it important to use certified, compliant USB-C cables for all USB-C-powered devices.
