USB-C Modkit for Apple TV 2022

Power your Apple TV with USB-C

Illustrated installation instructions are available on vdbx.io

For 2022 / "3rd Gen" Apple TV 4k ONLY. Works with both ethernet and Wifi variants. Model numbers A2737 and A2843 as defined here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/101605

Tools Note

Torx T7 and T5 are used by Apple, but we've noticed a T6 should manage to get both. We've included a T6 allen-key with your kit.

Included in kit:

1x Modkit PCB with Linear Regulator
3x Guitar picks to open case
T6 Allen key to remove power supply & power connector
Connector shroud - 3D Printed
Insulating spacer - 3D Printed
2x M2.5x8mm Screws with T6 head
Quick Start Card

Summary

The AppleTV seems to have always been the only TV streaming box that isn't powered by a USB cable. This mod kit changes that, keeping a clean unmodified look. Grab any USB-C cable and any charger that can provide about 7 watts or more.

Opening the Apple TV

Use the included guitar picks to open the Apple TV by inserting them into the seam near the bottom edge to release some clips. This can be tricky if you aren't used to it as it is nearly right on the corner and very well hidden.

There is a slight lip inward and then it goes straight up.
There are three clips on each edge with the side clips about 5mm in from the corner radius
The goal is all three clips on 3 sides
No need to go around the corners.

Installation

Remove the AC power supply
1. 4 GND + 1 PWR corner screws TORX T7
2. 2 screws for power connector TORX T5
Place the shroud in the power plug opening,
1. It should snap in, it might not
2. Holding it in place for a bit with the warmth of your hand may help.
3. The next step might thank you
Pre-assemble the mod kit:
1. The two holes in the spacer are a bit smaller than the included M2.5 screws
2. Use this to your advantage to attach the spacer to the circuit board as shown in [DIAGRAM]
3. The screw should go through the top of circuit board and into the spacer
4. The spacer is symmetrical and can be installed in any direction
With the text up and 3d print down, align the USB-C port with the hole in the shroud we just put in.
You can then lay the board flat, avoiding the silver shielding
1. Align the screw at the tip of the board with the inner of the two screw holes that are near each other.
Fasten the two M2.5 screws until snug
Plug in any USB-C cable and charger to test
Replace cover.

Design Files

Circuit boards were designed in EasyEDA Pro and are available to fork via OSHWLab:

3D models were designed in Fusion 360 (not parametric)

Mesh files for Printing

Change Log

24.06

Combined external LDO circuit into main board
Extended ground plane to get final smoothing cap closer to output
Add bottom GND plane and add stitching vias
Remove unused secondary GND screw mount

23.12.11

Diode removed from design
Submitted second batch to use with LDO boards still in stock

d23.05

LDO add-on board works and will be used to adapt the first batch for retail production
Re-design with LDO circuit on-board if first batch sells-out

23.04.10

Tested with 5.1v direct from USB, would not boot. Recovered when given its average 4.7v ish.
OE PSU was 4.3v, but Diode does about 4.7v and is not super stable based on current draw.
LDO add-on board designed and ordered.

v1.0 - First run in testing

Works but some questionable behavior - unable to attribute to mod kit
voltage is all over the place with diode used... test raw VUSB and optionally test an LDO
- would love to test max voltage, but that would require breaking my only Apple TV

Previous23.04 - First Batch Testing NextIOByte

Last updated 5 months ago

Opening the Apple TV

There is a slight lip inward and then it goes straight up.

There are three clips on each edge with the side clips about 5mm in from the corner radius

The goal is all three clips on 3 sides

No need to go around the corners.

Installation

Remove the AC power supply

4 GND + 1 PWR corner screws TORX T7
2 screws for power connector TORX T5

Place the shroud in the power plug opening,

It should snap in, it might not
Holding it in place for a bit with the warmth of your hand may help.
The next step might thank you

Pre-assemble the mod kit:

The two holes in the spacer are a bit smaller than the included M2.5 screws
Use this to your advantage to attach the spacer to the circuit board as shown in [DIAGRAM]
The screw should go through the top of circuit board and into the spacer
The spacer is symmetrical and can be installed in any direction

With the text up and 3d print down, align the USB-C port with the hole in the shroud we just put in.

You can then lay the board flat, avoiding the silver shielding

Align the screw at the tip of the board with the inner of the two screw holes that are near each other.

Fasten the two M2.5 screws until snug

Plug in any USB-C cable and charger to test

Replace cover.

Change Log

24.06

Combined external LDO circuit into main board

Extended ground plane to get final smoothing cap closer to output

Add bottom GND plane and add stitching vias

Remove unused secondary GND screw mount

23.12.11

Diode removed from design

Submitted second batch to use with LDO boards still in stock

d23.05

LDO add-on board works and will be used to adapt the first batch for retail production

Re-design with LDO circuit on-board if first batch sells-out

23.04.10

Tested with 5.1v direct from USB, would not boot. Recovered when given its average 4.7v ish.

OE PSU was 4.3v, but Diode does about 4.7v and is not super stable based on current draw.

LDO add-on board designed and ordered.

v1.0 - First run in testing

Works but some questionable behavior - unable to attribute to mod kit

voltage is all over the place with diode used... test raw VUSB and optionally test an LDO

would love to test max voltage, but that would require breaking my only Apple TV