charging a PRS-505 with USB charger

rcrh · 06-14-2010, 11:48 PM

Has anyone had any luck charging a 505 with a USB wall charger? It seems that I can only charge mine with my PC. That seems like a very expense & cumbersome way to replace a wall charger.

Thanks in advance to anyone whose been successful and can help.

Worldwalker · 06-15-2010, 12:01 AM

You can't charge a 505 off a USB wall charger. You can use either the USB computer connection, or a wall charger that plugs into the round charging port on the 505. I happen to have the actual Sony one, but I've heard here on MR that the ones sold for the PSP handheld game console will work. The Sony charger is rated at 2000mA (yeah, 2 amps) -- the 505 must be a hungry little critter. On the plus side, the wall charger charges it very quickly.

GraceKrispy · 06-15-2010, 12:03 AM

I concur with the above. In the early days, I used my phone wall plug to try to charge my reader (usb wall plug). Drained it dry. Thought I killed it. Definitely go with sony or psp charger for wall charger.

MSJim · 06-15-2010, 01:54 AM

Round Plug, Round Plug, Round Plug. That's all you need to remember about reader chargers. As long as the voltage of the round plug charger is correct, it will charge the Sony reader. It doesn't matter if the voltage source is a USB car adapter, a USB wall charger, or a cube type wall charger (Sony or PSP type). I actually use a surplus Dell Axim charger. Of course, you must use a cable with a round plug on one end and a USB A plug on the other with the USB wall charger, or USB car adapter. I have a "y" type cable with both round and USB mini plugs on the reader end.
Just don't expect a charge cable, with a mini USB plug on one end and a USB A plug on the other, to charge the reader unless it is connected to a PC, and then only if the PC is active, i.e. not in standby/sleep mode/hibernation/off.
Charging via PC USB ports is generally slower than charging from a round plug equipped wall charger. That's because the wall chargers usually have more current and/or voltage available than the typical USB port.

rcrh · 06-15-2010, 10:21 AM

Thanks all. I found this and more by simply waking up and trying the search. oops.

It's too bad that sony is trying to make me lug around another brick. I'm definitely going to start a search for a cable that I can plug into my USB charger (one with a round tip). It will be nice to have one brick and a couple of cables to charge my bberry, reader, and ipad.

thanks.

rcrh · 06-15-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSJim

Round Plug, Round Plug, Round Plug. ...

I have a "y" type cable with both round and USB mini plugs on the reader end.
....

Where did you get the cable?

Thanks.

MSJim · 06-15-2010, 10:29 AM

rcrh,
I got mine on eBay for a couple of bucks - shipping included, but they're also sold in some stores. Try a gaming store if you have one in your area.

billkelly · 06-15-2010, 10:41 AM

Like MSJim, I use the "Y" cable. We got ours with a PSP kit. I have also found that this can be used with some types of "battery extenders" - mini battery packs. Maplin (UK) do one comes with many connectors (not a sony so you will still need the "Y"), this has some circuit in it and have found it will charge just about anything - including the 505. Great for holidays as it works with most of my toys.

niftyprose · 01-08-2026, 12:18 PM

Hello guys, my first post here. I'm resurrecting this thread after 15 years in case anyone else out there is dealing with the novel PRS505/powerbank issue.

Amazon and other channels are presently shifting a lot of powerbanks, pocket-sized lithium batteries that can recharge mobile phones and other small electronics via USB. I got a Klarus K5, a particularly nice example of the type, for Xmas. I've spent part of the New Year learning how to get the Klarus working harmoniously with solar chargers and a variety of USB-charged electronics in preparation for an upcoming sea trip. My PRS505 was one of the last devices lined up for testing. My first attempt, using the same USB-A-to-Mini cable that I use for loading epubs, went disastrously.

The Sony wouldn't settle properly into charging mode, and alternated between the "USB connected" screen and a main menu display. After disconnecting the Klarus, I saw that the Sony's battery had been nearly drained by the experience. And the reader locked onto its menu screen, so that I had to do a soft reset with a pin to get it to respond properly to the buttons. It looked like the Sony wouldn't be on the trip.

I turned up this page on Google and paid close attention, especially to MSJim's "round plug!" post. Fortunately, I have a round pin adapter set, a cable with a USB-A on one end and a choice of six barrel adapters at the other. I chose the appropriate barrel, plugged the Klarus back into the Sony via the adapter port this time, and crossed my fingers.

Bingo! The Sony charged quickly and efficiently from the Klarus. One less thing to worry about on holiday. "Round plug", indeed. Thanks, guys.

niftyprose · Yesterday, 12:39 PM

PS Having successfully recharged the PRS505, I started thinking about practicalities. Fond as I am of my PRS505, I don't want to travel with a USB/barrel adapter set, and I imagine others will feel similarly.

The main theme of this thread is that the 505's USB port isn't as good as its round power socket for charging. Sony sold the dedicated PSP charger as an extra, and they seem to have put out a lot of 505s with just the one USB cable (type A to Mini) with the expectation that users would find it sufficient.

Wrangling older 505s is likely to be painful unless you can charge via the devices' power sockets.

The best possible solution would be to find an adapter tip with a USB mini socket on one side and a 4.0/1.7mm barrel on the other. With such a connector, one could convert any existing Sony USB cable into a compatible round-socket power connector, using the same cable for both functions.

Annoyingly, I had exactly this item through my hands a decade ago, but got rid of it as I couldn't think of a use for it(!) I guess they must still be out there even after the demise of USB Mini, but I won't be holding my breath.

I have a secondbest solution. Amazon UK sells this adapter:

JZK 5V USB Type C Female to DC 4.0x1.7mm Adapter, 90 Degree Right Angle DC Male to 4.0x1.7mm DC Jack Adapter

I usually have a type A to type C USB lead in my baggage, so this item is light -- I don't have to carry an extra cable, just the adapter tip. Cost GBP2.99. Mine's working fine.

JSWolf · Yesterday, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niftyprose

PS Having successfully recharged the PRS505, I started thinking about practicalities. Fond as I am of my PRS505, I don't want to travel with a USB/barrel adapter set, and I imagine others will feel similarly.

The main theme of this thread is that the 505's USB port isn't as good as its round power socket for charging. Sony sold the dedicated PSP charger as an extra, and they seem to have put out a lot of 505s with just the one USB cable (type A to Mini) with the expectation that users would find it sufficient.

Wrangling older 505s is likely to be painful unless you can charge via the devices' power sockets.

The best possible solution would be to find an adapter tip with a USB mini socket on one side and a 4.0/1.7mm barrel on the other. With such a connector, one could convert any existing Sony USB cable into a compatible round-socket power connector, using the same cable for both functions.

Annoyingly, I had exactly this item through my hands a decade ago, but got rid of it as I couldn't think of a use for it(!) I guess they must still be out there even after the demise of USB Mini, but I won't be holding my breath.

I have a secondbest solution. Amazon UK sells this adapter:

JZK 5V USB Type C Female to DC 4.0x1.7mm Adapter, 90 Degree Right Angle DC Male to 4.0x1.7mm DC Jack Adapter

I usually have a type A to type C USB lead in my baggage, so this item is light -- I don't have to carry an extra cable, just the adapter tip. Cost GBP2.99. Mine's working fine.

Here is what you want. It;s USB-A on one end and PSP on the other.

https://www.amazon.com/Gomass-Replac.../dp/B0CJPS1M1Z

06-14-2010, 11:48 PM	#1
rcrh Enthusiast Posts: 39 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2008 Device: Sony PRS-505	charging a PRS-505 with USB charger Has anyone had any luck charging a 505 with a USB wall charger? It seems that I can only charge mine with my PC. That seems like a very expense & cumbersome way to replace a wall charger. Thanks in advance to anyone whose been successful and can help.

06-15-2010, 01:54 AM	#4
MSJim Bookworm Posts: 104 Karma: 26 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Central Georgia, USA Device: PRS-600, Nook STR	Round Plug, Round Plug, Round Plug. That's all you need to remember about reader chargers. As long as the voltage of the round plug charger is correct, it will charge the Sony reader. It doesn't matter if the voltage source is a USB car adapter, a USB wall charger, or a cube type wall charger (Sony or PSP type). I actually use a surplus Dell Axim charger. Of course, you must use a cable with a round plug on one end and a USB A plug on the other with the USB wall charger, or USB car adapter. I have a "y" type cable with both round and USB mini plugs on the reader end. Just don't expect a charge cable, with a mini USB plug on one end and a USB A plug on the other, to charge the reader unless it is connected to a PC, and then only if the PC is active, i.e. not in standby/sleep mode/hibernation/off. Charging via PC USB ports is generally slower than charging from a round plug equipped wall charger. That's because the wall chargers usually have more current and/or voltage available than the typical USB port. Last edited by MSJim; 06-15-2010 at 02:05 AM.

01-08-2026, 12:18 PM	#9
niftyprose Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2026 Device: Sony PRS505	Vintage Sony PRS505 w/ 2026 powerbank Hello guys, my first post here. I'm resurrecting this thread after 15 years in case anyone else out there is dealing with the novel PRS505/powerbank issue. Amazon and other channels are presently shifting a lot of powerbanks, pocket-sized lithium batteries that can recharge mobile phones and other small electronics via USB. I got a Klarus K5, a particularly nice example of the type, for Xmas. I've spent part of the New Year learning how to get the Klarus working harmoniously with solar chargers and a variety of USB-charged electronics in preparation for an upcoming sea trip. My PRS505 was one of the last devices lined up for testing. My first attempt, using the same USB-A-to-Mini cable that I use for loading epubs, went disastrously. The Sony wouldn't settle properly into charging mode, and alternated between the "USB connected" screen and a main menu display. After disconnecting the Klarus, I saw that the Sony's battery had been nearly drained by the experience. And the reader locked onto its menu screen, so that I had to do a soft reset with a pin to get it to respond properly to the buttons. It looked like the Sony wouldn't be on the trip. I turned up this page on Google and paid close attention, especially to MSJim's "round plug!" post. Fortunately, I have a round pin adapter set, a cable with a USB-A on one end and a choice of six barrel adapters at the other. I chose the appropriate barrel, plugged the Klarus back into the Sony via the adapter port this time, and crossed my fingers. Bingo! The Sony charged quickly and efficiently from the Klarus. One less thing to worry about on holiday. "Round plug", indeed. Thanks, guys.

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06-15-2010, 12:01 AM	#2
Worldwalker Curmudgeon Posts: 3,085 Karma: 722357 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: PRS-505	You can't charge a 505 off a USB wall charger. You can use either the USB computer connection, or a wall charger that plugs into the round charging port on the 505. I happen to have the actual Sony one, but I've heard here on MR that the ones sold for the PSP handheld game console will work. The Sony charger is rated at 2000mA (yeah, 2 amps) -- the 505 must be a hungry little critter. On the plus side, the wall charger charges it very quickly.

06-15-2010, 12:03 AM	#3
GraceKrispy It's Dr. Penguin now! Posts: 3,909 Karma: 4705733 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: (USA) Device: iPad mini, Samsung Note 3, Sony PRS-650 (rarely used now)	I concur with the above. In the early days, I used my phone wall plug to try to charge my reader (usb wall plug). Drained it dry. Thought I killed it. Definitely go with sony or psp charger for wall charger.

06-15-2010, 10:21 AM	#5
rcrh Enthusiast Posts: 39 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2008 Device: Sony PRS-505	Thanks all. I found this and more by simply waking up and trying the search. oops. It's too bad that sony is trying to make me lug around another brick. I'm definitely going to start a search for a cable that I can plug into my USB charger (one with a round tip). It will be nice to have one brick and a couple of cables to charge my bberry, reader, and ipad. thanks.

06-15-2010, 10:29 AM	#7
MSJim Bookworm Posts: 104 Karma: 26 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Central Georgia, USA Device: PRS-600, Nook STR	rcrh, I got mine on eBay for a couple of bucks - shipping included, but they're also sold in some stores. Try a gaming store if you have one in your area.

06-15-2010, 10:41 AM	#8
billkelly Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: sony prs 505	Like MSJim, I use the "Y" cable. We got ours with a PSP kit. I have also found that this can be used with some types of "battery extenders" - mini battery packs. Maplin (UK) do one comes with many connectors (not a sony so you will still need the "Y"), this has some circuit in it and have found it will charge just about anything - including the 505. Great for holidays as it works with most of my toys.

Yesterday, 12:39 PM	#10
niftyprose Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2026 Device: Sony PRS505	PS Having successfully recharged the PRS505, I started thinking about practicalities. Fond as I am of my PRS505, I don't want to travel with a USB/barrel adapter set, and I imagine others will feel similarly. The main theme of this thread is that the 505's USB port isn't as good as its round power socket for charging. Sony sold the dedicated PSP charger as an extra, and they seem to have put out a lot of 505s with just the one USB cable (type A to Mini) with the expectation that users would find it sufficient. Wrangling older 505s is likely to be painful unless you can charge via the devices' power sockets. The best possible solution would be to find an adapter tip with a USB mini socket on one side and a 4.0/1.7mm barrel on the other. With such a connector, one could convert any existing Sony USB cable into a compatible round-socket power connector, using the same cable for both functions. Annoyingly, I had exactly this item through my hands a decade ago, but got rid of it as I couldn't think of a use for it(!) I guess they must still be out there even after the demise of USB Mini, but I won't be holding my breath. I have a secondbest solution. Amazon UK sells this adapter: JZK 5V USB Type C Female to DC 4.0x1.7mm Adapter, 90 Degree Right Angle DC Male to 4.0x1.7mm DC Jack Adapter I usually have a type A to type C USB lead in my baggage, so this item is light -- I don't have to carry an extra cable, just the adapter tip. Cost GBP2.99. Mine's working fine.