Einleitung
Using an old MacBook Pro 2012 Unibody as my main computer, I got tired of logging around the 80W power supply. I wondered, “how I could lighten my carrying bundle (computer and power supply). As my company's computer and many PC (at least in Europe) have USB C male outputs I wondered if USB C to Magsafe 1 cable existed. Online, I found a cable that can be sold as a spare part to a USB C Magsafe 1 power supply (see guide parts). On its own, the USB C to Magsafe 1 (20-25 USD/Eur) works well with USB C docking stations found at work. This was already a good start. Unfortunately, it does not appear work with Ipad Pro (or iphone) wall sockets.
Then, I also purchased a female to female USB C adapter (10 USD/EUR). This allows me to get power from: (1) the commonly found PC USB C Power supplied to the USB C-Magsafe 1 cable to (2) .
When I know my travel destination (work or friends house) will have a high wattage USB C power supplied I carry only this USB C to Magsafe 1 cable + female female adaptor. I no longer need to carry around the heavier 80W; that stays at home.
I have read that USB-C has a direction to the power so you may have to try all direction of the female to female converter. Additionally, I would do this test while you are awake or close to the computer and built trust in the system before you leave it for overnight. I have only used this system ~10 times so don't have any guarantee on the long run. I will report back here in a few months.
Last updates Feb 23, 2023
Ersatzteile
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Plug in the power supply to the outlet. Then plug the Magsafe to the Macbook. The order here may be important.
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As usual, the light is green and then turns to orange if charging is required. If not it remains green.
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You can observe some colour changes in the light when charging. Every time you will plug in the Magsafe this can happen 2-5 times and last from 2-3 seconds. I have observed that if you let it be, the orange light will remain after a few flickers.
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I have also noticed that sometimes the charging light will only stay on for a few seconds until it turns off. I still have not discovered why sometimes it works and other times it does not.
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Although this is a 65W power supply my MacBook Pro' System Report believes it's an 85W.
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In activity monitor the battery charging is plotted. Halfway up the charge slope is a regular MacBook charger. The last half of the upward slope is this USB C mod.
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Here I will try and update the list of chargers that do (green) and don't work (red). Maybe one day I will get enough data to come closer to a definite answer.
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If somebody has any thoughts don't hesitate to add them in the comment section.
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The ability of the green or orange light turning on is especially favorable when:
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You have everything plugged in and reboot. You may notice flickering of the screen during the apple logo. I think this has to do with power negotiation between macbook and magsafe.
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You turn off your computer and plug it in. Keep it plugged in with the lid down seems to be the most successful method that requires the least amount of flipping usb, replug or reboot.
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Flip the USB C power supply side 180 degree in the female female adaptor.
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Docking station always works. Maybe power negotiation chip is always present in those since its made for multiple computers.
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If you don't want to buy or carry around the 85W Macbook Power Adaptor but prefer to have something more modern and lightweight, you may want to give this technique a try. For the time being I have only tested with USB C docking station and 65W Lenovo power supply. Also in my opinion this method has not passed the test of time. I will report back in a few months when I feel more confident. I though I would put this here for those too eager to wait and looking for what I was looking for.
