Werewolf VFLEX Dongle Targets Legacy Electronics with Programmable USB-C Power
The VFLEX dongle negotiates specific voltage requirements via USB-C Power Delivery protocols, aiming to eliminate the need for proprietary AC adapters in retro gaming and industrial applications.
Werewolf has released the VFLEX, a programmable USB-C dongle designed to bridge the gap between legacy electronics with barrel jack inputs and modern USB-C power sources. Priced at $8, the device allows users to negotiate specific voltage requirements with compatible USB-C power delivery chargers, potentially up to 48V. The system requires users to program voltage settings via a smartphone app and utilise specific reverse-polarity connectors for certain devices, such as vintage gaming consoles.
The dongle eliminates the need for proprietary AC adapters by using USB-C Power Delivery protocols to request specific voltages. Users must program the device via a smartphone before connecting it to a gadget to avoid voltage mismatches, as the settings are stored in non-volatile memory. Werewolf claims the VFLEX can support voltages up to 48V, provided the user has a 240W USB-C power adapter to feed it.
For voltages below or between standard PD steps, a USB-C charger that supports Programmable Power Supply is required. Standard chargers, such as Apple’s 140W adapter, may not support all required voltages, as they are typically limited to standard steps like 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V, 28V, 36V, and 48V. The Werewolf app allows users to save profiles for each gadget and charger, testing power sources to ensure compatibility before connection.
Werewolf is developing specific adapter cables for retro gaming consoles, CPAP machines, and M12 connectors for industrial environments. Founder Luke Beno stated plans to phase out orange reverse-polarity connectors in favour of a reverse-polarity version of the VFLEX itself, noting that this approach can convert any adapter size to reverse-polarity without needing separate connector variants.
The dongles are firmware updatable, and the company has released a public API and web app. Werewolf is considering building its own power supplies to unlock more voltage options in the future, addressing the complexity of powering devices with non-standard voltage requirements or negative center pins.
