I remember the time around 2007, when miniUSB was the most common plug. Even when microUSB was released, i had a lot devices with miniUSB, which has been more sturdily in my opinion.
I hope USB-C will be as good as miniUSB.
Well, I would never call a magnetically coupled charge connector simply “magnetic charger” either. But, you’re right that it’s probably the most common interpretation of that phrase. Induction chargers are simply called “wireless” chargers usually. Sorry if I caused anybody confusion (ironically :person_facepalming: )
It doesn’t work on my phone with a small thin metal disc. Although to be fair, the disc is ferrous so it probably messes with the magnetic field…
Where would the receiving coil even go on an 18650 tube light? The tail?
I have preference for USB micro because most chargers have this connector.
Switching to USB-C is only useful with high A charging. Considering the chargers in a flashlight usually are weak there isn’t a real benefit for USB-C.
Many current power supplies have microUSB, but most new and all future power supplies will have USB-C.
Switching to USB-C is useful for easy plug injection, longer plug life and longer compatibility to power supplies in the future. In 2 years most chargers will be USB-C.
The connector is fine, it’s just that nearly no devices are available for it. Only one company still sells products and in the future even this brand will use USB-C.
USB-C offers the same advantage and is more common.
USB-C if it must be USB. Proprietary cables make USB charging less than “universal”.
In any case, I don’t like having major points of water/lint ingress or needing to unscrew the light to plug it in (might as well swap the battery at that point). My ideal “always 100% charged and ready to go” light may have outside contacts and a basestation - something similar to wireless landline phone handsets. That way I can grab or drop in the light without needing to think about anything.
USB-C ports can be water proof without a cover as seen in the Samsung Galaxy. I have taken imine into the lake (in my pocket) with no cover or anything on the port and the phone is none-the-worse for wear. With that said, I suppose if it got filled with lint, a person could just wash it out under a faucet.
not usb c—- i have a astrolux ft03 and it doesnt work charge with my phones usb c cable? not sure why… thought that would work so no point for me hoping usb c lights will work with phones cable… weird…
Unfortunately, that is common behavior with Type-C cables. they have different uses for different devices. I haven’t researched all details yet, but among all my usb-c cables only some work with flashlights.
(Nintendo Switch and Raspberry Pi 4 are different cases due to non-compliant HW design)
