Xbox Controller Hack
I was gifted an X-Box 360 a few years back.
Not being a gamer my-self I figured the grand-kids could use it.
Problem: Seeing as the G-kids lived in other towns and didn't visit that often, the batteries in the controllers would be dead when they came to use it. (Unhappy G-kids)
First Solution.
I tried the usual ,regular carbon batteries, then rechargeable batteries.
No go. they would be dead time they came again. Of course I would for get to remove them after kids went home. Try rechargeable batteries they would also be dead by time they were needed.
On to step two.
Rechargeable Pack.
Step two
Now lets try a rechargeable pack.
Order a Ni Mh 4800mAh rechargeable pack on line.
As useless as the rechargeable double AA's, discharge over time as well or forget to recharge them.
On to step three.
Step 3
Solution; guess the kids will just have to plug the remotes into the console.
Problem: wire to short.
On to step four
Step 4
Solution: add extension USB cable
Problem: keep tripping over wires between controller and console.
Next step.
Step 5
Then it struck me?
Solution: If controllers work with console with out the battery packs, why not get Li-ON battery pack that don't loose it's. charge over time.
Problem: No such item.
this is getting kinda drawn out, step 6
Enter Li ON
Solution: The portable phone chargers put out 5 volts why not use a couple of them.
Got my butt over to the Dollar Store bought a couple of cheep phone chargers. (wasn't gonna buy one of those expensive ones in case it didn't work.)
Best 8 bucks spent on this
It Works
When I got back from the dollar store had to charge up the Phone\battery packs as per instructions.
After a few hours all charged up and ready to try out one at lest one. I hooked up the charging cord to the controller plugged it into the battery pack turned on the controller and It worked. Turned on the X-Box as well.
I now took the other battery pack and taped them together. Put them away till the G-Kids came over. They were impressed and happy. Grandpa was the HERO of the day.
Summery
I don't know if this method will work with other systems but your own to try.
I find this the best and probably cheapest way to keep charged controllers on hand. They don't need recharging as often ans last a lot longer the regular or ni-cad batteries.
The cord could be shorten if you want but I like the original length better. (keeps the kids apart so no fighting)
I'm going to take a few more pictures and add them later.
Thanks for reading.