The VFLEX system has quickly established itself as one of the more practical approaches to portable and field-station power for amateur radio. Built around USB-C Power Delivery, the VFLEX Base lets you negotiate the exact voltage your radio or accessory needs from any compatible USB-C PD source, whether that is a mains adaptor, a power bank or a vehicle charger, and deliver it cleanly through a single, compact interface.
The new VFLEX USB-C Adaptors are a small but genuinely useful addition to that ecosystem. They bridge the USB-C connector on the VFLEX Base to four older USB connector types that are still very common on shack equipment, computers and accessories. If you have been held back by a mismatch between a USB-C cable and the connector on your device, one of these adaptors is likely the quickest and tidiest solution.
What VFLEX Is and Why It Matters
Before looking at the adaptors themselves, it is worth understanding what they support. The VFLEX Base is a configurable USB-C Power Delivery sink, meaning it negotiates with a USB-C PD power source to request and deliver a specific output voltage, from 5V up to 48V depending on the capability of the supply. Configuration is done once via the VFLEX app on a phone, tablet or computer, and the setting is then stored in the device's on-board memory, so it automatically requests the right voltage every time it is plugged in.
The output goes through the VFLEX X Connector interface at up to 5A, and from there through an appropriate adaptor cable to whatever you are powering. The USB-C Adaptors covered in this post work on the input side of the VFLEX Base, allowing it to be connected to and configured from devices that use older USB connector types rather than USB-C.
The Four Adaptor Options
The VFLEX USB-C Adaptors are available in four versions, each targeting a different legacy connector type. All four are compact, designed to sit neatly inline with a cable rather than adding significant bulk to a portable kit.
| SKU | Adaptor | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| VFLEX-USBC-USBA | USB-C to USB-A | Connecting to computers, USB hubs, older power banks and chargers with USB-A ports |
| VFLEX-USBC-USBB | USB-C to USB-B | Connecting to USB-B devices such as some radio interfaces, soundcards and older computing peripherals |
| VFLEX-USBC-MINIUSB | USB-C to Mini USB | Connecting to older radio accessories, GPS units, logging interfaces and similar equipment using Mini USB |
| VFLEX-USBC-LTN | USB-C to Lightning | Connecting to Apple iPhone or iPad using a Lightning port, for VFLEX app configuration on older iOS devices |
USB-C to USB-A (VFLEX-USBC-USBA)
The most universally useful of the four. USB-A remains the dominant connector on computers, USB hubs, charging stations and older power banks, and this adaptor lets the VFLEX Base connect to any of those for configuration via the VFLEX app. If you are configuring a VFLEX Base on a desktop PC or connecting it to a USB hub in the shack, this is the adaptor to reach for.
USB-C to USB-B (VFLEX-USBC-USBB)
USB-B connectors are less common in consumer electronics but still appear regularly in the shack environment on audio interfaces, radio control boards and similar equipment. If any of your connected devices use the square USB-B connector type, this adaptor bridges the gap neatly.
USB-C to Mini USB (VFLEX-USBC-MINIUSB)
Mini USB was ubiquitous on portable electronics through the 2000s and early 2010s and remains on a good number of radio accessories, GPS units, logging interfaces and older portable equipment still in active use. If your shack contains any equipment from that era, there is a reasonable chance this adaptor will prove its worth.
USB-C to Lightning (VFLEX-USBC-LTN)
For operators who configure and manage their VFLEX setup from an Apple iPhone or iPad running a Lightning connector, this adaptor allows the VFLEX app to communicate with the device without needing to source a dedicated USB-C to Lightning cable separately.
Where They Fit in a VFLEX Setup
The USB-C Adaptors sit at the connection point between the VFLEX Base's USB-C port and whatever device you are using to configure it. The typical workflow with a VFLEX Base is:
- Connect the VFLEX Base to your phone, tablet or computer via USB-C.
- Open the VFLEX app at vflex.app and enter your required output voltage.
- Disconnect from the configuration device.
- Connect the VFLEX Base to your USB-C Power Delivery power source.
- Confirm the green LED shows successful voltage negotiation.
- Connect the X Connector output to your radio or accessory via the appropriate adaptor cable.
If your configuration device uses USB-A, USB-B, Mini USB or Lightning rather than USB-C, one of these adaptors replaces the need for a completely separate cable, keeping your kit bag a little simpler.
The Rest of the VFLEX Range at ML&S
The USB-C Adaptors are one part of a broader VFLEX accessory ecosystem available at ML&S. Here is the full range for reference:
VFLEX Base
The core of the system. Configurable USB-C PD sink, 5V to 48V output, up to 5A, RGB LED, X Connector output. Configure once via the app and it negotiates your chosen voltage automatically every time.
View at ML&SVFLEX Starter Kit
Three VFLEX Bases, nine X Connector adaptor cables covering the most common radio power connectors, and a storage case. The best starting point for operators new to the VFLEX system.
View at ML&SVFLEX Centre Positive X Connector Cables
Output adaptor cables from the VFLEX X Connector to a range of centre-positive DC barrel connectors, covering the majority of radio accessories and portable equipment.
View at ML&SVFLEX Centre Negative X Connector Cables
As above but for centre-negative polarity equipment. Always check the polarity requirement of your device before connecting.
View at ML&SVFLEX X Connector DIY Solderless Adaptor
For operators who want to make their own output cable for a non-standard connector. Solderless construction, no specialist tools needed.
View at ML&SVFLEX Luxe USB-C Magnetic Cable
A premium magnetic USB-C to USB-C cable for connecting the VFLEX Base to a power source. The magnetic connection makes frequent plugging and unplugging in field setups more convenient.
View at ML&SVFLEX USB-C Power Meter
An inline USB-C power meter for monitoring voltage, current and power delivery in your VFLEX setup. Useful for checking negotiated voltage and confirming everything is working as expected.
View at ML&SVFLEX X Connector Adaptor Packs
Bundled packs of multiple X Connector output cables at a better combined price. Pack 1 and Pack 2 cover different connector combinations, so check the product pages to see which suits your setup.
View Packs at ML&SThe VFLEX USB-C Adaptors are a small product but a practical one. The shift to USB-C is well underway but far from complete, and most shacks and portable kits still contain equipment with older connector types. Having the right adaptor means the VFLEX Base can be configured from whatever phone, tablet or computer is to hand, without needing a full set of USB-C cables for every scenario. At the price point these sit at, picking up the adaptor type or two that matches your kit is an easy decision.
View VFLEX USB-C Adaptors at ML&S
Disclaimer: This post is based on published product information for the VFLEX range, current at the time of writing. Compatibility will depend on the device, cable and adaptor combination being used. Please check the connector type required by your device before ordering. Specifications and availability are subject to change.
