The adapter signals an OTG device (through the usb ID pin) to switch into host mode. Only then will the OTG device start to supply current. You can also sometimes switch into host mode without an adapter.
Not all phones or tablets support usb OTG / host and some that do support OTG don’t even supply any real current when in host mode.
what happens if you wave it around fast? any flickering?
edit: a few more questions…
- what size led is it? a 3014?
- when you say you can run it off a li-ion, do you mean a battery or a 5v battery bank?
I wonder what that MCU that is controlling the PWM is…love the ramping feature though…most awesome!
way freeking cool…the one I got, is pretty much off or on…but can run an INCREDIBLY long time on a single 18650 portable power supply
- No, no flickering whatsoever, I tried with several settings and it’s always full line.
- I would say that led’s are 5730.
- I was thinking on a battery bank, like 1x18650 but maybe you could solder leads to a cell!
My Mini arrived today!! Two wishes would make this perfect; default ramp low-high (instead of starting high-low), and remember the last setting between unplugging. Actually, with memory it would make the default less of an issue. Maybe a button cell to keep a standby current? Hmm…
My mini behaves like that! When I plug it in -> first touch and it goes from low to high.
But yes, it does not remember mode setting if you unplug it, maybe adding big value smd capacitor?
I just got mine, fantastic little thing. Warm light (maybe a little bit too warm), sensitive touch, nice low level. When you turn it on or off it has smooth start, I noticed it only in a couple of pretty expensive flashlights (and I paid $1.66 shipped!).
Yes it is this initial ramping. After it peaks, it is then possible to set.
I have ordered another in cool white. :bigsmile:
Just received mine, fun little thing ! 
I just ordered four via eBay @ $2.93/each shipped. Two each of the warm and cool varieties. This may be the techie stocking-stuffer item for this upcoming Christmas. This, with my 3x 18650 Power-Pack should give me a decent run-time nightlight for power outages or while outdoors...
Now, to use all four with my USB hub... And the high-current output of an iPhone compatible power-pack...
I missed seeing this review until now but I'm glad I did. I have a simple 3 LED version without the touch and I use it all the time in the kitchen. I remember this touch sensitive one when it was released. I figured it only turned off and on and would be too bright with 6 LEDs. Now that I know it ramps I'm snagging a few of them. Awesome sauce!!
That's actually the same seller I ordered mine through... Only mine was $2.93/each, which is the currently listed price. You saved .04 each! 
Plus I bought the last 3 warm versions that he had in stock 
I am glad that many of you are satisfied with Mini, I can’t wait until the version with photodiode gets here and also few of warm white Mini’s
A version with photodiode?
I made a video with USB Charger Doctor connected to show current:
Photosensitive version on ebay.
Thanks for the current consumption video, so, we can power this thing in moonlight mode forever since it draws 0.00A :bigsmile: (just joking pity USB doctor does not do microamps).
P.S. I ordered USB Charger Doctor too, from DX for $3.78
:bigsmile:
It is more like 280mA on high, 2.2mA on lowest (here autoranging meter would be nice):
High:
The LEDs seem to be Samsung LM561B.
I concur. page 19 shows the same black dot on the led. appears to be the 5000k version.