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I found this outlet plug deal at the dollar store for like ten bucks. I only bought it to open it up and have a look-see inside. Found this 110v AC to 5v DC circuit, as you'd expect. USB data lines don't run to anything (good!). The +5v lines aren't isolated from each other, so it's really just the one line shared by both ports. The wires hanging off went to the mains.

Would this be an okay circuit for a DIY Arduino project? Just needs to power the little AT board and a relay for switching on and off 110 to a heater coil periodically. Been wondering how I was going to do power supply for that project, and I like this little form factor. Probably end up removing the USB ports and just solder wire to the board.

I found this outlet plug deal at the dollar store for like ten bucks. I only bought it to open it up and have a look-see inside. Found this 110v AC to 5v DC circuit, as you'd expect. USB data lines don't run to anything (good!). The +5v lines aren't isolated from each other, so it's really just the one line shared by both ports. The wires hanging off went to the mains. Would this be an okay circuit for a DIY Arduino project? Just needs to power the little AT board and a relay for switching on and off 110 to a heater coil periodically. Been wondering how I was going to do power supply for that project, and I like this little form factor. Probably end up removing the USB ports and just solder wire to the board.

(post is archived)

[–] 2 pts

If you're comfortable with the unknown current capacity and quality of the circuit, then yes.

[–] 1 pt

Well, I don't really know enough to test for that. Do you have any pointers? What equipment do I need? Trying to learn here.

[–] 1 pt

To test the current you'd need to put it on something where you could increase the load until it goes into shutdown.

Quality of the parts is hard to tell until it quits...

[–] 1 pt

Alright... So basically I can try using it, and if it doesn't work then it doesn't work. Would there possibly be a failure mode that compromises my Arduino? It's not like they're expensive or anything, but I'd rather not ruin one if I can help it.