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I've been using a mix of old and new USB cables for charging and have noticed that some micro USBs from my Blackberry days will charge the TB but VERY slowly, even using the wall charger.
I want to order some more fast charging USB cables, but how do I identify the difference? What IS the actual difference between the cables?
Thanks!
Usb charging is normally slower than AC wall charging. Most cables are designed exactly the same but some chargers are suited for more amperage per hour. I'd recommend downloading the app -"battery monitor widget" and plugging in your charger and seeing what type of miliamp per hour rating you're getting off of that particular usb port. If the port is in front of the computer, normally those get slightly less voltage than the main ones in the back. Also If you're rooted make sure you aren't on an old outdated kernel that has trickle charge coding thats messed up. I normally get 500-800ma/h based off the AC wall chargers, and anywhere depending on what computer (Work vs Home) USB ports anywhere from like 150-350ma/h. Hope that little tidbit helps.
It is a bit complicted.
When you simply apply power, the Thunderbolt (and most micro USB phone) charges at a slow rate. I have measured this at around 350ma max on the Bolt. This is mainly because the USB port power standard on a PC is 500ma max. They need to stay under that.
By the micro USB standard, if you tie the two USB data lines (D- and D+) together, then the Thunderbolt goes into a fast charge mode. I have seen around 850ma max. You can place a piece of aluminum foil on the charger end (large USB) to short out the two center pins only and switch it to high rate.
Some cables tie the two wires together. Those are fast charge only cables that you can't used for a USB connection. Some chargers tie the two wires together. So they fast charge with any USB cable.
What gets complicated is that of course the charger needs to be capable of about 1 amp for the fast charge to work. AND, some cables use such small wire diameter, that they can't carry the high current rate. I have a couple of cheap cables that even on the fast rate, only carry around 300ma.
AND, if you have time, charge at the low rate. The battery and phone will run cooler, and the battery will last longer. My overnight charger is the lowest rate that I can get by with. But I need to use a super high rate when using the GPS on my motorcycle to keep up with the bright screen and such.
worwig said:
It is a bit complicted.
By the micro USB standard, if you tie the two USB data lines (D- and D+) together, then the Thunderbolt goes into a fast charge mode. I have seen around 850ma max. You can place a piece of aluminum foil on the charger end (large USB) to short out the two center pins only and switch it to high rate.
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I did this for my CaseMate battery backup and was able to get 800ma charging from it...
If you are just looking for a good car charger, i highly recommend the Motorola Rapid Charger from amazon, they are about $5 shipped. Those charge at the AC "Fast Charge" rate.
converting usb standard to fast-charging
Basically, the cable that came with my tablet, which allowed fast-charging, crapped out. I bought what I thought was the same cable and it still didn't work the right way. In searching through the forums, a a phrase hit me... two-pin fast charging cable. Seeing that, I took a small knife and a pair of needle-nose pliers and extracted the two inner pins( data pins) from he USB side of my cable. The cable, without the data pins, became a dedicated fast-charging cable. I have done this process with three cables so far to see if it was a fluke and every one is capable of fast-charging. I hope anybody that has been hitting the wall on this, reads this, because I was getting very frustrated with the convulated answers some people were giving to address this (especially from Munich!). Try it out, you can bury me in ashes if it doesn't work for you!!!
It's not the cable, it's the brick you're using. My nexus 7 charging brick has a higher output than my tbolt brick, so I use my n7's to charge it in a fraction of the time. Never rely on your computer's usb port to charge your device especially if it's your daily driver
i bought that Motorola Rapid Car charger recent and have been using it about a week now. i've noticed that it doesn't seem to charge my Thunderbolt any faster then it did when i was using the Thunderbolt's USB cable with this USB car charger adapter.
so, my question is, why is it called "rapid" if it doesn't charge any faster?
and i suppose secondly, is there an actual microUSB charger that will charge the Thunderbolt faster?
they make one for the iphone that will fully charge it in 30 minutes so i know they are out there.
voxigenboy said:
i bought that Motorola Rapid Car charger recent and have been using it about a week now. i've noticed that it doesn't seem to charge my Thunderbolt any faster then it did when i was using the Thunderbolt's USB cable with this USB car charger adapter.
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Maybe you should try this one.
Install the battery monitor widget. Monitor the battery for about 20 minutes while charging. Tell us what the charge current is.
Does the Motorola charger include a cable? If not, you may just have a weak cable. I have seen cheap cables with wire so thin that the charging current is no better then charging off a weak USB port.
My experience has been that the phone typically recognizes car charges as USB charging and uses a different charging profile. My solution to that is use a wall charger through an inverter or a kernel that doesn't use radically different charging profiles for A/C and USB.
loonatik78 said:
My experience has been that the phone typically recognizes car charges as USB charging and uses a different charging profile. My solution to that is use a wall charger through an inverter or a kernel that doesn't use radically different charging profiles for A/C and USB.
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No need for that.
Cut a small piece of aluminum foil. Carefully place it where it shorts the two center conductors in the charger. Plug the USB cable into the charger. Make sure the foil stays in place over the two center conductors.
It is now a high rate charger. (assuming it can put out 1 amp.)
The limiting factor is typically the usb cable itself. Most usb cables can't support the 1amp that is provided to it. Since you used the original usb cable that came with the thunderbolt (that's been "shorted" as mentioned above" ) it will be just as fast as the moto car charger. the 1amp charging rate that the moto charger charges at (i have one) and that the original one charges at are already "rapid". if you plugged a normal usb cable from somewhere else into the other usb car charger, it'd be much much slower
squeakyl said:
The limiting factor is typically the usb cable itself. Most usb cables can't support the 1amp that is provided to it. Since you used the original usb cable that came with the thunderbolt (that's been "shorted" as mentioned above" ) it will be just as fast as the moto car charger. the 1amp charging rate that the moto charger charges at (i have one) and that the original one charges at are already "rapid". if you plugged a normal usb cable from somewhere else into the other usb car charger, it'd be much much slower
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The stock charger is what shorts the connections. The cable is NOT shorted on the two inner pins because they are the data connections used for connecting your phone to a computer.
doodlebro said:
The stock charger is what shorts the connections. The cable is NOT shorted on the two inner pins because they are the data connections used for connecting your phone to a computer.
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To meet the USB charging spec (which the TB uses), the two inner (data) contacts should be shorted with no more that 200 ohms.
But, the cable can also be an issue for rapid charging. The voltage drop for a 1A/5V source, across only .5 M of 28 gauge copper is ~220 mV. If you use a longer cable, there's more voltage drop. The TB likely current limits itself when the voltage drops below a certain threshold. Best to buy 24 gauge USB cables, if you can, especially if getting longer ones (monoprice has them).
voxigenboy said:
i bought that Motorola Rapid Car charger recent and have been using it about a week now. i've noticed that it doesn't seem to charge my Thunderbolt any faster then it did when i was using the Thunderbolt's USB cable with this USB car charger adapter.
so, my question is, why is it called "rapid" if it doesn't charge any faster?
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I think its a matter of rated output current. BUT on the other side, the phone must be capable of drawing/using that much current. If the adapter is rated for more current than the phone can charge, the "extra" current wont be supplied.
Initially, Moto's standard car chargers output 5V and up to 550ma max (just like a standard PC USB port) so they didn't charge phones all that fast. Moto then came out with chargers that had higher current output, so they were capable of charging the phones "faster" than the original car chargers (but on par with the home/travel/AC chargers) and called them "rapid car chargers"..
Today, the current output on the Moto SPN5400A car charger is 0-950mA, and I've seen it sometimes referred to as "Rapid Car charger."
But as far as I know, Moto no longer makes/sells the lower current car chargers, and their web site only shows one MicroUSB and one MiniUSB car charger for sale, both of which appear to be of the 0-950mA output variety.
voxigenboy said:
and i suppose secondly, is there an actual microUSB charger that will charge the Thunderbolt faster?
they make one for the iphone that will fully charge it in 30 minutes so i know they are out there.
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Just because someone makes such a charger for the iPhone, doesn't mean one must exist for the TB, or other phones, does it? I know the iPad uses a 2A charger. What happens if you connect an iPhone to that? will it charge faster? I guess that depends on if the iPhone is capable of drawing more than 1A to charge it.
I've not seen a "home" or AC charger that can charge the TB any faster than the Stock 1A charger. Does such a thing exist?
A proper car charger with 950mA to 1A output should charge the TB at almost exactly the same rate as the stock 1A wall/AC charger.
And btw, the Moto SPN5400A car charger DOES charge my TB in about the same amount of time that it takes me to charge my TB at home with the stock HTC charger. So while its not "rapid" compared to the stock home/travel/AC charger, its "rapid" compared to PC USB Port charging, or a plain lower current car charger.
KidJoe said:
I've not seen a "home" or AC charger that can charge the TB any faster than the Stock 1A charger. Does such a thing exist?
A proper car charger with 950mA to 1A output should charge the TB at almost exactly the same rate as the stock 1A wall/AC charger.
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I made a charger for my motorcycle. I use it as a GPS, screen on MAX, phone active with marginal signal. And I wanted to actually charge the battery at the same time. I did a lot of experimenting with the Thunderbolt. It would not exceed a pull of about 850ma from the supply, even at 5.5 volts. IMHO, you are wasting time looking for any charger over 1 amp.
Also, even with about 850ma in, not much over 500ma is getting to the battery. So a totally dead battery is still going to take between 2 and 3 hours to charge, no matter what charger you have. And twice that long if the charger looks like a PC USB port.
worwig said:
I made a charger for my motorcycle. I use it as a GPS, screen on MAX, phone active with marginal signal. And I wanted to actually charge the battery at the same time. I did a lot of experimenting with the Thunderbolt. It would not exceed a pull of about 850ma from the supply, even at 5.5 volts. IMHO, you are wasting time looking for any charger over 1 amp.
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I was asking because of the OP's statement about knowing "they must exist" because they are out there for the iPhone.
I'm perfectly happy with my Moto car charger, and how fast it charges my phones.
Has anyone found a 12v car charger that will charge the G3 while it is being used as a satnav or is the drain from the screen just too high?
I've tried a few different cheap unbranded chargers that will slowly charge the phone when not used but they seem to have little effect when used with Google maps.
I am using an Anker dual-port 24W quick charger sold on Amazon. I can confirm that it charges the phone even with the satnav running (it is the first one I found that really works).
It does not fit perfectly my car's cigarette lighter's plug (it moves a bit when plugged), but overall I am very satisfied about it.
i use Belkin 2A car USB charger with Mediabridge cable. charges at 2A no problem
I use one from Monoprice (2 Port USB Car Charger 4.2A - Black) with a USB2 cable and it works.
With a cheep USB cable the phone goes into slow charge mode.
R-
I use a Belkin Micro 5V 1A
It charges 1% every 20 minutes or so while using satnav. So, it at least keeps up.
If you need a USB C vehicle fast charger, fast charge battery pack and fast wireless charger, this bundle from Verizon is $99 and comes in 3 choices of colors for the fast wireless charging stand:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/samsung-fast-charge-everywhere-bundle-blk/
https://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/samsung-fast-charge-everywhere-bundle-sil/
https://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/samsung-fast-charge-everywhere-bundle-gld/
I bought this and the fast charge battery pack is very nice. It comes with a cable that has a micro USB plug and a USB C adapter that is hooked onto the cable by a loop so you can charge both micro USB and USB C devices. The color reminds me of the orchid gray S8, it's very premium looking and feeling. It has pass through charging too so you can both charge a device and the battery pack at the same time.
The fast wireless charging stand is great, it has a fan in it to help to dissipate heat.
The fast charge USB C vehicle charger has a coiled cable, which I really like for storing in my console, but I wish it came with a USB C to micro USB adapter so that it could be used to charge both types of device. You can buy USB C to micro USB adapters on amazon and ebay.
https://www.amazon.com/TriLink-Adapter-Anti-lost-Keychain-Connector/dp/B01HI5YYN8?th=1
I thought only the new charging stand would really fast charge the s8? At least my flat Samsung wireless charger charges but seems at regular speed. Had to order the new one with leather smd an actual c type cable(not adapter).
Hello, I just purchased a Pixel 2 and wanted to buy a 6' cord that I can use with the fast charge. I was looking at Anker because I use them for my Nexus 6 and they work well BUT I read reviews on Amazon and I cant find one thst will fast charge. A second question is i wanted a extra brick and plug for car and I wsnted the USB ends... Thoughts?
You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports Power Delivery (PD) to connect to and fast charge with the original Pixel 2 charger.
I have these which fast charge properly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756QGTVQ
For a car charger, I use this Meagoes charger which also properly supports PD: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076H7X8QN
The same cables as above also work properly with it, or if you prefer a shorter cable (3 ft): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L0F6AJI
For an extra wall charger, Anker has this which also fast charges properly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y427WT7
I second this, have the same cables and just bought a second pack since they're on sale. They have the 56k Ohm resistor built-in for protection as well (from what I've read this is key to not frying your battery on usb-c/quick charge devices).
mamarcac said:
I second this, have the same cables and just bought a second pack since they're on sale. They have the 56k Ohm resistor built-in for protection as well (from what I've read this is key to not frying your battery on usb-c/quick charge devices).
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"Notes:
Not compatible with Power Delivery."
The Pixel 2 uses Power Delivery (PD) for fast charging.
J_T said:
"Notes:
Not compatible with Power Delivery."
The Pixel 2 uses Power Delivery (PD) for fast charging.
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Well I've been using on my P2 for several months. I obey the Li-ion 20-80% charging suggestions by Battery University and using these cables it charges in about 45 minutes for this battery percent range. So their spec may be true but that charge is more than fast enough for me. To each their own ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
J_T said:
You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports Power Delivery (PD) to connect to and fast charge with the original Pixel 2 charger.
I have these which fast charge properly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756QGTVQ
For a car charger, I use this Meagoes charger which also properly supports PD: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076H7X8QN
The same cables as above also work properly with it, or if you prefer a shorter cable (3 ft): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L0F6AJI
For an extra wall charger, Anker has this which also fast charges properly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y427WT7
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Click to collapse
Most excellent!
I have two extra cables, one from Anker and one from the AT&T store's tech dept, both USB C to USB A. After 15 or so months, I noticed that my USB C to USB C cable no longer securely fits into the Pixel 2's USB C port. As a result, sometimes I plug in but there is no connection, i.e. no charging. The problem has spread to my Anker USB C to USB A cable. For several months I barely used the USB C to USB A cables. I requested an RMA for the Pixel 2 and the original USB C to USB C cable securely plugs into the new device suggesting the original Pixel 2's port is mysteriously damaged. Sharing this experience in case anyone else is going through or has gone through this.
The cable doesn't make much difference as long as it meets USB-C standards. The limitation is the charger; even then, I believe the Pixel 2 will fast charge at 18w, not 30.
---------- Post added at 16:42 ---------- Previous post was at 16:40 ----------
Ashyford said:
I have two extra cables, one from Anker and one from the AT&T store's tech dept, both USB C to USB A. After 15 or so months, I noticed that my USB C to USB C cable no longer securely fits into the Pixel 2's USB C port. As a result, sometimes I plug in but there is no connection, i.e. no charging. The problem has spread to my Anker USB C to USB A cable. For several months I barely used the USB C to USB A cables. I requested an RMA for the Pixel 2 and the original USB C to USB C cable securely plugs into the new device suggesting the original Pixel 2's port is mysteriously damaged. Sharing this experience in case anyone else is going through or has gone through this.
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I've noticed the USB port gets clogged with gunk over time. Use something thin like a plastic pick and gently scrape it out. If you can get tiny swabs, use isopropyl alcohol to clean it a little better. This solved my charging problems.