Freeplaytech Forum

Full Version: USB-C charging on a freeplay cm3 build?
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Did a search and nothing showed up. I’m just trying to get as much info as I can before I go ahead with my build. Have anyone modded the freeplay cm3 board to run off of usb-c instead of the micro usb? Is it as simple as removing the micro USB port and soldering in a usb-c port? Or do you need like extras like a resistor or capacitor? Electrical stuff is not my forte. I will assume usb-c will pull a lot more power if given and am wondering if the board on the freeplay cm3 can handle all of that or not. I know there are power restrictions on the micro USB port itself so I assume it is regulated for that?
The Freeplay Zero and Freeplay CM3 are not set up to handle USB-C.

It's not as simple as replacing one port with the other. There is additional hardware that's required to interface with the USB-C power supply.

We have looked at some USB-C to MicroUSB adapters, but they don't even properly follow the spec sometimes, so we can't recommend using any particular one. You're right that USB-C can supply more power and it can supply different voltages. The hardware needs to be made specifically for USB-C to handle it properly.
My question is, if wired up properly and is sending the correct voltage where if at all could I add a usb input on it?
BrayBray,

What do you want to do? Just use a USB-C cable to charge? I'm guessing you could get an adapter.
I want to add a usb some where inside of it using a usb c breakout board was the idea using one of the female ones, https://www.amazon.com/ANMBEST-Connector...B091CRLJM2

My question is where would I be able to add a usb c port if at all? Mostly for charging, thanks.
Hey BrayBray!

I think we (Freeplaytech) can't really support mods that might cause power/battery issues. I'm not saying that you can't mod your device. I'm only saying that we can't offer support for things like this that could cause damage.

Having said that, I would say that I think it can be done. If you don't care about data, then you could track down the pins that run to the MicroUSB and connect them to some other 5V power source. MicroUSB was a 5V supply. If someone did something like this, you would want to be sure that the power source was 5V. USB-C is not always 5V. Be careful!

If you are talking about combining charging and data, it gets much more complex. It's doable, but I wouldn't recommend it. In fact, as mentioned earlier, I can't really recommend any mods to the power system.
I understand you can’t recommend it, thank you for the information I figured it’d be possible it’s just being careful that it’s only the 5v I’ll look into it more when my cm3 shows up, thanks!