Supplying 4.5 volts to something that takes 5 volts?

[Lord Ned]

Gotta get this answered really quickly.

I'm going on vacation for 5 days without a computer, and thus will have no way to charge my Mp3 player. I can figure out a way to get 4.5 volts to it (3 Double A's). Normally it just takes the 5v provided by the USB plug on a computer, but if I can provide 4.5 volts, will it still charge?

Do i run the risk of damaging my mp3 player by trying to charge it with 4.5 volts instead of 5?

Thanks.

[xRyokenx]

I don't see why it would so long as you don't up the amperage or anything... it won't charge as fast with the AA's but it should still charge.

[Spawn-Inc]

don't think its gonna work, needs 5 volts. you can try it and see what happens but i doubt it will work.

[Lord Ned]

Good, becuase it's either that, or five, long days of silence. (After the first 20ish hours of playback! )


Now to chop a male to female usb cable up, so I can wire up 3 Double A batteries.

Any suggestions on how to hold two wires onto 2 pins in a USB Adapter? (Since I don't have a female to female USB adapter and a hacked off usb mouse cord)


-edit-
Dough I just got posted ahead of time'd. (Er..?)
The difference of .5 volts is pretty meager though. Unless anyone else has any idea how to get 5 volts with batteries without any resistors or other stuff that needs to be soldered?

[xRyokenx]

Maybe try here for some more info too.

[Lord Ned]

Wikipedia probably isn't going to help here?

[xRyokenx]

Just look up a basic electronics article, lol. I'd do so for you but I've got too much on my mind right now.

[Lord Ned]

I don't think they'll tell me a yes or no about lower voltage.

[xRyokenx]

Not an exact answer for your exact question but it's bound to have some info there somewhere. I have a charger that was for my Pocket PC but also works for my Zune and it has a lower amperage. It just charges slower. Also, I used rechargeable batteries in a flashlight once and it worked, just wasn't as bright as the voltage was lower.

[Lord Ned]

I'll have to try it. I just gotta find a way to keep the wires on the two pins. :S