I keep having issues with chargers not being about to keep up with my Nexus. If I have the screen on at all, it will not charge.
What is the BEST charger that is CONFIRMED working? I'm tired of buying and wasting money on chargers that are junk. Thanks!
I use my old blackberry car charger and works pretty good for me, keeps my battery full
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I've found that most car/travel chargers are rated for .75 amps, I was surprised to see that the GN uses a 1 amp desk charger. Fortunatly, a while back, I got a good sale on some of these micro car chargers. I picked up a pair. My model is older and only rated for 1 amp, the newer model is rated for 2.1 amps, if my 1 amp can keep up with navigation mode, the higher rated one should do you fine. As an added bonus, it sits totally flush with the lighter outlet.
The only downside is that you need to provide your own cable. I got a left turn usb cable to keep things tidy
Matridom said:
I've found that most car/travel chargers are rated for .75 amps, I was surprised to see that the GN uses a 1 amp desk charger. Fortunatly, a while back, I got a good sale on some of these micro car chargers. I picked up a pair. My model is older and only rated for 1 amp, the newer model is rated for 2.1 amps, if my 1 amp can keep up with navigation mode, the higher rated one should do you fine. As an added bonus, it sits totally flush with the lighter outlet.
The only downside is that you need to provide your own cable. I got a left turn usb cable to keep things tidy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll pick that bad boy up. That's EXACTLY what I probably need to be using. Does any cord work? Or should I get a real good cord too?
Ordered: Kensington K33497US 2.1 AMP output. I feel bad that I have to use a charger that powers an iPad to power my cell phone.. something isn't right
I'm using this. Works great, 2 USB.
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Power...9U8Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333941384&sr=8-1
Settings > About Phone > Status
While plugged in if it says "Charging (AC)" you're charging. If "Charging (USB)" you will slowly loose power while plugged in.
mackrox said:
I'll pick that bad boy up. That's EXACTLY what I probably need to be using. Does any cord work? Or should I get a real good cord too?
Ordered: Kensington K33497US 2.1 AMP output. I feel bad that I have to use a charger that powers an iPad to power my cell phone.. something isn't right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I look at it as poetic justice.
As for the comment about USB charging vs AC charging, mine charges as AC, if for some reason you get USB, just short out the 2 data pins on the USB cable and you will be good to go.
I don't think you need a high quality cable. I was specificly looking for one with a right angle turn right at the plug so that the wires don't stick out in all odd directions.
Related
So after getting my Evo I devided I needed 3 items. A usb cable for my computer, a car charger that could also double as a usb cable for my computer, and an hdmi cable to take advantage of all of this badass phones features. Well I shopped around at a bunch of the usual sites like amazon and ebay but I ended up at dealexteme.com.
Here is what I ordered: (and the SKU so you can too)
- SKU: 26313 - Retractable USB to Micro 5P Data/Charging Cable (60CM-Length) - $3.14
- SKU: 35687 - Car Cigarette Powered USB Adapter/Charger with Retractable USB to Micro USB Cable (Black) - $5.33
- SKU: 37396 - Gold Plated HDMI V1.4 Male to Micro HDMI Male Shielded Connection Cable (1M-Length) - $12.20
So far I have only received the USB cable and the car charger. They are the exact same cord but the car kit has the cigarette lighter plug. I am very happy with both items and I am just waiting on my hdmi cable which should be here any day. Anyways I just wanted to let you guys know that ya it comes from across the Pacific so it takes longer than most other places but for the price I dont think you can beat it.
Do they charge the phone quickly? especially curious about the car charger... does the phone see it as USB? If you're unsure, the easiest way I've found to check is to install "Battery Indicator" and see if it reads "AC" or "USB" in the notification drawer when charging. Seems to make a huge difference in charging times.
agent0014 said:
Do they charge the phone quickly? especially curious about the car charger... does the phone see it as USB? If you're unsure, the easiest way I've found to check is to install "Battery Indicator" and see if it reads "AC" or "USB" in the notification drawer when charging. Seems to make a huge difference in charging times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd imagine it would be the same at plugging it into a wall in your house. the charger changes the dc voltage from the cigarette lighter into 115 vac.
i think
I've got one of those mini cigarette usb charger rated ay 700ma at ebay. I think usb cable with the car charger can do about 500ma and wall outlet can do about 1000ma. Correct if I wrong.
chinot66 said:
I've got one of those mini cigarette usb charger rated ay 700ma at ebay. I think usb cable with the car charger can do about 500ma and wall outlet can do about 1000ma. Correct if I wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
usb will give you 500ma, the htc wall wart you get is rated at 1a aka 1000ma.
the other i dont know.
jasongthang said:
I'd imagine it would be the same at plugging it into a wall in your house. the charger changes the dc voltage from the cigarette lighter into 115 vac.
i think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually the other way around. Though we use AC as our main power source most (not all) use DC power. It's a lot easier to change AC to DC and AC has the ability to transform to lower or higher voltages relatively easily and efficiently.
Most electronics run off of 12V or less.
FattySparks said:
It's actually the other way around. Though we use AC as our main power source most (not all) use DC power. It's a lot easier to change AC to DC and AC has the ability to transform to lower or higher voltages relatively easily and efficiently.
Most electronics run off of 12V or less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rectify! I mean . . . testify!
I really wanted to have a quick car charger, seems useless to me to have a slow charger in your car, would be fine having a slow charger in my house though. the car charger from the palm pre is a 1000 mAh charger, used it and it actually seems to charge faster than the htc home charger. $20 shipped from amazon.com
I got the same USB cable & car charger & an extra wall charger in a kit for <$4 shipped.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715367
davebu said:
I really wanted to have a quick car charger, seems useless to me to have a slow charger in your car, would be fine having a slow charger in my house though. the car charger from the palm pre is a 1000 mAh charger, used it and it actually seems to charge faster than the htc home charger. $20 shipped from amazon.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is specifically made for the ipod, but it would do the same thing and its a bit cheaper. http://www.amazon.com/Charging-Gene...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279810668&sr=8-5
So I bought a car usb charger that claimed it was rated at 1 amp. Using both my blackberry and HTC oem usb cables it will only show up as a USB charger (500ma).
This is not exactly enough to charge the phone while using 3g, gps, full screen brightness, etc. I'm looking for a good confirmed 1 amp hardwire (not using a usb cable) car charger and home charger. I used my sisters Samsung charger (rated at 700ma) and it charged it quicker than with the OEM htc charger.
And I would like to try and get ones that are confirmed to show up as fully charging the phone. I would appreciate some insight
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
And now that I think about it,
I would like to be able to use my Amazon prime for a change, so amazon links would be nice
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I went through a few different car chargers, so I can help you out here. I bought the Belkin car charger recommended here in another thread, low profile and rated at 1A, but my phone only recognized it as USB and charging was fairly slow, extended road trips using video recording and navigation while plugged in would drain my battery over time.
I used my friend's palm pre home charger and it worked very well, so I went on to Amazon and bought the "palm vehicle charger". The one I got in the mail (from Park Deals) was DOA, wouldn't turn on at all (I emailed Park Deals and they sent me a new replacement free of charge, didn't even have me ship back the defective one). I called the local radio shacks and found one in stock at $9.99 (radio shack isn't carrying palm anymore, so the accessories are on closeout but hard to find in stock). Works like a charm, the phone recognizes as AC charging, the phone still charges while running navi or recording video.
My friend got a cheapo car kit on ebay, came with rubberized case, mount that fits the evo with the same case on, and a cheap unlabeled car charger with a bungie type cord. I tried this on my phone, my evo recognizes it as AC also, so I assume it would charge well if it's rated at 1A. I've seen several other cheapo car chargers rated at 1A as well.
Another thread here on XDA says that if you modify your charger/cable by altering the middle data pins you can get the phone to believe the usb port is plugged into the wall and draw full current from the charger. I tried covering the two middle pins with a piece of paper and plugging it in, but this didn't work for me. The other methods involved shorting the two data pins together, I didn't really want to waste a cable or mess up a charger and potentially my phone so I just bought a different charger. Another thread mentioned buying a specific rocketfish usb cable had a similar effect.
nhutpham said:
I went through a few different car chargers, so I can help you out here. I bought the Belkin car charger recommended here in another thread, low profile and rated at 1A, but my phone only recognized it as USB and charging was fairly slow, extended road trips using video recording and navigation while plugged in would drain my battery over time.
I used my friend's palm pre home charger and it worked very well, so I went on to Amazon and bought the "palm vehicle charger". The one I got in the mail (from Park Deals) was DOA, wouldn't turn on at all (I emailed Park Deals and they sent me a new replacement free of charge, didn't even have me ship back the defective one). I called the local radio shacks and found one in stock at $9.99 (radio shack isn't carrying palm anymore, so the accessories are on closeout but hard to find in stock). Works like a charm, the phone recognizes as AC charging, the phone still charges while running navi or recording video.
My friend got a cheapo car kit on ebay, came with rubberized case, mount that fits the evo with the same case on, and a cheap unlabeled car charger with a bungie type cord. I tried this on my phone, my evo recognizes it as AC also, so I assume it would charge well if it's rated at 1A. I've seen several other cheapo car chargers rated at 1A as well.
Another thread here on XDA says that if you modify your charger/cable by altering the middle data pins you can get the phone to believe the usb port is plugged into the wall and draw full current from the charger. I tried covering the two middle pins with a piece of paper and plugging it in, but this didn't work for me. The other methods involved shorting the two data pins together, I didn't really want to waste a cable or mess up a charger and potentially my phone so I just bought a different charger. Another thread mentioned buying a specific rocketfish usb cable had a similar effect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was me on both accounts. Love my rocket fish cable. Bought the 12v/usb converter for the car and whether or not i use the pc or car to charge, it shows as ac charger on the phone. I use this cable on all my pc's as well as the usb outlet in my vehicle.
This is the charger that I bought from amazon. It shows up as charging from AC (instead of USB) charging. It's available for Amazon Prime for under $6:
The Motorola P513 micro-usb charger.
Ok so I ended up with the Moto 513 charger as well (950ma rated)
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Vehi..._1_5?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1280759739&sr=8-5
But I cant find any AC chargers under prime that are 1000ma
investinwaffles said:
Ok so I ended up with the Moto 513 charger as well (950ma rated)
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Vehi..._1_5?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1280759739&sr=8-5
But I cant find any AC chargers under prime that are 1000ma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this one works great. I have it.
Ok, so I found an OEM Nokia for the N97 that is rated at 1200ma. Is this safe to buy for my phone?
http://www.amazon.com/Nokia-Origina..._1_2?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1280760676&sr=8-2
Auction with more specifics of the charger:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOKIA-US-AC-10U...ccessories&hash=item414e190fa7#ht_2800wt_1026
There's a nokia micro usb charger for $6.99 available for Amaazon Prime. The model number is AC 6U. ASIN: B0030T0ULW
I'm charging with the scosche reviveII at 2.1 amps without any problems.
linhpham2 said:
There's a nokia micro usb charger for $6.99 available for Amaazon Prime. The model number is AC 6U. ASIN: B0030T0ULW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From this ebay listing it looks like the AC-6U is only a ~600ma charger:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOKIA-CELL-PHON..._Accessories&hash=item5639f88b1c#ht_500wt_721
I think ill spend the extra few bucks on the 1200ma charger, I don't think ill have any problems (and i have the best buy warranty also so I'm not too worried).
linhpham2 said:
I'm charging with the scosche reviveII at 2.1 amps without any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How fast does it charge?
One the 2.1 amp port, the Evo only charges at 1 amp. The Evo doesn't charge any faster with this charger than any other 1 amp charger.
linhpham2 said:
One the 2.1 amp port, the Evo only charges at 1 amp. The Evo doesn't charge any faster with this charger than any other 1 amp charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, thanks for the info.
I just ordered a Rocketfish cable. We'll see how that works.
Would be nice if they made a Y-cable to get 1amp from 2 USB ports in a PC. I mean, I know they MAKE cables like this but I read somewhere that HTC phones were designed to still only charge at 500mAh even with one of those.
Dunno.
It depends on what you're using as a charging source. When usb charging on my home pc or car, it's AC charging at 1 amp.. But if I'm charging with my Energizer external battery, it's only USB charging at 0.5 amp. This is using the same usb cable.
iGo
Would anyone happen to know what an iGo tip (A97) delivers? I am trying to rig up a custom solution that is hard-wired, but uses iGo tips so I don't have to use the cigarette lighter plug and I have the flexibility at the corner of my windshield to swap tips for different devices.
Right now, I have a 4-port USB hub installed under the dash that is 12v powered. I then use a proprietary iGo cable that uses a standard PC style USB connector on one end and then terminates into an iGo tip connector at the other end. That USB cable runs up to the corner of the windshield so I can swap tips at will.
If I use the iGo A97 tip on their cigarette lighter adapter, it seems to charge, but I am not sure at what rate. If I try to use the A97 tip on the USB hub, it charges for about 2 seconds, and then the light goes out. The Evo does not seem to like the custom arrangement, yet all my other micro usb devices do not seem to have any issues and charge just fine...
Thanks,
-Rob
I can attest to the Moto 513 working fine - it has served me very well on my Evo and the Treo Pro before it.
Unfortunately it is a big ass charger though - wish there was a good micro option.
How do u determine how much power its actually charging at or if its not using the full 1amp rating?
_______________________________
Sent from my EVO 4G
robroy90 said:
Would anyone happen to know what an iGo tip (A97) delivers? I am trying to rig up a custom solution that is hard-wired, but uses iGo tips so I don't have to use the cigarette lighter plug and I have the flexibility at the corner of my windshield to swap tips for different devices.
Right now, I have a 4-port USB hub installed under the dash that is 12v powered. I then use a proprietary iGo cable that uses a standard PC style USB connector on one end and then terminates into an iGo tip connector at the other end. That USB cable runs up to the corner of the windshield so I can swap tips at will.
If I use the iGo A97 tip on their cigarette lighter adapter, it seems to charge, but I am not sure at what rate. If I try to use the A97 tip on the USB hub, it charges for about 2 seconds, and then the light goes out. The Evo does not seem to like the custom arrangement, yet all my other micro usb devices do not seem to have any issues and charge just fine...
Thanks,
-Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should pull 1A off the Igo
how do i determine if its recognizing a charger as ac versus usb? could this be rom specific? it seems to charge much faster with cyanogen than it did with damagecontrol
So I want a fast charging car charger that is also a wall charger. I have read some threads on here stating the following:
alphadog00 said:
Unless the charger or the cable has the data lines shorted, the phone will only charge at USB rate (~500mA). Even if you have a 1A car charger, the best you will get is USB speed UNLESS you connect the data lines on the cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how do get a cable that has the data lines shorted or what charger should I buy? Can I short the lines myself, I have a nice welding setup? I can get a $5 charger at walmart that does 500mah and has a cable (not to mention convenience).
If I can get faster charging somehow I wouldn't mind paying a little extra. This 1 amp per port, 2 port charger might be worth the trouble: http://www.gazaro.com/platinum-series-dual-port-wall-and-vehicle-charger-31106001bb
Finally I found a 2 amp incase single port charger at Best Buy for $40 but if our phone wont use the 2amps I don't want to waste the money as this one would not include the cable. http://www.jr.com/incase/pe/ICE_EC20035/
edit: found just the car charger 2 amp for $22 shipped: http://www.amazon.com/Incase-2-amp-Charger-iPad-iPhone/dp/B003IWJNJG
or ebay $7 shipped small 2amp: http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-iPad-Mini...Accessories&hash=item45fa88cb21#ht_2044wt_952
What's everyone's opinions on the matter?
It looks like I just need to short the middle two pins D+ and D- but what is the best way to do this? On the cable itself or the car charger?
Also will I benefit from the 2 amp charger over the 1 amp?
edit: did some more reading motorola car chargers seem to be wired properly out of the box: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...eless&tag=5336653508-20&qid=1280759739&sr=8-5
wakestrong said:
It looks like I just need to short the middle two pins D+ and D- but what is the best way to do this? On the cable itself or the car charger?
Also will I benefit from the 2 amp charger over the 1 amp?
edit: did some more reading motorola car chargers seem to be wired properly out of the box: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...eless&tag=5336653508-20&qid=1280759739&sr=8-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using that exact Motorola car charger on my Thunderbolt with great success. It charges extremely fast.
DontCome2MyHouse said:
I've been using that exact Motorola car charger on my Thunderbolt with great success. It charges extremely fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might buy it just because it is so cheap. I'm in the market for a car charger and was going to buy the seidio one that claims 1000mA, but since this is so cheap and boats 950mA, I think I'll go ahead and grab it.
What does everyone else think?
I was lucky enough to snag the actual Verizon one for $15. They were running 25% off and my employer bonus kicked in for another 15%.
I got a free charger from Verizon when I bought my droid and it works fine with this phone.
So far the Motorola fast charger from Amazon has worked flawlessly!
Sent from my rooted BAMF Thunderbolt!
Hi all,
I lost my charger unfortunately.
I did search around but found amazon out of stock.
Where can I buy the charger.
Thanks.
drpratik said:
Hi all,
I lost my charger unfortunately.
I did search around but found amazon out of stock.
Where can I buy the charger.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SPN5...SKM8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312842851&sr=8-1
http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-AC-Charger-...758129?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item588f078a71
Thanks a lot.
ANY charger that puts out 1000mA will work with it. Motorola makes "travel" wall chargers that sometimes go on sale for a buck, and have the plug folding into them so it takes less space in a bag. As long as it has a micro-USB plug or takes your USB cable, it will work, does not have to be specific for the phone.
The whole idea of microUSB chargers is part of a larger EU plan to allow for standard chargers with microUSB tips, so you can replace your cell phone but "never" have to replace the wall wart for it.
Just check the power output, most of the Motorola chargers put out 1000mA now because some phones with big batteries (like the Atrix) can use that power to charger quickly. Lower power rating, longer charge times.
You read my mind,
It was just the info I wanted to know.
Thanks.
Bear in mind though, not all micro usb chargers work on atrix. I have a few that dont work but work fine on my other stuff. Im not sure why though. I have an external battery that worked with my nexus one but not my atrix.
I voided my warranty.
Rred said:
ANY charger that puts out 1000mA will work with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one that comes with the phone in the US is 800ma actually. But as you said, 1000ma would charge it faster.
My atrix charger died so I'm currently using a blackberry charger with 750ma output. The iphone charger works too but it's a slower charge.
Whaddayaknow. The one supplied with my phone says 850mA, the one supplied with my bt earbud is 1000mA. Maybe someone at Motorola is paying attention to profits.<G>
But this is all part of why he industry is moving to standard chargers and why "all" standard chargers should work with standard phones. If a charger doesn't work with this phone, odds are it is too low power or simply a cheap piece of Chinese quality control which has one or more broken contacts in it.
I've gotten USB cables that have the same problem, charge or data not both. that isn't by design but at least one of the four wires in them was broken. Cheap cables is cheap cables--and I've seen cheap cables shipped as OEM from brand names.
Like cables from WD and possibly Moto that have the USB log on the wrong side of the plug--which means they are not entitled to use the logo at all, and the maker does not understand the USB spec.
If you live near a hotel, walk in and say that you left your phone charger in one of the rooms. They usually have boxes of forgotten chargers.
Thanks all for your help.
I started using lg micro USB charger which gives 700 ma.
Will get original one as well.
Thanks again.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Go to monoprice.com and grab a dual USB / 3 port electrical outlet for like 3 bucks. Then stock up on 6-10ft micro USB cables for a buck a piece.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Nice idea.
Will surely check out monoprice,
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
What is the best solution for quick charging the Galaxy Nexus in an automobile?
I have started to use 12-220 volt converter so I can use wall chargers.
I have bought a few of the low profile car usb chargers but they were never recognized as an AC charge. Come to find out, it was the USB cable. I bought a usb charging cable from Amazon last week and it goes in the USB charger and the phone does not think it is a USB charge. I have not timed it but it is recognized the same as the wall charger.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VYBCAY
ellisz said:
I have bought a few of the low profile car usb chargers but they were never recognized as an AC charge. Come to find out, it was the USB cable. I bought a usb charging cable from Amazon last week and it goes in the USB charger and the phone does not think it is a USB charge. I have not timed it but it is recognized the same as the wall charger.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VYBCAY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 .. this solution has been working great for me, as well.
I've been getting 2.1A car chargers (look for ones for the iPad), most of the ones I had prior to this were 700mA or so and they can't keep up with my 1A phones. Be careful of dual port chargers advertising 2A, they may only be 1A each and may be "optimistic" about that rating. And don't worry about getting one rated for too much current, the Galaxy Nexus won't pull more than an amp no matter what the charger rating.
Some really good solutions here and thank you all for the help.
I'd really hate to use an inventer in my car just to maintain a clean install, so that really isnt an option for me.
Was really hoping to be able to use a off the shelf car charger with the correct pins to trick the GNexus into thinking that it was charging from a USB port, but the above solution should work well with using a socket USB charger.
I've never run into a car adapter that looks like a USB port, including the VZW charger with a spare port or the cheap 2.1A chargers I got from Amazon. My guess is that a charger not built correctly and leaving the data pins open only supports ~500mA anyway. Even if that's not the case I have a moral objection toward buying a cable to fix a design flaw in another cheap product - but that's just me
Grant H said:
Some really good solutions here and thank you all for the help.
I'd really hate to use an inventer in my car just to maintain a clean install, so that really isnt an option for me.
Was really hoping to be able to use a off the shelf car charger with the correct pins to trick the GNexus into thinking that it was charging from a USB port, but the above solution should work well with using a socket USB charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a charger similar to http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-Car-...ccessories&hash=item4ab18358f4#ht_1638wt_1392
All I had to do was undo the screws at the top, put a bit of solder between the middle usb pins, and my phone recognises it as a AC source rather than USB.
There has got to be a standard car charger on the market with the middle usb pins already soldiered!
I found this on Amazon which advertises itself as a rapid charging device.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S5Q9CA
Grant H said:
What is the best solution for quick charging the Galaxy Nexus in an automobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure the charger has the IC (rapid) chip. I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Vehicle-Adapter-micro-USB-Charger/dp/B000S5Q9CA
I've heard that Motorola one mentioned a lot as a good one.
The nice thing about having the low-profile usb plug is (a) it is low profile, (b) I can use it to charge other devices. The charge-only cable is only about $4, so I had no issues buying it to work with this to charge as an AC charge over a USB charge.
Grant H said:
There has got to be a standard car charger on the market with the middle usb pins already soldiered!
I found this on Amazon which advertises itself as a rapid charging device.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S5Q9CA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this one and it charges just like it does from the home outlet and its says "AC" charging. I bought another 8 for family and friends and they all love it.
I think I've figured out the disconnect, I've run into chargers that appear as a USB host which limits the charging to 500mA on previous phones I've had.
You guys are concerned about USB vs. AC charging mode. Of the chargers I've got, this one lists as AC while the rest as USB. However, the fact that the other chargers all work just fine keeping up with GPS+streaming music indicates that the USB vs. AC really has no bearing on the charge current delivered. I'd stay away from charge-only cables just because they'll get mixed in with your standard USB cables and you'll knock yourself out wondering why they don't work. On the other hand, if you really want AC in your battery info order the one I linked.
I keep it in my car... i think I've heard on other threads that USB charging doesn't keep up with GPS (for Directions). Any verify?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
TheKaz said:
I keep it in my car... i think I've heard on other threads that USB charging doesn't keep up with GPS (for Directions). Any verify?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's much more important is the rating on the power source. The GN can pull up to 1000mA, if your charger is only rated for 800mA (like many car chargers) it doesn't matter if it's in AC mode.
jdbower said:
What's much more important is the rating on the power source. The GN can pull up to 1000mA, if your charger is only rated for 800mA (like many car chargers) it doesn't matter if it's in AC mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
makes sense.. the one I use has dual usb (1.0 and 2.1)
You went and gave me a project for the weekend, and once again science prevails over anecdotal evidence. I took each of my 5 chargers and hooked them up to a 12V power supply that measures current. I then recorded whether the charger reported AC or USB, for the ones with USB I modified a right-angle adapter to short out the data pins, and I measured the current. The contenders:
Verizon Wireless Dual Charger
XTG Dual Port Charger
Griffen Powerjolt Dual USB Charger
Griffen Portjolt Micro
CostMad Dual USB Charger
The VZW model was USB out the external port as I had tested before, however AC out the built-in cable which I hadn't bothered to test. It pulled 0.25A @12V via the USB port and 0.59A via the cable. Hmmm... A hole develops in my previous observation. While I had used this on a long car trip with no issues, it was via the built-in cable.
The XTG was new, I hadn't used it before as it's in the car I rarely drive. It reported USB and 0.22A. With the adapter to make it report AC it pulled 0.48A.
The pattern was set. I had expected the Griffen adapters to be built more appropriately but the dual charger reported 0.22A without the adapter and 0.42A with. I had used this without losing charge in the past so this was surprising to me, but it's possible I just wasn't drawing as much current because the screen was dimmer or something.
The compact Griffen adapter (which is great for a laptop bag, BTW) pulled 0.21A and 0.47A respectively.
The cheap CostMad adapter was the only one that performed well out of the box, both reporting AC and pulled 0.57A.
In theory, a perfect adapter should pull 0.42A. Anything more is waste, anything less means it's not keeping up. I have doubts about the Griffen 2x allowing for a full amp, but the VZW and CostMad chargers are pretty lossy. What's even worse is that I'm pretty sure the VZW charger is rated for 800mA (but I can't find an actual spec on it) which would mean that it pulled the most power for the least current. Not that this really matters unless you've got an electric car.
Sorry for misleading you earlier, I should have checked the other port of the known-good VZW charger and probably doublechecked the numbers on my other "known good" charger. Still hating cables that work for charging but not for data, I ended up modifying each of the chargers to short the middle pins (except for the VZW one). If I didn't have the soldering iron for this, I probably would have gone for some of these instead.
Grant H said:
There has got to be a standard car charger on the market with the middle usb pins already soldiered!
I found this on Amazon which advertises itself as a rapid charging device.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S5Q9CA
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CyberPunk7t9 said:
Make sure the charger has the IC (rapid) chip. I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Vehicle-Adapter-micro-USB-Charger/dp/B000S5Q9CA
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I'm using the same one and it works perfect. Charges even when GPS navigation is running.
Make sure you select Amazon as the seller though. I heard there are a lot of fake ones.
Grant H said:
There has got to be a standard car charger on the market with the middle usb pins already soldiered!
I found this on Amazon which advertises itself as a rapid charging device.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S5Q9CA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to those recommending this one. I have this exact model and it does indeed charge at the "AC" rate, about twice as fast as the "USB" rate.
TheKaz said:
I keep it in my car... i think I've heard on other threads that USB charging doesn't keep up with GPS (for Directions). Any verify?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
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The Motorola one will charge even when using GPS. I have a friend I bought one for that uses his GPS all day and loves the Motorola charger.