What is Reddit's opinion of USB to 9v, 5v to 12v Step Up, DROK USB Cable DC 5V Boost to 9V 12V Voltage Converter 1A Step-up Volt Transformer Power Regulator Line with LED Display?

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Unfortunately USB can only provide 5 volts, while most handheld transceivers use batteries with higher voltage. To be able to charge them would require a voltage booster to bump the 5V USB source up to something higher than the battery voltage.

You might be better served by an external converter, like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-Regulator/dp/B074R7FDCR

(This is just an example; I haven't actually used it so I can't vouch for its performance.)

The downside is current output of a converter like this will be limited, so it'll take many hours to charge a radio.

You should look at the MicroMix and Hart Loop mixers. I have both they’re awesome and nice clean looking. I figure you want 3.5mm jacks since you referenced the bastl dude so I’m mentioning similar options. I then use a USB DC converter to power either mixer off a battery pack or my laptop.

Also I agree I would never get the bastl.

I was planning on trying to use something like this then power it from a power bank. I was wondering if it'd work if I used a spdt switch with the speaker positive in the middle with the two battery positives on the other terminals while just connecting all the grounds together off the switch. I don't really need my rear speakers while driving so I might just solely use them while the vans off but just wanted to see.

You could use a USB->12V power cable to use a USB power bank. https://www.amazon.com/Regulador-Converter-Transformador-visualizaci%C3%B3n-volt%C3%ADmetro/dp/B074R7FDCR/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=usb+to+12v+adapter&qid=1597359176&sr=8-8

I found lights that will run on 18v (12v/1.5A). Now I need to find the right DC to usb cable. Will any of these work:

This one says 12V/1A USB to 9v, 5v to 12v Step Up, DROK USB Cable DC 5V Boost to 9V 12V Voltage Converter 1A Step-up Volt Transformer Power Regulator Line with LED Display https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074R7FDCR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_EY9G2G90SGAY9AQMBPM0

This one says 12V/max current 0.6A DC 5V to DC 12V USB Voltage Step Up Converter Cable - iGreely Power Supply USB Cable with DC Jack 5.5 x 2.5mm or 5.5 x 2.1mm, USB 5V to DC 12V Cable 3ft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J6NYVJV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_C6TV2QWF5V6TGQD3KSSR

This one says 12v/0.7A max SinLoon 3.28ft USB 5V to DC 12V Converter Step Up Voltage Converter Power Cable,for Camera, Desk lamp, Speakers, Blue Tooth Headset, and Other 5V Devices.(5.5 x 2.1mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SZSVF31/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_N6D0NE18Z5534SE2S519

So something like this? Plus the battery.

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-Regulator/dp/B074R7FDCR/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=5v+to+12v+converter+regulator&qid=1621532624&sr=8-11

I think he is using this or something similar: https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-Regulator/dp/B074R7FDCR/

Because every one of the questions involving attempting to adapt the supply voltage from AC to DC and vice versa require at the minimum a DMM, a soldering iron, and a good understanding of Ohm's Law and I strongly suspect the people asking those questions here are looking for a quick fix rather than an introduction to circuit analysis.

> "My toy uses a 9 V battery but I want to operate it from AC power"

There's a reason every introduction to circuit bending includes the caveat to never attempt to adapt a battery-powered device to connect directly to mains voltage. You'll fry the device and most likely yourself at the same time.

> "My toy uses a 9 V battery but I want to operate it from the USB port in my computer"

I mean, I guess things like this exist, but I don't think their claimed "standard" DC plugs will fit all use cases.

> "My toy uses an AC power cord but I want to operate it with batteries/from the USB port on my computer"

This involves gutting the toy to remove the power supply and requires a DMM to measure the voltage output of the internal supply in order to size the batteries to match but you still need to measure the current draw as well and that's either some calculations or another measuring tool.

> "I want to use xxx source or power to charge my phone / power my laptop"

Again, this requires analysis and measurement to properly match the supply with the device and is just generally an unreliable and bad solution.