# Making a USB voltage output battery output 12V DC. Easy or not?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-usb-voltage-output-battery-output-12v-dc-easy-or-not/755438>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 23, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-usb-voltage-output-battery-output-12v-dc-easy-or-not/755438 "2016-05-23T04:36:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\
**Post date:** [May 23, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-usb-voltage-output-battery-output-12v-dc-easy-or-not/755438/1 "2016-05-23T04:36:50Z")

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Just wondering . I’ve got a few chunky Anker USB batteries ([13000 to 26800](https://www.anker.com/products/A1210012?tag=anker_google_pla_us_1_A1210012-20&utm_source=google&gclid=CIyEq7Cv78wCFcRahgodVWYAhg)milli amp hours) that are useful for keeping phones ands tablets going sans AC or car power. Would it be difficult or impractical to make some inverter type adapter that would output 12V DC from these 5V DC batteries so you could use it for powering notebooks and car accessories?

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**Author:** ![Me\_Billy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\
**Post date:** [May 23, 2016, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-usb-voltage-output-battery-output-12v-dc-easy-or-not/755438/2 "2016-05-23T05:05:36Z")

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Search for a 5V DC to 12V DC converter.

You may find something like this…

> **[USB to 5.5mm / 2.1mm DC Booster Cable - 12V Output](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2778?gclid=CNzkteW178wCFRRgfgodCiAMbw)**
>
> This cable is kinda fascinating - it has an integrated boost converter, so you can plug it into any USB port (from a computer, battery pack, etc) and it will give you a higher DC voltage! ...

or this…

> **[Amazon.com: Drok Micro Led DcDc Digital Boost Voltage Converter Adjustable Volt...](https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Converter-Adjustable-Regulator-Transformer/dp/B07M6MSVV1)**
>
> Buy Drok Micro Led DcDc Digital Boost Voltage Converter Adjustable Volt Regulator Board Module Power Supply Transformer (2-(Pack)): Power Converters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\
**Post date:** [May 23, 2016, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-usb-voltage-output-battery-output-12v-dc-easy-or-not/755438/3 "2016-05-23T05:28:36Z")

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> [@Me\_Billy](#):
>
> Search for a 5V DC to 12V DC converter.
> 
> You may find something like this…  
> [USB to 5.5mm / 2.1mm DC Booster Cable - 12V Output : ID 2778 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2778?gclid=CNzkteW178wCFRRgfgodCiAMbw)

That is interesting. It also shows me that best an adapter like that is going to do (700 ma and only for short periods) is way less than most modern notebooks a require for a charging amperage (usually 3 to 5 amps @ 15 to 19VDC ). These portable batteries seem powerful in that they can run phones and tablets for days but when more serious power is required they apparently have their limitations.