Feeding circuits from Tello micro-usb port (SOLVED)

raulvolador · Mar 20, 2019

Hello,

Help needed. I can`t get current from my Tello micro-usb port.

I'm trying a mod into my Tello, but I'm not able to feed circuits using Tello micro-usb port. I read lot of successfull projects using Tello micro-usb, for sure I'm doing something bad. Let me explain:

First, I buy a Charging USB to micro-usb cable.
Then, I cut cable, throwing away USB piece and taking micro-usb piece.
It's a data cable, only two wires inside: red (+) and black (-). I peel both of them
Micro-usb inserted into Tello's socket but 0.0 voltage measured between wires. I can't feed anything.

As you can see into photo below I tried two different charging cables unsuccesfully

Wha's the problem ? Can you help me ?

Raul.

EDITED: ISSUE SOLVED USING AN OTG CABLE. USB STANDARD CABLE DIDN'T WORK.

umanbean · Mar 20, 2019

I have no experience trying to use a charging USB cable, but I know I get 5 volts using these OTG adapters from Amazon:

CHENYANG Ultra Mini DM Micro USB 5pin OTG Adapter Connector for Cell Phone Tablet & USB Cable & Flash Disk - 5pcs Amazon.com: CHENYANG Ultra Mini DM Micro USB 5pin OTG Adapter Connector for Cell Phone Tablet & USB Cable & Flash Disk - 5pcs: Computers & Accessories

xcrost · Mar 20, 2019

Yes Micro USB is 5 pin STD USB is 4. I believe data has to be "connected" for tello to power up the port. Ground the source wire...See here:

raulvolador · Mar 20, 2019

Ok. I'll try using an OTG cable. Thanks a lot !

xcrost · Mar 20, 2019

I think you could just ground the yellow and connect the positive it should work.

raulvolador · Mar 20, 2019

USB cable I am using it's only made of two wires (it's a charging cable). Thats the reason I have to bought another OTG cable.

Pac-tello · Mar 20, 2019

raulvolador said:
USB cable I am using it's only made of two wires (it's a charging cable). Thats the reason I have to bought another OTG cable.

Get a USB to micro USB OTG cable or dongle. Cut it down and expose the wires using the micro USB end. You only need the red and black wires to provide the power. It is the connection between pins 4 (sense) and 5 (black/gnd) that makes it OTG and allows power out from the drone.

raulvolador · Mar 21, 2019

SOLVED

I followed your advices using an OTG cable adapter. IT WORKS. I can get electric current from Tello´s micro-USB port.

It's clear Tello check ground+sense wires to know something is connected into USB port and start feeding.

Now I can continue my project. Thanks a lot everyone helping me. I learned a lot about USB OTG.

Raul.

Customerx · Mar 21, 2019

try the little adapters easy to solder to, just push down and they expose the pins. like i did in myy vid.

raulvolador · Mar 21, 2019

Customerx said:
try the little adapters easy to solder to, just push down and they expose the pins. like i did in myy vid.

I appreciate your suggestion but I won't do that way. Let my explain why: Long time ago I realized it's not worth soldering connectors by myself. It's much easier buying finished cables with connector you want and cut them to the length you need. Then, you just have to strip cutted wires and solder them where you want.

That way you will get a professional and durable conector finish, almost impossible to get otherwise.

Thank you anyway.

Raul.

Pac-tello · Mar 21, 2019

Customerx said:
try the little adapters easy to solder to, just push down and they expose the pins. like i did in myy vid.

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What improvement do you get with the video signal and wifi range? And how is the flight time effected?

raulvolador · Mar 21, 2019

Customerx said:
try the little adapters easy to solder to, just push down and they expose the pins. like i did in myy vid.

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I'm very interested into your mod results. Did you performed any comparative range test with and without mod ?

In fact, I'm going to follow your steps performing same mod into my Tello. I like it because not need modifying Tello at all, therefore it's a non-destructive and plug&play mod

Raul.