I just ordered this cable and it’s exactly the same connector as on the Elektron Power Supply so it fits perfectly.
For the Dutch speaking Model Cycles users around here:
https://www.allekabels.nl/usb-20-kabel/172/1084097/usb-a-naar-dc-voedingskabel-20.html
(Note: They do ship accross Europe, but the site is only in Dutch)
@Uija was kind enough to send me his STL files for his DIY battery handle and I just finished putting together a version that uses a more “off the shelf” bill of materials.
I’m using 1 inch PVC pipe, a “lipstick” sized usb phone charger, and a conventional usb to dc barrel plug cable, much like everyone else in here has been using, as well as the 3D printed parts and one m3 bolt and nut for the other side attachment.
So far it’s working really well! Of course the PVC leaves something to be desired, but I might upgrade to a 1” electrical conduit sometime soon to get a nicer handle material.
Thanks again to @Uija for kindly letting me adapt his files - if he’s okay with it I’d be happy to share the STL files I created here in case anyone would like to build the same. This version should work with any usb battery bank smaller than 1” in diameter, including Anker’s Powercore+ Mini. I also found a ton of generic “lipstick” or cylindrical chargers that would work.
Sure! I didn’t share mine publicly because I build my own tube, soldered some batteries to a wire that you need a special charger to charge and that doesn’t help others a lot.
If yours is accessible for others, I am very happy that the files are used!
Okay, after making some additional revisions for better friction-fit on the brackets, here’s the final STL files for anyone out there with a 3D printer!
The Thingiverse post has a complete BOM, so hopefully this winds up helping others who want a good portable battery solution.
I got rid of my crummy PVC tube and replaced it with a 3D printed one, which turned out to be a much nicer option. I uploaded the tube I printed as an STL as well, so the only off-the-shelf materials required will be a compatible phone charger and a USB to 5.5x2.1 power cable.
So far I’m really loving it - the dual purpose “stand” functionality is more useful than I thought it would be. I’ll almost certainly still buy the Elektron version when it comes out since it’ll be a much more polished product, but in the interm this works great!
Regarding Model:Cycles battery life: with a straight 5V USB cable (no conversion to a higher voltage) the current draw is 300-400mA, which means that each 1000mAh of your power bank capacity should last at least 2 hours (2.5h theoretically, but not reliably).
OS 1.13 includes a battery charge meter in the display but it’s calibrated for the Power Handle voltage, so you’ll need to rely on your power bank’s charge meter, if it has one.
Is there a preferred DC jack if using a 5V power bank? The side 5.5 or the back 3.5? I assume they operate the same but what do I know…
