Review request for HKJ [USB Power Devices]

Hey HKJ!

Did you ever test one of those “Emergency USB Chargers”?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-x-AA-Battery-Portable-Emergency-Power-Charger-Power-Bank-Usb-For-Iphone-Ipad-Mobile-Phone/32334256250.html?spm=2114.01020208.3.2.Lhz9A0&ws_ab_test=201556_7,201527_4_71_72_73_74_75,201409_2

I need a very small and light charger for my MP3 Player, so I thought about these.

Not that model, but another 2xAA model: http://lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Charger%20Danae%20DUO%209000%20UK.html

The energy in 2xAA is not very much, a single 18650 has the energy of nearly 4xAA.

OK, thanks
Then I will use a cheapo 18650 type
Thanks!

I’m sure you really don’t want to try this one out

But people should be aware it exists.

From the comments there:

Very few connectors are protected against that type of vandalism.

My BlitzWolf™ 4.8A 24W Dual USB Travel Wall US Charger just arrived, and while the top port has a steady 5.13/5.14 volts, the bottom port differs greatly as I touch my USB tester. The bottom port ranges from 4.97v to 5.14v and fluctuates from the plug in position, or touching the tester, (I can’t test the amps), it makes me wonder if there is a glitch in that port, that while it will work, it might indicate an assembly flaw that might cause me problems down the road, or indicate a potential safety problem.

Should I seek replacement for my charger?

The two ports are in parallel, i.e. the only thing that can show different voltages is loose connections. I will not guess if it is in the charger, usb connector or usb tester.

It can’t be the tester, because I can keep switching it from port to port to get the same glitchy results, only on the bottom plug.

A loose connection on the bottom port sounds like a problem, and that I need to ask for replacement.

By the way, are the blue lights for the two plugs, supposed to look different from each other?

first powerbank with quickcharge?

Look like aukey rebranding into blitzwolf

I bought 2 genuine 10,400 Mah xiaomi power banks for recharge samsung tablets on longer flights. But, now all airlines are banning their use in flight :frowning:

Monty

Ah, I see now. So not the first xD but still cool to see the quickcharge function coming to powerbanks.

Maybe they afraid of Improved Explosive Device

Well, the rules are that you cannot pack powerbanks into your checked-in luggage. But you can have them in carry-on. We now have to separate them from our carry-on at security inspection points so they can be manually verified as OK.

I guess their use is banned because of the risk of over heating and perhaps catching fire, or just the chance of emitting some nasty fumes. It is OK for a Boeing 787 to use Li batteries in flight, but not for passengers :frowning:

Monty

Hello HKJ,

great work you’re still doing. My contribution of devices i would like to seen reviewed by you is like follow:

https://www.reichelt.com/Mobile-Power-Packs/XTORM-AL390/3/index.html?ACTION=3&GROUPID=4491&ARTICLE=144371&OFFSET=16&
https://www.reichelt.com/Mobile-Powerpacks/VTB-28A-SW/3/index.html?&ACTION=3&LA=2&ARTICLE=140148&GROUPID=4491&artnr=VTB+28A+SW
https://www.xtpower.de/XTPower-Powerbank-MP-50000-DC/USB-Hochleistung-Akku-Li-Ion-mit-52800mAh

http://www.ipoweradd.com/poweradd-travelmate-high-capacity-24000mah-battery-charger-for-samsung-s5-s4-s3-s2-note-3_p1333.html
http://de.ianker.com/product/79AN7906-BEA
http://de.ianker.com/product/79AN7904-BA
http://www.portablepowersupplies.co.uk/portapow-fast-charge-micro-usb-cable/
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GYRRH-Micro-B-USB-Charging-Cable-3-in-Yellow-/131304073842
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GYRRH-Asenak-Micro-B-USB-Charging-Cable-3ft-White-/131464061271

cheers

Interesting list, but some of the more interesting ones are fairly expensive.

The “fast charge” cables should be just normal cables (section-wise) with D+ and D- pins shorted. I got a bunch of them and they were weak as hell, the section of the cable was about 0.1mm and they fell apart in no time.

I can’t seem to find much good info on this TrustFire flashlight that supposedly puts out 500lm and can act as a power bank. I carry an 18650 power bank with a weak LED light (50lm?) every day and I’d love an upgrade in which I can also swap batteries if I desire.
http://smile.amazon.com/TrustFire-Flashlight-Camping-Hunting-Activities/dp/B00O0S0E3G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1446842790&sr=8-3&keywords=TrustFire+TR-A10
Or FastTech’s offering with the 4000 mAh TF battery I probably wouldn’t use much, though I might use the case… https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10000518/1786800-trustfire-tr-a10-1-cree-xm-l2-t6-500lm-3-mode.
My question is, whether the output from the USB-B port is going to be any better than 1 amp.

How about the Jin Heng 12A flashlight/power bank:

https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002464/1181701-jinheng-2-in-1-cree-t6-5-mode-900-lumen

It’s one of my favorite lights. Seems very well built and very easy to mod. I put 3A Qlite drivers, better LEDs on Noctigons, and coated lenses in mine.

Would love a review of either of these 1x18650 power banks:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Multicolor-New-USB-5V-1A-POWER-BANK-Suit-18650-BATTERY-External-DIY-Kit-Case-Box-Per/32339378275.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-2015-New-Universal-Battery-USB-Charger-Empty-Cover-Case-Box-for-Mobile-Power-Bank/32450702725.html

Thinking of ordering the second one. Is there anything that stands out as shoddy on the PCB?

Maybe I’ve missed a fully enclosed 1x18650 power bank that’s already been reviewed as good?
(I would get the Miller ML-102 but it doesn’t fully enclose the battery)