Why You Should Convert All Your USB Devices to USB-C

In this video, I'll show you how to upgrade any old USB device to USB-C for less than $1. I'll guide you through the process step-by-step. As an example, we'll use a faulty Blue Yeti microphone I bought on eBay for $30, including shipping.
🌟 Items (Affiliate-Links)
USB-C Breakout-Board (Mod)
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Micro USB Test-Board :
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USB-C Test-Board:
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Resistor (5.6K Ohm; 0402)
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Solder Loupe
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👉 🍿Watch Next
• Mod your PS4 Controlle...
Mod your PS4 Controller to USB-C | Here is how!
👨‍🔧 About Me
I'm Markus, your tech repair and modding expert. Join me as I extend the lifespan of consumer tech and reduce waste. Sometimes I melt, sometimes I destroy, but most of the time, I repair!
🛠️ My Gear (Affiliate-Links)
⮀ Tools & Equipment
Microscope Camera:
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Microscope Optics (180x, 3rd from the left):
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Microscope Barlow Lens (0.75x):
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Microscope Light Ring
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Solder Loupe
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Soldering Station:
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Hot Air Soldering Station:
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Fume-Extractor:
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Multimeter (UT61E+):
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USB-Meter (UT658)
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Parts Storage Box:
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USB Type-C USB-C 14 pin Connector Breakout:
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Micro USB test board :
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USB-C test board:
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IFixIt Manta Precision Bit Set:
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IFixIt FixMat:
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IFixIt Probe and Pick Set (Dental)
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Kitchen Timer
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⮀ Consumables
Resistor SMD Assortments
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Silicon-Wires (30 AWG)
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Eraser-Pen
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Soldering-Sponge
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Low-Melt-Solder:
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Solder Wick:
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Isopropyl Alcohol Dispenser:
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Flux:
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Solder Mask:
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Macho Nacho Productions: / @machonachoproductions
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#modding #mod #upgrade #usbc #mods #usbmod #soldering

[@CanWeFixThat]

Want more tips on how to mod your devices to USB-C? 👉🍿Watch Next kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKeum5Jtf62rsNE Mod your PS4 Controller to USB-C | Here is how!

[@mrmadi035]

One useful tip for remembering data lines, D+ is always next to ground connection and D- is always next to Vcc in pattern of (Vcc D- D+ G )

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thank you so much for sharing! I wasn’t aware of that. I’ll keep it in mind next time! 🫶

[@mrmadi035]

@CanWeFixThat thank you for your appreciation.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Anytime! ✌🏻

[@wilsonM1390]

Thank you

[@georgemcclelland5207]

I appreciate the timer to show how long it took you. I thought it looked like you chose 56k resistor when you chose the first one but assumed the dot didnt show very well on camera. I would definitely want breakout boards that come with the resistors already fitted

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi George! Yeah, you are right. I mistakenly used a 56k resistor, but later in the video, I discussed that. When you find a board with included resistors, let me know. This would be awesome! 🫶✌🏻

[@Bane_Amesta]

For now I just have a little disk shaped thing that has a USB C cable with a bunch of adapters inside, it is quite useful

[@Felipito-if7sn]

Great video! A few weeks ago, I tried replacing a Micro-USB connector with a USB-C one. I used two 5.1k resistors, but I couldn't get it to work. I'll try again with a 5.6k resistor because I bought the same connectors on AliExpress, lol. Also, I'm currently an electronics student. I really enjoyed your video and learned a lot. Thanks! Greetings from Chile!

[@CanWeFixThat]

Awww, thank you very much, Felipito! I would assume it should also work with 5.1k resistors. Let me know how it goes! Greetings to Chile from Germany. 🫶

[@Felipito-if7sn]

@@CanWeFixThat Finally I made it work. Thanks a lot!

[@CanWeFixThat]

@Felipito-if7sn This is great! Have fun with it! Happy tinkering!

[@mdski95]

'member fellas - measure once, cut twice

[@CanWeFixThat]

Yep! 🙈

[@Raztax]

A fume extractor is always a good idea but suggesting that one would be breathing in lead fumes without one is not true. Lead does not vaporize at soldering temps, so you are not inhaling lead when soldering.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Raztax, you're right; it's not lead that we'd inhale, but it's still something we don't want in our lungs. Thank you for bringing this up! ✌🏻

[@obsoletepowercorrupts]

This mod is for a subset of use-case-scenarios as distinguished from other scenarios in which doing something else is better suited. Be mindful that for some USB-C cables and how they are plugged-in at either end, there is a length limitation which differs from other cables, and it basically can mean they are significantly shorter. This is important for microphone devices, and sometimes other devices which also happen to have a microphone on them, such as some smartphones or MID which would have been charging or supplying a low level of power when in use as a microphone. There are, for instance, two or three situations in which this can mean using something other than that USB-C setup is better, or even required. Microphones might be placed a long distance away from an electromagnetic emission, preventing hum _(as per, for example, similar definitions of emission by means of CISPR22 and CISPR32)_ where shielding is insufficient. Another situation can be where there are polar patterns on a microphone which require the microphone to have the longer cable for positioning away from something else or at a given angle, as long as latency is not the knock-on-effect issue. Also phase-shift and Doppler-effect can mean that two or more microphones might need the longer cables if there to pick up audio such that there is not an out of phase audio or Gaussian noise elimination reduction _(or perhaps the opposite is done deliberately with longer cables to create an out of phase such as like a Leslie speaker in rotation)._ Small USB-C connectors (ports) can still snap too. Some USB-C cable devices are used not just for power and are better suited in the design of an audio device in that they use the USB-C audio protocol. Not all operating systems use the USB-C driver and the stack executes differently and a microphone might not work on that device or computer if a USB-C port connection is retrofitted. The mod in the video can be useful for some use-case-scenarios as a subset instead of others, and so do be careful to already know what results are desired before doing it, if at all. Consulting the documentation, it is often the approach to measure twice, and cut once. Sometimes, accepting the original _(not USB-C connector)_ port is a fiddly snappy small thing _(replacing a like-for-like replacement)_ and then making a tiny breakout cable to a chunkier external connector port by USB-B as though to USB-A can make it less prone to wearing out, such that then a sturdy small high quality cable can be the USB-B and then that can be plugged into and fixed to a stronger box so that even if it breaks, the box is just swapped. It can then be converted by USB-C in a deciduous manner on some days if so desired and required. This also means that the sticker on the back has the like-for-like information, and can be cross-referenced if a sheet for FCC-ID is used.. My comment has no hate in it and I do no harm. I am not appalled or afraid, boasting or envying or complaining... Just saying. Psalms23: Giving thanks and praise to the Lord and peace and love. Also, I'd say Matthew6.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Wow, thank you so much for your detailed comment! You are absolutely right that one shouldn't just mod everything without thought and consideration. Personally, I haven't had any issues with the mentioned mod so far, and I've modified quite a few devices with it. But of course, as always, there are exceptions in the world. There shouldn't actually be a driver issue, since we're not changing anything about the logic of the USB port. We still have D+ and D-, as well as 5V. That shouldn't make any difference. Or am I making a thinking error here? Once again, thank you for your detailed explanation! 🫶

[@mkFix-pl]

Great video, I do have a Yeti blue that I was thinking of replacing the micro-usb on. And some other electronics I'd like to upgrade with USB c as well :)

[@qdaniele97]

Great work! I need to do the same thing but to an Olympus Air 01 camera while also replacing the IR-UV cut-out filter on the sensor with a clear one. Wish me luck😅

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hey man! Thank you very much for your kind words. That sounds like a nice project! Keep me posted, buddy! ✌🏻

[@charlienewman7496]

Just found your channel, love your content!....subed

[@CanWeFixThat]

Awww, thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@jackipiegg]

11:35 LOL reminds me of raspberry pi 4 engineers. You need 2x 5.1k resistors on both CC1 AND CC2 separately, You can't short them together and use 1 resistor. BTW, I see aliexpress has boards with 2 pads, seems like your board is an old revision. Some have resistors already soldered.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Jackie! Yes, I know this setup isn't ideal, but I haven't found any issues with it so far. Do you have a link to the upgraded boards you mentioned? I would update the product links to make things even easier! 😉

[@TunkkRS]

Hello, I am looking at modding my blue yeti to USB C. While looking for USB C boards, I have found on aliexpress connectors with dual 5.1K resistors on 16 pin board. Would such connector allow me to skip the resistor soldering and just require to solder 4 cables? For USB C to USB C to work

[@TechWandererYT]

19:32 hahaha you got me

[@CanWeFixThat]

😉

[@xbadjokerx]

i was actually looking at the resistor value and thinking thats not 5k6 xD loved the video! even though i knew how to do it, still watched it all! :D

[@CanWeFixThat]

Haha! Yeah, sometimes I should take a more precise look at things! Thank you so much for your kind words; it's always great to hear that the content I create is appreciated and fun to watch! 🫶

[@arch1107]

bad idea, my desktop pcs all have old usb 3 or usb 2 only a couple of phones in the house have usb c so i shouldnt, and i bet alot of people are in the same situation, just keep using cables that act as converters or converters and you will be just fine

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi! Sure, this mod is not for everyone, but fiddling with bulky converts is no option for me. Of course, it's still a viable solution! ✌🏻

[@yash1152]

timer, electric-work mat, PCB holder, microscope, 5:14 fume extractor, flux, flux dispenser, leaded solder all good, except that AI-bots say that lead's melting point is too high

[@mjc0961]

What is that flux dispenser tool, that looks cool as heck

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi, here: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCCVnp5 But make sure to get the right size for your Flux Syringe. ✌🏻

[@ejajurrohoman]

The only problem with usb c as of now is there's rarely a cable with supports the all claimed feature if available its way too expensive if its was a bit affordable like atleat under 30 dollars it would do the job its really had to come by

[@CanWeFixThat]

@ejajurrohoman Hi, which specific features are you referring to? ✌🏻

[@ejajurrohoman]

@ Atleast usb gen 3 cable which supports at least 65w charging and display output and is braided with at least 1 year of warranty

[@CanWeFixThat]

@ejajurrohoman Funny enough, I bought a USB-C cable two days ago from Ama* for $6-braided and up to 100W. Not sure about the guarantee, but hey, I run a repair and tinkerer channel, so why would I care about guarantees? 😆 It makes a good impression on me, but I haven’t used it much yet. ✌🏻

[@ejajurrohoman]

@ if possible can you send the link I would love to check it out, Thank you brother

[@CanWeFixThat]

@ejajurrohoman I will try. Not sure if this is against the guidelines, but let's see: www.amazon.de/dp/B0DCV7QMN5 It's from the German page, but I hope it still helps you!

[@iammarkanthony1]

Liked and subscribed. Great video. Now I regret throwing away an LED flashlight I bought from Autozone when the micro usb got damaged. The light itself worked really well just that damn connector. 😂

[@CanWeFixThat]

Haha! Thank you so much for your support. I feel you: In the past, I've often realized that I've trashed something that would've been a no-go with my current knowledge. But that's how we learn! Keep it up! ✌🏻🫶

[@Jushooa]

Great vid :)

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thank you! 🤓😋

[@ww4102]

We use the same plugs, but still proprietery technologies, vooc, quickcharge, supercharge etc. I still need different cables and chargers for different devices, even if they're all usb-c. Another one for my phone, another for my gf phone, another one is for my laptop and there is also a freaking glue gun that will only charge with some old chargers or i plugged to my laptop. The standarization didn't completly solve the issue

[@CanWeFixThat]

Yeah, you are right; I have seen a Parkside Rotary Tool that has a USB-C Port but only charges with its own 13V charger 🤯

[@Marsk1tty]

​@@CanWeFixThatI have a rechargable flashlight that doubles as a power bank, which is cool! Unfortunately it requires the bundled power adapter to charge which makes it almost useless to me

[@somedude2492]

I solved most issues by carrying around a 2m long, usb c to c, 100W capable cable. I rarely need to transfer files between USB C devices directly, so as long as the cable charges at full speed that's good enough for me. I also carry around a 100w usb C PD compliant charger, that can charge anything i throw at it really. Only thing i still can't standardize is my watch, it has a fixed-end cord that goes from usb A to magnetic charger.

[@somedude2492]

​@@Marsk1ttyit's really odd that it requires its own power adapter... Is it a connector thing, voltage rating? Usually you can mod them out if you know a bit of electronics

[@andrewwalker1931]

I'm looking to get a similar microscope setup, however your link for the 180x lens points to a page with two items that are listed as "180X 50mm", but look very different. One is 45USD, the other is 102USD. Which is it? Also, do you have links for the light ring and articulating arm mount you are using? Thanks!

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Andrew! I looked it up, it's the 180x, third from the left in the selection. I updated the video description with the info about the light ring. The articulating arm I'm using is a DIY solution from an old computer screen table mount-not recommendable. ^^

[@Fux3c]

Another great video 🤩 thank you for keeping it up 💪 (blower gave me a jumpscare lmao)

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thank you so much, mate! Sorry for making you jump 😄✌️

[@EELLISON2012]

How did you come up with 5.6 kohms for the resistor? 10 x the difference between voltage and the ground

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi! To be clear, these resistor values are only for the communication lines, to let the charger know that it only has to output 5V. So it is defined by the USB-C protocol itself. The purpose is not to limit the current.

[@EnlightenedSavage]

Usb mini was the best one...always connected securely, never wore out and always charged. Usb c is a disaster.

[@kdt85]

Isn't he replacing a damaged connector?

[@CanWeFixThat]

Indeed, I was using a microphone with a damaged Mini USB connector for this mod. For me, USB-C is a blessing. I wouldn't want to miss it anymore! ✌🏻

[@kdt85]

@@CanWeFixThat totally agree I have upgraded several old devices, Bluetooth speakers and stuff. I'm curious how the hot glue lasts, I use 2 part epoxy or a 3d printed bracket

[@CanWeFixThat]

@kdt85 Until now, the hot glue version still works like a charm. I think it depends on which devices you modify. For example, if you have a device that you take outside in the summer, there's a high chance that the hot glue will soften and mess up your alignment. I try to avoid epoxy because it's nearly impossible to remove later if you need to repair the breakout board in the future. But yeah, I think it depends on the situation! ✌🏻

[@knuckles31312]

Came across your channel recently and have came back to your videos for learnjng different things. I have a question. Do you know of a 6 pin type c breakout board with 2 spots for the 5.1 surface mount resistors? Trying to put one in my 3ds and make it able to do c to c charging as well as a to c charging. I have found some that others have built specifically for the 3 ds but they get rather expensive if doing more than one

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Knuckles! Thanks for your support, it means a lot to me. 😍 Do you have a link to these breakout boards? But why wouldn’t it work? ;-)

[@knuckles31312]

@@CanWeFixThat I will look for the link of the ones I had found a month or two ago, I just got a pcb etching kit and am going to try to make the board myself so it doesn't get too pricey that way, but I just wanted to see if you knew of one I could purchase like from Amazon or something that just would have made it easier because the 5.1 surface mount resistors are so small my hands start to shake when trying to mess with them lmao

[@somedude2492]

You can search for a USB C to C charger daughter board, those will probably have the resistors already soldered and everything ready for you to connect the leads for charging.

[@lucaferrara4380]

which resistor i need to put in the breakout board for 12v?

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi! You need another board to trigger a specific voltage: A USB-C Trigger Board; you can use it for a particular voltage inside the USB-C specs. If this topic is interesting, could I make a video about it? ✌🏻

[@PabloGil.]

only $1? seems interesting.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Pablo! Yes, the boards are dirt cheap! 🤑

you could glue the other side of the usbc board. so you wouldnt need to file it.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thanks! That could have been an option. ✌🏻

[@Na0uta]

I have changed nearly every device to type C. Just a few old things i cant get rid of yet. Its been the best exp ever. Every cord works with everything. Only exception is is one end needs to be type a or type c.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, for me, this conversion is one of the best! ✌🏻

[@imaginitivity7853]

Hang on. So the usb c conversion requires resistors, so we're wasting electricity as heat. Wasn't this change supposed to reduce waste?

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi! Yes, we do need resistors, but they are for signaling, not power dissipation. ✌🏻

[@rafnael8807]

The resistors are there solely for the communications. It's a communication line.

[@ceefusjenkins2281]

Nice.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thanks!

[@SATERIYA-dp3wb]

👍🏻 good v.c

[@CanWeFixThat]

Thank you very much!

[@Aimsport-video]

For 5v or 20v… ? There should be a 5v standard for those devices unable to handle more than 5v.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi! What are you referring to? There is no way that this board could "overload" the device with, for example, 20V. As mentioned in the video, such things must be negotiated between the charger and the device. The way I am showing here is 5V only. I hope that helps. ✌🏻

[@fatih371k]

Type C transformation of all old devices in the world is a must ❤

[@CanWeFixThat]

Totally agree!

[@GoatZilla]

should actually name the lines that you're soldering the resistor to. things have names for a reason.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Goat, I missed that, sorry. My goal was to keep it as simple as possible. You need to put the pull-down resistors on CC1 and CC2. I only used one resistor because this specific board is bridging them inside, which is not ideal, but I have had no issues till then with these boards or cables. ✌🏻

[@raymondhacks]

USB-C is my love language

[@CanWeFixThat]

You are my man! 🙌

[@mikaele2x]

Well, not that simple. USB-C is a contact - basically nothing more. It could be USB 2, USB3, USB4, thunderbolt 3, thunderbolt 4 etc. They support different power throughput...Different cables may be needed. Still, moving from propriety chargers for cell phones to USB C chargers may reduced e-waste.

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Mikaele! You are absolutely right! Thanks for sharing. ✌🏻🫶

[@AbdallahMohamed-ks5sd]

Can mod my laptop from usb A to usb c ?

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Abdallah, I think this could work to some extent. You wouldn’t be able to use power delivery or charge your laptop through this mod, but it’s worth a try for “normal” USB-C devices that won’t draw more than 0.5 Amps. Nice idea, I hadn’t thought about that! 🙌🏻

[@AbdallahMohamed-ks5sd]

@@CanWeFixThat I found a usb-c port that has 4 pins two for data and ground and voltage, thought if i converted it i would be able to use it as i use the usb-a port for normal phone charging and data transfer

[@CanWeFixThat]

I would say that it could work, but I can't guarantee it for sure. 😉✌️

[@RB-us6tf]

You need to solder two 5.1k resistors, not one!

[@CanWeFixThat]

You are right, but as you can see, this specific board offers only this option, and to be honest, I had no issues with a wider variety of different cables! ✌🏻

[@RB-us6tf]

@@CanWeFixThat with usb-c to usb-c cable and a single resistor it should only work if usbc is plugged in on one side, but not the other.

[@CanWeFixThat]

@RB-us6tf, theoretically, yes, but the used USB-C breakout board interconnects them with only one resistor. I tested it again, and both sides work with a USB-C to USB-C cable.

[@itz.damian.bob.boss.viewers]

1:41 everyones reaction kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiwdoSpprV1r68

[@ableite]

Does not worth the time

[@CanWeFixThat]

Sure, it is not for everyone, but thanks for watching! ✌🏻

[@kwissiekwissie]

so?? WHY?? Why should you need to convert to USB-C???? no answer to that... this is a video about converting your mike...

[@657bhang]

I'd assume that since the EU mandated all devices must be USB c it will soon be used universally

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi! The first few seconds of the video should explain it. 😉 Instead of having hundreds of different cables, you only need one to charge and use all your devices. Plus, there are some great benefits....no more fiddling to get the right direction, since you can plug it in both ways. And of course, the biggest one: We are nerds! At least I am. 🤓🫶

[@JoeyMx]

Mic* Learn to spell. Listen to the start. He literally explains why, lmao. Clearly very dense. 😂

[@SharvilSawargaonkar]

any other connector than usb c is obsolete, companies that used other usb connectors and proprietary connectors are criminals

[@cmdr.shurimal8980]

USB A and high retention force USB B are the best. Very robust, very reliable, won't care about dust and dirt, easy to replace. USB C is fickle as hell; only mini and micro B are worse.

[@neelaveronte745]

Know one important moment there: this connector is a modern smartphone charging port... Classic 220 V 🔌 supply or USB (train for example).

[@SebastianL.83]

So this time a little later than usual :D great video :) PS: Sie haben Post ;)

[@CanWeFixThat]

Hi Sebastian! Thanks! By the way, I've started using the other flux in the meantime! 😉 I haven't received any mail from you yet, though. 🫣

[@SebastianL.83]

@@CanWeFixThat i send it to [e-mail] maybe in the spam fodler?