The Minty Mate - Portable USB Gadget Power. I have been building these portable USB power supplies that run off 2 or 4 AA batteries. They are great to keep in your “go-kit” so you can keep your USB powered devices operational while on deployment. They are based on the MintyBoost project developed by ladyada from Adafruit Industries. Details on this project’s development are available here.

I have been installing the completed MintyBoost kits in recycled Altoids tins. Recently I have also been installing them in new blank tins that can be customized with designs,  logos or other insignia for which the end user is authorized to display.

I created an instructables.com article that outlines how I make these handy power sources. I also created a PDF file of that instructables.com article here.

If you’re interested in buying one of these assembled and tested kits mounted in an Altoids tin then check out my etsy.com store for what I have available. Note that “RoysterBot” is my handle within  the online community of the Open Source Hardware movement.

If you want to build one yourself I have parts kits available. E-mail me at RoysterBot@Gmail.com for details.