USB Crowbar: Convert USB-B to USB-C!

It’s pretty clear that USB-C is here to stay and certainly has a few years of lifespan left before we’ll see whatever comes along to replace it filtering into our devices. Looking across my messy desk it’s true to say there’s still a wide range of USB connectors in use in older gear, including lots of USB-B. The USB Crowbar is an exact replacement circuit built to replace large USB-B right-angle connectors with the more modern USB C.

Sold assembled in packs of 5 all the fiddly SMD soldering is done for you. To fit the device you’ll have to de-solder and remove your large USB B socket. These can take quite a bit of heat to remove in our experience as they soak up a fair amount of heat with their large metal chassis components. A good hot air gun to heat the area well before using either a vacuum desolderer or a good-quality solder braid can make it much easier. Once off you’ll need to add some small pieces of wire through the USB Crowbar through holes which will act as the connector through to the old USB-B pins. It’s then a case of soldering in the USB Crowbar and reassembling your device.

The project creator Indrora mentions that a driving factor for this was failing USB-B sockets on older DJ/Music equipment but we can also, as mentioned, imagine fitting these to older Arduino UNOs as it’s more common to find a USB-C cable in the workspace! If you’ve got some old gear that you’d like to upgrade to USB-C, then definitely check out the product page!