Bill from Project Billd has crafted a fantastic project: a wireless charging station that not only charges a phone and smartwatch but also includes an auxiliary port for other devices. This guide walks through the entire process, detailing every step to create a sleek, functional charging station for your nightstand or workspace.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3/4″ Thick Walnut Lumber
- Wireless Charger
- USB Hub
- USB C Extension Cable
- JST-XH 2.54mm Female Connector
- USB-A Right Angle Extension Cable
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- 2+ Amp Wall Charger
- Double Sided Tape
- 1/4″ Plywood (for making router templates)
- Superglue
- Wood Glue
- Disk Magnets
- Satin Polyurethane Spray
- Heat Shrink Tubing
- Mini Screws
- Zip Ties
Step 1: Designing the Charging Station
The first step in this project involves conceptualizing the design. Bill plans to create a walnut charging station, featuring:
- A wireless charger on the right side for the phone.
- Two pockets on the left: a larger tray for jewelry and a smaller one for the watch charger.
The watch holder will be removable and held in place by magnets, allowing for future upgrades without redesigning the entire dock.
Step 2: Routing the Pockets
To create the pockets, Bill uses router templates made from strips of plywood. These templates are attached with double-sided tape for stability during routing.
Step 3: Preparing the Electronics
Before cutting the back of the station, Bill discusses the electronics that will be integrated. This includes:
- A wireless charger centered on the right.
- A USB hub to power the wireless charger and additional devices.
- USB cables for the smartwatch and an auxiliary port.
Step 4: Testing the Wireless Charger
After routing, Bill tests the wireless charger setup to ensure it works correctly with only an eighth of an inch left between the charger and the phone’s surface.
Step 5: Creating the Watch Holder
Next, Bill constructs the watch holder. He glues walnut strips together, squares them up, and cuts them into shape.
Step 6: Installing the Electronics
Once the watch holder is complete, Bill installs the electronics, which involves:
- Attaching the wireless charger with double-sided tape.
- Inserting the USB cables.
- Soldering connections for power.
Step 7: Final Assembly and Testing
With everything wired up, it’s time for the final assembly. Bill tests the charging station using the smartwatch and phone to ensure all devices charge simultaneously.
Conclusion
Bill wraps up the project by confirming that the charging station works perfectly for overnight charging, providing a sleek and functional solution for keeping devices powered. This project not only enhances the aesthetic of any space but also offers practicality for daily use.
Here are the project diagrams.