Modify your hotsync cable to USB charging

It is possible to modify your hotsync cable in such a way that you can get rid of your charger. And it's quite simple, too.

All that is required is soldering a regular electric wire between the two points as shown on the photo. After this your charger will use the 500mAh of your USB port to charge the Zodiac !

So charge while syncing, there's no more adapter needed. Instead of the pc, you can now also use any other regular USB charger (car, battery etc) to pump life into your Zodiac. (look here for an example)


(click for larger image)

Some tips:

1. You will need to use brute force to open the plastic part of your cable since there is no way to open it up. A knife or saw can be used, after that the plastic housing needs to be glued back together.

2. The wire on the photo is too thick. Use a wire as thin as possible or else it may not fit back in the housing.

3. If you connect any other points as the ones shown on the photo, things will go WRONG, so be careful.

ATTENTION: AFTER YOUR MODIFICATION, NEVER CONNECT THE TAPWAVE POWER ADAPTER TO THE USB CABLE IF IT IS PLUGGED IN*
*or you may toast your USB. No, HHG is not responsible if anything goes wrong!

thanks to sSwallow for the idea and photo