Introduction
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) consistently provides a charge with the computer either on or off when plugged into a USB C docking stations found at work. This was already a good start. Unfortunately, using an Ipad Pro (or iphone) wall sockets does not give noticeable charging.
To make the system more adaptable to different conditions I also purchased a female to female USB C adapter (10 USD/EUR). This (I hope) will allows me to get power from: (1) the commonly found PC USB C Power supplied into the USB C-Magsafe 1 cable plugged into my computer (2) .
When I know my travel destination (work or friends house) will have a high wattage USB C power supplied I carry this USB C to Magsafe 1 cable + female female adaptor in an attempt to find good candidates. Once I find compatible units at destination I no longer carry around the original heavier 80W; that stays at home.
A few observations:
1) I have read that USB-C has a direction to the power.
a) I have noted that connecting all components along the "chain of cables" before plugging into the wall can positively influence the outcome.
b) One may need to try all direction of the female to female converter.
c) Testing the system while you are awake for at least 20min will improve the chances of successful overnight charging. If I don't completely turn off the computer it can stop charging after a while.
d) Turning off the computer and keeping it off during the charge cycle has a very high success rate >95%. So the systems almost always work if you want to charge without using the computer.
Last updates June 29, 2023
Parts
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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. I though I would put this here for those too eager to wait and looking for what I was looking for.
A few observations:
1) I have read that USB-C has a direction to the power.
a) I have noted that connecting all components along the "chain of cables" before plugging into the wall can positively influence the outcome.
b) One may need to try all direction of the female to female converter.
c) Testing the system while you are awake for at least 20min will improve the chances of successful overnight charging. If I don't completely turn off the computer it can stop charging after a while.
d) Turning off the computer and keeping it off during the charge cycle has a very high success rate >95%. So the systems almost always work if you want to charge without using the computer.
