External USB Configuration

I have a Hallway Shelving Unit to store shoes, coats, keys, sunglasses, etc. On the back is a strip of colored lights with an on/off, solid color & blinking lights button. The Power for these lights is via a USB cable from that strip of lights. I do not have an A/C outlet nearby so I cannot plug in a 5v USB plug and connect to that. I DO have a USB battery pack that I can plug into it and it works.

However, I would like to have an ALEXA USB-Powered (NO A/C) module that can be powered by the battery pack. Then the USB Cable from the light can be plugged into it instead of the battery pack. That would allow me to tell ALEXA to turn on the string of lights.

IF I had a DC-to A/C converter I could plug in an Alexa programmable switch, but I first want to see if a USB Powered switch exists (USB Power in for the Switch (from the Battery pack) and USB power out for the Lights).

Thanks for any suggestions!

Anything wrong with just a plain old USB Hub/ USB Mini Hub from the rear fastest port as per M/B Manual ?

You have it more complicated than it needs to be.

A USB switch, what's that?  How about you put your USB charger on a powerbar and use its power ON/OFF switch?

Note about USB hubs, their current (dc amp output) may be limited.  Check the specs before buying one, to see if the current it provides is enough for the LEDs.

It seems to me that the OP is saying that they have a strip of led lights currently being powered from a powerbank.

They now want to add an Alexa activated on/off switch to turn that strip of lights on and off by shouting at Alexa.

Something like this which could be plugged into a USB socket on the powerbank (or into a USB charger) and then the lights plugged into it:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Micro-USB-Smart-Adaptor-Compatible/dp/B083BKBKW5/

One of the reviewers there used it in a similar way and reports it draws 0.05A at 5V when not supplying power to the lights, so it shouldnt drain the powerbank unduly when the lights are off:

I bought this as a test to automate some xmas lights from a power bank. The test was to determine the idle draw without any load. In this case the device was pulling a consistent 0.05A at the usual 5V. I think there is scope to increase efficiency, but 0.05A should be low enough for my needs. Works with Alexa nicely. Tidy bit of kit.

Edited by Nukecad, 27 February 2024 - 07:44 AM.