I have an old beat up Motorola Droid 1 that I've been using as a dedicated dash cam in my car and it's been working great except the battery life isn't great. I keep it in Airplane Mode and it is always connected to the charger but it only charges when the car is running, so when I'm not driving the phone stays on and after a day it dies. Does anyone have any recommendations for increasing the battery life? It's rooted and running a custom ROM (Bugless Beast) v0.5 which is Android 2.2) so I'm able to disable any unnecessary apps or services that aren't being used. I'll never use it as anything except a dash cam so even things like GPS are unnecessary. I don't have any apps installed besides the ones used for the dash cam functions. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
For anyone who's interested in my setup, I keep the phone in a windshield mount and it stays plugged in and I have an app called AutomateIt that detects power whenever I turn on the ignition and it opens up another app called DailyRoads which is set to automatically start recording once opened. I then have AutomateIt set to detect when the power source is shut off and it closes DailyRoads at that point. It works great and all videos are saved to the phone's microSD card. To save space I disabled audio recording so only video is recorded. Finally, I have a tiny wide-angle lens glued over the phone's regular camera lens so that there's a much wider field of view than normal. The more I capture the better.
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kuisma said:
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Click to collapse
Thanks but I'm trying to keep the phone on as long as possible, not charge the car battery, although somehow using solar charging would be an interesting idea for the phone.
pcorlatan said:
Thanks but I'm trying to keep the phone on as long as possible, not charge the car battery, although somehow using solar charging would be an interesting idea for the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you are supposed to charge the phone using the small dashboard solar panel. You'll just need a few couplings and a 12V USB charger.
kuisma said:
Of course you are supposed to charge the phone using the small dashboard solar panel. You'll just need a few couplings and a 12V USB charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please point out what the couplings look like? I have a 12V USB charger already but I'd need to know what the couplings are like. Thanks again.
pcorlatan said:
Could you please point out what the couplings look like? I have a 12V USB charger already but I'd need to know what the couplings are like. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you'd like to charge from the car engine while running, I'd use an Y splitter, connecting the USB charger in one outlet, and the solar panel in the other. Don't buy a too cheap/small panel though, you'll need all the amperage you can get, especially during overcast days.
I'm currently using this to power the dashcam phone as well as charge my regular phone:
Would that work the same way or should I buy the "Y" one you showed? I also found the site selling the solar panel for $20 so I'd assume that's good enough.
pcorlatan said:
I'm currently using this to power the dashcam phone as well as charge my regular phone:
Would that work the same way or should I buy the "Y" one you showed? I also found the site selling the solar panel for $20 so I'd assume that's good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks perfect. What amperage (or wattage) does the solar panel deliver?
kuisma said:
Looks perfect. What amperage (or wattage) does the solar panel deliver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The site says 1 watt and of course it's 12V. Since you most likely just found it as an example I think I'll do some research to see what other solar panel options there are. I assume I should aim for a 1A panel. Now that I know the general setup I'm happy to do some experimenting.
pcorlatan said:
The site says 1 watt and of course it's 12V. Since you most likely just found it as an example I think I'll do some research to see what other solar panel options there are. I assume I should aim for a 1A panel. Now that I know the general setup I'm happy to do some experimenting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 watt is far too low. 1W is 80mA at 12V, and you must aim for at least 500mA (6W) to make sure the USB charger gets happy. Also remember the figures are at optimum conditions, i.e. bright sun at 90 degrees, so yes, aim for at least 1A. The more the merrier.
kuisma said:
1 watt is far too low. 1W is 80mA at 12V, and you must aim for at least 500mA (6W) to make sure the USB charger gets happy. Also remember the figures are at optimum conditions, i.e. bright sun at 90 degrees, so yes, aim for at least 1A. The more the merrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know most Android phones require between 500mA to 1A so I always aim for the higher number. If you happen to know where I can find a 6 or 12W 12V solar panel I'd appreciate it, because I'm not having much luck finding anything good that also has the cigarette lighter plug.
pcorlatan said:
Yeah I know most Android phones require between 500mA to 1A so I always aim for the higher number. If you happen to know where I can find a 6 or 12W 12V solar panel I'd appreciate it, because I'm not having much luck finding anything good that also has the cigarette lighter plug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB 2.0 can only deliver 500mA per specification, so you know for sure this is enough to get things going. I'm here assuming your USB charger is a linear regulator, consuming the same amperage it delivers (i.e. 40% conversation rate), and this is worst-case.
Yes I have a few stores here close by selling such panels, but I guess p&p from Sweden isn't the best way spending you money.
You won't find any high power solar panels with cigarette plugs, since with more power you'll need more advanced charging circuits to protect your car battery from frying. But 6 to 12W should not be any problem to find with a cigarette plug.
kuisma said:
USB 2.0 can only deliver 500mA per specification, so you know for sure this is enough to get things going. I'm here assuming your USB charger is a linear regulator, consuming the same amperage it delivers (i.e. 40% conversation rate), and this is worst-case.
Yes I have a few stores here close by selling such panels, but I guess p&p from Sweden isn't the best way spending you money.
You won't find any high power solar panels with cigarette plugs, since with more power you'll need more advanced charging circuits to protect your car battery from frying. But 6 to 12W should not be any problem to find with a cigarette plug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I didn't even notice you're in Sweden, your English is incredible! I'm happy to continue researching based on your advice so tack så, I really do appreciate it.
Another maybe simpler solution is to install another cigarette outlet in your car, connected to your car battery via a discharge protection circuit. This way you'll charge the phone from the car battery even when the engine is off, and the protection circuit will ensure you always got power enough to start the car. I.e. it'll turn of at 25% remaining charge or so, and 75% of your car battery will power your phone for a very long time.
But this will cause your car battery to wear out faster, due to the increased number and depths of charge cycles.
If anyone else has an idea for reducing the power drain of the phone I'd love to hear options since the phone would only be used as the camera. I'm thinking of permanently disabling services and apps but other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!
Reducing power usage...
pcorlatan said:
If anyone else has an idea for reducing the power drain of the phone I'd love to hear options since the phone would only be used as the camera. I'm thinking of permanently disabling services and apps but other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno if you already tried this, perhaps I missed where you said it already, I did read the thread to best of my ability, but I think the screen uses alot of power, especially if set to max brightness. Perhaps you can use the AutomateIt app or some other to have the screen power off until you tap it again. Have it power the screen off on a timer like 5 seconds or 10 seconds or something.
Other idea: Perhaps you can install an app such as an Android version of TOP or HTOP which on linux monitors running processes and CPU usage, memory usage etc. (probably you know this) Use this tool to find other processes that are perhaps hogging CPU time and see if you can shut those down.
I am new to hacking Android and even linux for that matter but I know there are these daemons( similar to windows services) at are started by a boot or login script which you can control running by editing the appropriate file (I don't know what file that would be). There is likely a utility app out there already which makes this easy via a GUI. Shutdown any services (daemons) you don't need.
Otherwise, I think plugging the phone into the cigarette lighter jack would eliminate this problem rather quickly I believe.
How is the project been going for you since you last posted? I am interested in doing something similar with my old LG Optimus.
Thanks
Related
Is there any kind of portable charger for HTC touch pro 2 battery which can charge battery via USB?
For example to charge battery from computer (like phone charges the battery).
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But I am not talking about cradle chargers which can accommodate battery and phone at the same time.
and also not these chargers, they just support the USB as an output not as input!
So with this charger you can charge battery and phone only with AC power.
OK, gotta ask
Why you want this? You can charge the phone directly with a USB to USB-mini cable, and if you have a laptop and use it for any length of time you will plug it in (so one of the cheap plug in chargers would work for this purpose).
For the above reasons I don't think anyone has made a device such as you describe.
stevedebi
Thanks for reply.
I want this kind of charger to charge batteries with some cheap and non-reliable sources during traveling.
Like:
If I charge mobile pone directly I am afraid that the phone will be danaged.
whats wrong with a cradle charger for that? just because it has the dock for the phone doesnt mean you have to use it, and you can get the cradles for cheap on ebay, and ive never seen one just for charging batteries
I was buying some stuff and found this
http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/bd2-bcscbu-htp2.htm
I think this is what you are looking for...though I think default is right
ldubin said:
I was buying some stuff and found this
http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/bd2-bcscbu-htp2.htm
I think this is what you are looking for...though I think default is right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid your link does not have the charger itself, just the accessory.
fibo.kowalsky said:
stevedebi
Thanks for reply.
I want this kind of charger to charge batteries with some cheap and non-reliable sources during traveling.
Like:
If I charge mobile pone directly I am afraid that the phone will be danaged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, you must be going to some rough country where there may not be power, correct? I think you may be stuck with simply powering the phone via the USB cable. So long as your manual hand crank only puts out the standard USB voltage, you should be fine.
He didn't want the charger...he's using the hard crank
if you have a multimeter you can check the voltage of the hand crank to determine if its safe to charge the phone directly
fibo.kowalsky said:
Is there any kind of portable charger for HTC touch pro 2 battery which can charge battery via USB?
For example to charge battery from computer (like phone charges the battery).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice diagram you drew out that CLEARLY spells out what you are looking for. Not sure how other people could not understand what you are looking for, as that's something I require for any new phone platform I use. The ability to charge a spare battery from USB power (5v, 500ma+) for when you are somewhere you need to swap batteries and keep the spare charged at all times, etc.
So to answer the OPs original inquiry:
1. HTC OEM spare battery charger, model "HTC BC S300". Uses USB power to charge the spare battery as it has no direct AC input.
2. Seidio's charger that allows for AC or USB powered charging of a spare battery, model "BD3-BCSI3HTP2-BK"
This one is pretty decent as you have two options to power the charger. I can confirm it works either way. The other benefit is you can just replace the charging plate to support other battery types. I bring this charger on any extended trip I go on and keep one in my luggage at all times.
You'll have to google for the model numbers I put in quotes as I do not have enough posts to include URLs in my replies yet. The first hit you get on google should show the relevant info.
As for how you obtain your USB power safely, that's a separate issue that you are on your own.
powinmo said:
Nice diagram you drew out that CLEARLY spells out what you are looking for. Not sure how other people could not understand what you are looking for, as that's something I require for any new phone platform I use. The ability to charge a spare battery from USB power (5v, 500ma+) for when you are somewhere you need to swap batteries and keep the spare charged at all times, etc.
So to answer the OPs original inquiry:
1. HTC OEM spare battery charger, model "HTC BC S300". Uses USB power to charge the spare battery as it has no direct AC input.
2. Seidio's charger that allows for AC or USB powered charging of a spare battery, model "BD3-BCSI3HTP2-BK"
This one is pretty decent as you have two options to power the charger. I can confirm it works either way. The other benefit is you can just replace the charging plate to support other battery types. I bring this charger on any extended trip I go on and keep one in my luggage at all times.
You'll have to google for the model numbers I put in quotes as I do not have enough posts to include URLs in my replies yet. The first hit you get on google should show the relevant info.
As for how you obtain your USB power safely, that's a separate issue that you are on your own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the website it appears the HTC BC S300 is for the Touch Diamond or Touch Pro.
http://www.mobihand.com/productaccessories.asp?id=29936&n=HTC-External-Battery-Charger-(BC-S300)
However, the other model should work, but the picture indicates that one would have to buy a male-to-male USB cable rather than the normal A to B cable for it to charge. I think this model would be the one to use.
http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BD3-BCSI3HTP2-BK
EDIT: Not meaning to be too critical here, this was a good find!
stevedebi said:
From the website it appears the HTC BC S300 is for the Touch Diamond or Touch Pro 2.
http://www.mobihand.com/productaccessories.asp?id=29936&n=HTC-External-Battery-Charger-(BC-S300)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
35 dollars is pretty steep for that IMO
and for the record, i understood what he wants, i was just curios why the combo dock+battery charger was unacceptable, since it has a USB powered battery charger (at least the one i got did, 25 dollars shipped on ebay, even came with a second battery, much better than the 35 for the OEM battery charger)
defaultdotxbe said:
35 dollars is pretty steep for that IMO
and for the record, i understood what he wants, i was just curios why the combo dock+battery charger was unacceptable, since it has a USB powered battery charger (at least the one i got did, 25 dollars shipped on ebay, even came with a second battery, much better than the 35 for the OEM battery charger)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, I just edited the post you quote. That one was for the original Touch Pro, NOT the TP2.
He wants one that will charge FROM the USB port, evidently so that he can use a portable USB hand-powered generator to charge the batteries. The ones on E-bay will output USB power, but not charge a battery FROM the USB power.
Are you saying you found an e-bay model that charges from the USB? Can you post a link?
stevedebi said:
From the website it appears the HTC BC S300 is for the Touch Diamond or Touch Pro.
http://www.mobihand.com/productaccessories.asp?id=29936&n=HTC-External-Battery-Charger-(BC-S300)
However, the other model should work, but the picture indicates that one would have to buy a male-to-male USB cable rather than the normal A to B cable for it to charge. I think this model would be the one to use.
http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BD3-BCSI3HTP2-BK
EDIT: Not meaning to be too critical here, this was a good find!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries.
The Touch Diamond and Pro use the same default 1500mah battery the TP2's do. So the HTC OEM spare battery charger would work fine. That's one thing I love about HTC is they try to maintain the same type of batteries in most of their model line ups. Even their new Sprint EVO phone uses the same battery, nice!
That Seidio product link you listed is the same as the model number I posted. Good point on the cable. You would need a male to male type A USB cable to run from USB power. I carry various USB adapter plugs when I use it.
As for defaultdotxbe's post, seems you have the same concerns... he/she may have overlooked that the OP wanted a charger that runs off USB power. I have yet to see any of the combo docks on fleabay run strictly off USB vs providing USB power.
powinmo said:
No worries.
The Touch Diamond and Pro use the same default 1500mah battery the TP2's do. So the HTC OEM spare battery charger would work fine. That's one thing I love about HTC is they try to maintain the same type of batteries in most of their model line ups. Even their new Sprint EVO phone uses the same battery, nice!
That Seidio product link you listed is the same as the model number I posted. Good point on the cable. You would need a male to male type A USB cable to run from USB power. I carry various USB adapter plugs when I use it.
As for defaultdotxbe's post, seems you have the same concerns... he/she may have overlooked that the OP wanted a charger that runs off USB power. I have yet to see any of the combo docks on fleabay run strictly off USB vs providing USB power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it is the angle of the picture on the first battery. It is squished flat, and I thought the contacts were on the side rather than the bottom.
defaultdotxbe said:
whats wrong with a cradle charger for that? just because it has the dock for the phone doesnt mean you have to use it, and you can get the cradles for cheap on ebay, and ive never seen one just for charging batteries
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just one flaw it's price is about $20 including shipping.
I was expected something about $10 (as I got my AC charger with $4)
defaultdotxbe said:
if you have a multimeter you can check the voltage of the hand crank to determine if its safe to charge the phone directly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I do not have but anyway charging $400 phone with $2 charger is not reliable, but charging $4 battery with that is ok
-
stevedebi
I want to take phone during hiking in mountains and charging with hand charger will be nice.
powinmo
stevedebi
defaultdotxbe
Thanks for links and info
As I see the cradle charger is the best solution from the point of price and practice.
Just I was expecting something simplier and respectively cheaper than that cradle charger but as I see there is no cheaper.
fibo.kowalsky said:
Unfortunately I do not have but anyway charging $400 phone with $2 charger is not reliable, but charging $4 battery with that is ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its actually a 10 cent capacitor (or battery) that makes any charger reliable, like my 2 dollar car charger
like this one for example: http://inspectusa.com/emergency-han...r-vzl3883-with-flashlight-compass-p-1109.html
the cranking isnt putting voltage over the USB directly, it charges a button cell battery which in turn charges the phone, so it works like a UPS for a computer system and regulates the voltage going to the phone, so its safe to charge directly (im actually thinking of buying that one myself, lol)
@stevedebi
the only cradle ive ever used was for my old sprint mogul and it charged the battery through USB so i assumed all cradles worked this way
defaultdotxbe
I found cheaper solution:
it applies USB power directly on moving pins to charge battery.
As usb voltage is compatible for HTC TP2 battery charging it will work as portable usb charger.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Universal-Mini-...ultDomain_0&hash=item19bdeabe0e#ht_3931wt_911
it costs just $1.15 :lol:
Hey guys I'm looking for a car charger that will charge the phone while running google navigation. The current one I have cannot keep up. Basically the phone is using more battery than the charger is supplying so eventually even though it's charging it will die. Please help with some suggestions.
The higher the output amps the better, most online don't say.
This one has a 1A (1000 mA) which is the highest I've seen until now.
http://www.cellphoneshop.net/2usbcar.html
This says 2.1A.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U4RF7I...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B004U4RF7I
Here's one that has 1 of each (1A & 2.1A):
http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1921
You need to be careful about using one too high for the phone as well.
The output of the wall charger that comes with the phone is 1A. Find an USB car charger that outputs 1A and you should be fine.
This will run Pandora&Navigation at the same time and still charge,but not by much. But a least it doesn't discharge.
*LINK*
The phones are only meant to charge up so fast. once you attempt to go over that limit, you risk causing damage to your phone. don't look for something with so much power it charges it in 20 minutes. it will kill the phone and battery.
Is 2.1A safe from charging phones?
Sent from my EVO 3D
I doubt the phone will charge any faster even if you get a 2A charger, but there are many chargers that only charge the phone half as fast as you possibly could. Some chargers only provide 0.5A (500mA, conforming to the PC USB spec) and some 1A chargers will only provide 0.5A because of the pin out on the connector plug... You can tell this is happening if under battery stats in settings it says it's charging from USB instead of AC. You could short some pins on said chargers to fix that but it's usually easier to find a proper one for $3 or whatever.
Even if you have a 1A charger you could manage to discharge faster than it charges if you're streaming music while using navigation for a while and/or you happen to be in a low signal area (which eats battery like crazy since the radio goes wild trying to find a better signal/tower).
I have the one in the link below. It is OEM HTC for the Thunderbolt, and has
2x 1A Ports. It keeps up with
Pandora and GMaps. My old charger would not (it was 500mA.) The cool thing is that both ports are 1A in a small form factor, and it has a white LED that illuminates them. It comes with a coiled cord which is well built.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003OQUJRQ/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
Swyped using 2 cores and 3 Ds
I have the Motorola one, and it keeps up, and charges fast.
This one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S5Q9CA
my tom tom universal one is the only one that ive found to come out at exactly 1A - 1.2A measured via current widget...
All the other brand 1A's sit at 350 - 600ma
I get about 0 - 150ma normal with Google Navigation and Power Amp playing flacs
I get about 500 - 780ma with Tom Tom with Google Navigation and Power Amp playing flacs
billyapd21 said:
Hey guys I'm looking for a car charger that will charge the phone while running google navigation. The current one I have cannot keep up. Basically the phone is using more battery than the charger is supplying so eventually even though it's charging it will die. Please help with some suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this thread from the OG EVO Accessories. Good info on car chargers:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=861055&highlight=car+chargers
I have this:
Monoprice.com Car Charger (Cigarette Lighter to USB Female Converter) #6766, 1000mA
and a cheap 3 foot USB cable from Monoprice also and it will charge while on 4G, Google Navigation and Pandora playing
runcool said:
The phones are only meant to charge up so fast. once you attempt to go over that limit, you risk causing damage to your phone. don't look for something with so much power it charges it in 20 minutes. it will kill the phone and battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no idea what you are talking about. The rating indicates the maximum current the charger is capable of. The phone will decide how much to draw.
Actually, the high rating is not enough. The charger should have a certain circuitry ( a resistor between data pins) to "tell" phone that it can supply higher current. 2.1A iPad charger doesn't have it because it was designed to communicate with iGadgets. It will act like a regular 500mA charger when connected to an Android phone.
A lot of the 1amp chargers that you see will still only charge your phone at 500ma. Unless USB pins 2 and 3 are shorted together (or have less then 200 ohms between pins 2 and 3), the phone will think it's connecting to a computer and only draw 500ma. I modified a few 1amp chargers to actually charge at 1amp instead of 500ma. See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=767961
happyhallsy8 said:
my tom tom universal one is the only one that ive found to come out at exactly 1A - 1.2A measured via current widget...
All the other brand 1A's sit at 350 - 600ma
I get about 0 - 150ma normal with Google Navigation and Power Amp playing flacs
I get about 500 - 780ma with Tom Tom with Google Navigation and Power Amp playing flacs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you SURE you're getting the right result with the Current Widget? There's been quite a few threads on this topic and it doesn't seem that the Current Widget correctly supports our phone. Per that widget, I'm getting 400ma current draw normally - without running any active apps. When I use various chargers, that number goes up or down seemingly at random, LOL.
My most powerful charger, which provides 2A on one port and 2.1 A on the other - makes the widget report only 35 mA.
In short - I wish there was an app that correctly measures current draw on our phone, but I haven't found one based on multiple threads on the topic.
I use Battery Monitor Widget. I definitely see the difference between 500mA and 1A chargers. Some current form the charger is consumed by the phone itself, so it is not possible measure the actual draw from the power supply without an external meter.
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Get the Amazon one. Trust me! I have one and all my buddies have them. It is by far the cheapest and most powerful charger you can find.
My buddy did a review of it on here:
http://randomtek.com/randomtek-com-best-motorola-rapid-car-charger/
I have the one from Sprint with the AC adapter in it that pops out and it works well. Granted it was a bit pricey, but, it does the job and the battery does in fact charge while using telenav navigation and listening to music through the stereo as well. Slowly, but, at least it doesn't discharge while being charged....LOL...
jinwu57 said:
Get the Amazon one. Trust me! I have one and all my buddies have them. It is by far the cheapest and most powerful charger you can find.
My buddy did a review of it on here:
http://randomtek.com/randomtek-com-best-motorola-rapid-car-charger/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen/ heard a LOT of people who have that one and love it! Good choice with that one. I have a Motorola that also has a USB port in it and i little slide cover for the usb port when you're not using it, works great! I love it an highly recommend it. I charge my 3D and 4th Gen iPod Touch with it at the same time.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
jinwu57 said:
Get the Amazon one. Trust me! I have one and all my buddies have them. It is by far the cheapest and most powerful charger you can find.
My buddy did a review of it on here:
http://randomtek.com/randomtek-com-best-motorola-rapid-car-charger/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is one of the few chargers that would power the Palm Touchstone reliably. There was an extensive thread at Pre Central on car chargers. Just make sure it's the SPN5400A like in the link above. Some other Motorola chargers have a lower output.
On the E3D it shows charging on AC.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnector-X...UTF8&qid=1413648702&sr=8-2&keywords=magnector
Below are some low res images of the charger.
Positives:
Speedy delivery here in the UK.
Same charge speed as supplied sony cable (it doesn't come with charging block so I used the Sony block to charge)
Slightly faster charging than the iP6+ using supplied Apple charger
The magnetic 'adhesion' is STRONG. See image below of entire phone hanging by the cable head.
Compatible with my phone cases.
Connector jumps to the contact point due to good magnetic strength, but with 50% accuracy of alignment unless you aim well. LOL.
When connected, it has a very good magnetic flex/elastic give at the point of connection so as to simply bounce back into place without falling out at the first hint of a nudge.
Cable more flexible than sony cable, which is VERY stiff.
Otherwise neat packaging.
Negatives:
No warning that upside down fitment can burn the internals.
Ought to have been longer but it is the same length as the sony cable, so yes i'm nitpicking with that one.
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subhani said:
No warning that upside down fitment can burn the internals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, unless it's engineered incorrectly, it's impossible to seat the magnetic charger backwards. One side will never seat correctly onto the pin.
subhani said:
Negatives:
No warning that upside down fitment can burn the internals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, the ability to fit the thing upside down would seem to be a rather serious defect, particularly if it can damage the phone when it's done??
npaladin2000 said:
Uh, the ability to fit the thing upside down would seem to be a rather serious defect, particularly if it can damage the phone when it's done??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed my friend. Thanks for the correction
EDIT: I have tried charging another Z3 using the cable upside down and realised that actually only ONE of the two metal points make ANY contact, the other simply doesn't slot in. I'm guessing that was by design by Sony. So it isn't really a con. I will update the OP.
Very nice review, I have ordered the cable not adapter from Amazon.
I have a question. I am yet to receive my Sony Z3C and I understand I have to give it full charge/discharge cycles for the first 4-5 times so that the battery can hold its charge properly.
Would using the magnetic charger be the same as using the micro USB charger?
As I don't want to mess up my battery, and if the magnetic charger will interfere with the first few charge cycles then I can charge the phone with Micro USB for the first few charges before I start using the magnetic charger.
wolf0491 said:
I just bought the adapter. Works pretty good. I have a 6 foot USB I use haha.
I does come off rather easy when sitting it some things like my bed. Can't use it in my car at all. But luckily I never need charg phone in car!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean you can't use it in the car?
Even if the phone is in a cup holder or something to hold it stationary?
Hi,
Can someone please tell the size of the cable?
I am wondering wether to buy the cable or an adapter, depending on its length.
Thanks.
wah007 said:
I have a question. I am yet to receive my Sony Z3C and I understand I have to give it full charge/discharge cycles for the first 4-5 times so that the battery can hold its charge properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not true. Lithium-Ion batteries do not require a "break-in" or "formatting", instead you should do at least one full charge, then full discharge and full charge again to calibrate the battery's controller. It will measure the current flow over time and set the levels for full and empty charge, so that your phone shuts off at exactly 0% and displays 100% when the battery is actually full. (There is no risk for overcharging if it's improperly calibrated though, it will just show 99% for a very long time or suddenly jump from a lower value to 100%.)
In essence, don't worry about messing up your battery. Do a 100%-0%-100% cycle at one time where you keep the charger plugged in while it's charging, maybe keep it attached even for another 20 minutes after it reached 100%. Then your battery will be calibrated perfectly and you can use it as normal. And it doesn't matter at all if you use the magnetic or USB charger.
655
I bought BOTH the adapter and wired versions from Amazon. Will probably update or create my own thread for those interested to see the differences.
dragonfet said:
This is not true. Lithium-Ion batteries do not require a "break-in" or "formatting", instead you should do at least one full charge, then full discharge and full charge again to calibrate the battery's controller. It will measure the current flow over time and set the levels for full and empty charge, so that your phone shuts off at exactly 0% and displays 100% when the battery is actually full. (There is no risk for overcharging if it's improperly calibrated though, it will just show 99% for a very long time or suddenly jump from a lower value to 100%.)
In essence, don't worry about messing up your battery. Do a 100%-0%-100% cycle at one time where you keep the charger plugged in while it's charging, maybe keep it attached even for another 20 minutes after it reached 100%. Then your battery will be calibrated perfectly and you can use it as normal. And it doesn't matter at all if you use the magnetic or USB charger.[/]
Thanks a lot for clearing that up for me. That's easy.
It's so easy to get confused when a lot of people are giving different info.
Now I can put my mind at rest. So it's a full charge, then discharge fully and finally charge it fullt and I'm done.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone notice using the magnector X adapter that when you plug or unplug it from your phone while you have a browser open (chrome in my case) that it refreshes the browser page? Seems really odd. However when I plug the power directly to the micro usb port, it doesn't do this. Anyone experience this and if so, is there a reason this happens?
nawaf88 said:
Anyone notice using the magnector X adapter that when you plug or unplug it from your phone while you have a browser open (chrome in my case) that it refreshes the browser page? Seems really odd. However when I plug the power directly to the micro usb port, it doesn't do this. Anyone experience this and if so, is there a reason this happens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it's got something to do with the phone going in to dock mode when the magnetic charger is connected. I'm sure someone who knows more will be able to help you.
I believe you are correct. I dont see a way to disable this in settings. Not really an issue for me
Yes it's entering on dock mode when you plug in the magnetic cable. It can disable only with the help of xposed framework (which requires root) and unfortunately not yet available for us. Hope to have root for locked bootloader soon
Sent from my D6633 using XDA Free mobile app
I was thinking about getting a Quick Charge car charger but my only worry is how much heat the phone will make if I plug it in with low battery and am simultaneously navigating with Maps and streaming bluetooth. I used the Turbo Charger that came with the phone for the first time last night and the phone got pretty hot just sitting on the table in standby.
Does anyone have one of these and do you have any issues with the phone heating up excessively or even overheating?
skrypj said:
I was thinking about getting a Quick Charge car charger but my only worry is how much heat the phone will make if I plug it in with low battery and am simultaneously navigating with Maps and streaming bluetooth. I used the Turbo Charger that came with the phone for the first time last night and the phone got pretty hot just sitting on the table in standby.
Does anyone have one of these and do you have any issues with the phone heating up excessively or even overheating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The M-charger that comes with the N6 has 3 modes, standard, turbo1 and turbo2. When the battery is charged below 78% than one of the turbo modes is active. Because in turbo the voltage is 9 or 12 v the battery can become hot. But the charge capacity will be max 14 watt. The same happens when discharging and using video, maps and internet connection at the same time.
I.m.o a quick charge car charger is not needed, unless you are using videos, game apps, internet etc. when driving. And there is a possibility that the car outlet has a lower capacity than needed for turbo charging,
NLBeev said:
The M-charger that comes with the N6 has 3 modes, standard, turbo1 and turbo2. When the battery is charged below 78% than one of the turbo modes is active. Because in turbo the voltage is 9 or 12 v the battery can become hot. But the charge capacity will be max 14 watt. The same happens when discharging and using video, maps and internet connection at the same time.
I.m.o a quick charge car charger is not needed, unless you are using videos, game apps, internet etc. when driving. And there is a possibility that the car outlet has a lower capacity than needed for turbo charging,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spend a lot of time making short trips in my car, jumping in and out for meetings, and it would be nice to have this feature to get my phone charged back up in the 10 or 15 minutes I might have. I am not so much worried about whether or not the charger can charge the phone over long periods as I am typically just navigating or streaming Bluetooth. If I was using the 500ma ports built into the car then that would be another story.
Most car outlets can run 300+ watt power inverters so I seriously doubt an 30 or 36 watt cell phone charger is going to surpass any limitations. My car has a 30 amp fuse on the outlet which is like 360 watts at 12 volts.
skrypj said:
. . . Most car outlets can run 300+ watt power inverters so I seriously doubt an 30 or 36 watt cell phone charger is going to surpass any limitations. My car has a 30 amp fuse on the outlet which is like 360 watts at 12 volts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but I did not mean the 12 volt outlet, but a USB outlet. Many people here in NL are using usb-adapters in the sigaret lighter outlet. Many USB adapter are max 250mA at 5 volt
As far as I can see every charger will be good as long as the capacity is at least 1A at 5 volt.
skrypj said:
I was thinking about getting a Quick Charge car charger but my only worry is how much heat the phone will make if I plug it in with low battery and am simultaneously navigating with Maps and streaming bluetooth. I used the Turbo Charger that came with the phone for the first time last night and the phone got pretty hot just sitting on the table in standby.
Does anyone have one of these and do you have any issues with the phone heating up excessively or even overheating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the Aukey Quick Charge 2.0 30W 2 Ports USB Car Charger Adapter with my Nexus 6. I've not found the phone hot after use.
I've run Google Maps navigation with TuneIn streaming music at the same time and managed to get a 20% battery lift in 30 minutes, which is better than the random charger I had before which would be lucky to break even, if not lose 10%.
I have the quick charger from vzw and have had no issues with it. Ya the phone gets warm, and it lives in a case. Still no issues.
artesea said:
I use the Aukey Quick Charge 2.0 30W 2 Ports USB Car Charger Adapter with my Nexus 6. I've not found the phone hot after use.
I've run Google Maps navigation with TuneIn streaming music at the same time and managed to get a 20% battery lift in 30 minutes, which is better than the random charger I had before which would be lucky to break even, if not lose 10%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. I snagged the 36w Aukey. Amazon just happened to have a coupon code on it making it $10 while I was pondering the situation so that tipped the scales.
Coupon code is 3C6ZIKJY
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
This is the one I have. I have only used it a few times but I have had zero issues with it. It seems to charge just as fast as the stock house charger in my opinion. It also has a notification light that lights up blue when it is plugged in / has power and green when it is actually charging your device. Kind of handy imo. I mainly went with this one because of it actually being "Qualcomm Certified" or whatever.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VH...ar+charger&dpPl=1&dpID=415UvP5jebL&ref=plSrch
This is the cable I got to go with it. It appears to be very nice and of high quality. I don't like being on a short leash.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SU...+usb+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=31ynDmfEZZL&ref=plSrch
I was looking for a quick charge 2.0 car charger on amazon, and ran into a little Bluetooth fm transmitter that you plug into the cigarette lighter. It has 2 usb ports both 2.1a (21W, 4.2A)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010ZOK1Q8/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The reviews on it seem outstanding
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
This is the one i'm rocking and love it
I also got a couple of blitzwolf chargers and they work great as well.
I use this and it works great....
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R3XIKXQ
As for the heat issue, I don't think the the phone will get THAT much hotter using this than it would with a standard charger. I think the majority of heat issues in a car scenario are a result of a combination of (A) having the phone mounted where the sun is shining on it and (B) having the screen on continuously (if navigating). The best way to combat this, in my opinion, is to find a phone holder that attaches to (or around) your car's vent. That way when you have your A/C on on hot days, it will keep the phone cool. It sounds silly but it works surprisingly well (Note: I've never had much issue with any of my phones getting too hot in the winter when this A/C method wouldn't really work).
I'd suggest looking into ProClip mounts... at least for my car and my previous car, they had an option that positioned the mount directly over a vent...
Note: If you are curious about the foam/tape, it's because I have a universal holder and not a Nexus 6 specific holder. The universal is not a great fit for the odd contours of the Nexus 6 so I added some foam.
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skrypj said:
Cool. I snagged the 36w Aukey. Amazon just happened to have a coupon code on it making it $10 while I was pondering the situation so that tipped the scales.
Coupon code is 3C6ZIKJY
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely an awesome charger! I grabbed it on a similar deal!
I recently bought the Anker Quick Charge 3.0 39W Dual USB Car Charger (Amazon link below) and, while my Pixel will charge at regular speed when plugged in, I cannot get Quick Charging to activate. I've tried multiple USB-C cables (one that came with the Pixel as well as a separate one I bought) in both of the charger's USB ports, but to no avail. The Quick Charging feature works when plugged into a compatible wall outlet (using the same cables) so I'm not sure if I'm missing something or just have a faulty charger. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to proceed would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks very much.
Amazon Link
It's because what pixel have is type c QC, not Qualcomm QC, thats probably the reson
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
ansontyl96 said:
It's because what pixel have is type c QC, not Qualcomm QC, thats probably the reson
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the reply. That makes sense.
Is there a compatible car charger that activates the Pixel's QC feature? Or could it be charging at the maximum rate and perhaps just not showing the "Charging Rapidly" notification? Just trying to figure out if I should keep or return this charger.
Thanks again.
goodwidp said:
Thanks very much for the reply. That makes sense.
Is there a compatible car charger that activates the Pixel's QC feature? Or could it be charging at the maximum rate and perhaps just not showing the "Charging Rapidly" notification? Just trying to figure out if I should keep or return this charger.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry mate, I honestly not sure but i think you can track the voltage by apps like Ampere
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
ansontyl96 said:
It's because what pixel have is type c QC, not Qualcomm QC, thats probably the reson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry man but youre wrong.
I have the same charger in my car. I plug my pixel into it on my way from work to school usually at 30% and as soon as I do it'll charge rapidly and it'll state on the lockscreen that it's charging rapidly. By the time I reach school (it's only 30 mins away) the pixel is at 75-80%
So yes this should rapidly charge your pixel as it rapidly charges mine from day one.
You may have to check the voltage output going to that outlet in the car, it may just need to be recalibrated. Older cars tend to loose some voltage power. ( I know from experience in my last car)
The cable quality can also affect charging current. Download Ampere (its free). Get a decent cable recommended by Benson. It makes a huge difference in charging current and hence, speed.
Check here for good cables:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/accessories/usb-c-c-c-cables-t3493357
indyzzzz said:
The cable quality can also affect charging current. Download Ampere (its free). Get a decent cable recommended by Benson. It makes a huge difference in charging current and hence, speed.
Check here for good cables:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/accessories/usb-c-c-c-cables-t3493357
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah always use a cable with superb quality. I use the reg usb to usbc in the car.
If you need a USB c to USB c I recommend buying one at the Apple store. Their cables are approved for the pixel and are great quality.
If you're still looking for a auto charger, you want want one that support Power delivery 2.0 not Quick Charge 2/3.0
This is the one I use.
Amazon Link
Thanks very much to everyone for the helpful replies.
Surprisingly, the situation seems to have sorted itself out over the past week as the charger is now activating the quick charging when in use. It's not quite as strong as a wall outlet (see Ampere pics below), but it's still pretty quick and I now see the "Charging Rapidly" notification when plugged in (though it takes a few seconds to display). It really wasn't showing that notification when I first tried the charger and opened this thread, so I'm not sure what caused the change, but I'm satisfied with the charger so I'll keep it.
Here are screenshots of Ampere showing the max charging rate for both the car and wall outlet (one that came w/ Pixel) after being plugged in for 20-30 min. Is it normal that the car charger's max rate is slightly slower than the wall? Thanks again, all. I sincerely appreciate the help and info.
Wall
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Car
May I have the link of amper from play store. searched, but got several apps.
goodwidp said:
Thanks very much to everyone for the helpful replies.
Surprisingly, the situation seems to have sorted itself out over the past week as the charger is now activating the quick charging when in use. It's not quite as strong as a wall outlet (see Ampere pics below), but it's still pretty quick and I now see the "Charging Rapidly" notification when plugged in (though it takes a few seconds to display). It really wasn't showing that notification when I first tried the charger and opened this thread, so I'm not sure what caused the change, but I'm satisfied with the charger so I'll keep it.
Here are screenshots of Ampere showing the max charging rate for both the car and wall outlet (one that came w/ Pixel) after being plugged in for 20-30 min. Is it normal that the car charger's max rate is slightly slower than the wall? Thanks again, all. I sincerely appreciate the help and info.
Wall
Car
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bush911 said:
May I have the link of amper from play store. searched, but got several apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the one you want:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gombosdev.ampere&hl=en
Anker Quick Charge 3.0 39W Dual USB Car Charger, PowerDrive Speed 2 for Google Pixel. It charges devices up to 80% in just 35 minutes. It is enough power to charge power-hungry USB devices at full speed. It is also ultra-compact build, twin USB ports, soft LED light, and carbon-fiber mesh ensure maximum convenience and a sleek finish.