How many ports on a USB charger would be perfect for you?

[The_Miller]

I think it is great you ask and address peoples input here!
When you are done building it, be sure to send one to BLF user HKJ for in depth analysis!

[Allmaybe]

@Dregs

I voted 6, and 1 or 2 should be USB type C. The C port/ports should do 3 amps. I won’t buy any new chargers without type C.

Hi, thanks for voting. May I further ask your opinion on QC ports?

[Allmaybe]

Thank you.
We really appreciate HKJ’s hardwork on reviewing products with so excellent insights. His review for our CU6 is really professional and helpful. He is absolutely the first reviewer from whom I would like to see our product review.

[Minimoke]

Four ports usually is enough for daily use but not more than six . Please allow spacing of one USB port space between each of the four ports for easier plugging in and removal of USB plug. ( most of the multi ports charger are of the standard spacing type )

[maukka]

@Minimoke

Four ports usually is enough for daily use but not more than six . Please allow spacing of one USB port space between each of the four ports for easier plugging in and removal of USB plug. ( most of the multi ports charger are of the standard spacing type )

Absolutely. I like to be able to plug in usb power meters straight to the charger enough spacing would be nice.

[The_Miller]

Ah and…. Ports that accept a usbplug no matter how it is inserted would also be ideal.

[The_Miller]

Ah and…. Ports that accept a usb plug no matter how it is inserted would also be ideal.

[dodge_911]

Also, a switch on the back, a small one, like the Tronsmart Titan has. When not in use, you don’t have to unplug it, just switch it off.
And oh, 6 ports is enough, with at least 2 QC3.0 ports.

[sp5it]

In new charger please pay attention to EMI/RFI switching power supply generate. Use proper filtering on primary and secondary circuit etc.
I’m ham radio operator and 90% of chargers or switching power supply’s are pain in the ass, because it generate huge amount of radio interference can be heard in ham/CB even FM radio in car or home.

Besides I would like to have on/off switch, 4 USB ports with at least 1 QC port.

Mike

[meti]

@Allmaybe

@The Miller

4 is what I picked

If you can give it USB IN and let it operate as a powered USB hub as well that can be useful

That’s really a bold proposal. :+1: But till now, I have seen no typical product of any famous brands having both two functions, and more important, both functions can be performed equally and perfectly.
I guess it will be a big boy if it’s possible, right?
I will communicate this idea to our engineers and see whether we can make it. Thank you for your advice.

I second that, if well realized with a clean power output, I’ll buy it.

[MountainKing]

5-6 ports with QC for home use and 2 ports for travel. Simple as that

[Woody]

@dodge_911

Also, a switch on the back, a small one, like the Tronsmart Titan has. When not in use, you don’t have to unplug it, just switch it off.
And oh, 6 ports is enough, with at least 2 QC3.0 ports.

+1. Great Idea. Even though the Allmaybe CU6 uses very little power when it is connected to the mains, but isn’t charging any device, it would be nice to have a switch on the back to be absolutely safe.

I also agree that 6 ports is enough.

Edit>> I can’t vote 6 ports *and *at least 1 QC3.0?

[xephon]

@meti

@Allmaybe

@The Miller

4 is what I picked

If you can give it USB IN and let it operate as a powered USB hub as well that can be useful

That’s really a bold proposal. :+1: But till now, I have seen no typical product of any famous brands having both two functions, and more important, both functions can be performed equally and perfectly.
I guess it will be a big boy if it’s possible, right?
I will communicate this idea to our engineers and see whether we can make it. Thank you for your advice.

I second that, if well realized with a clean power output, I’ll buy it.

Clean power output :+1: And maybe a compact 3-4 port wall plug version instead of the long power cable ones we have now.

[Lazy-R-us]

Everyone’s use case is different, and we all think ours is the ‘right’ one. :sunglasses:

I have a couple 5 port BlitzWolf chargers, one with a quick charge port and one without. I think if you are making a new charger, QC ports (at least a couple) are mandatory. Having extra space so a USB meter can be used on any given, or even adjacent ports is a very good idea. I would prefer that the power supply have a standard power cord rather than a wall wart brick so I can plug it in and keep it on my desk without finding space for another transformer. If you do use an external power supply, please use 12VDC in, with a center positive, ‘standard’ connector. By doing so, it could fairly easily be used in a car, boat or anywhere a 12V deep cycle battery might show up.

USB C capable seems like it is where the industry is going, I don’t have anything that needs it yet, but if it is backward compatible with USB 2 & 3, go for it.

Having the charger be functional as a high speed USB hub would be absolutely marvelous, and I would buy one immediately right after HKJ approves it, and probably 3 or 4 more soon thereafter. I work with several High School competitive robotics teams (FIRST) and being able to (quick) charge multiple devices between matches while still using them to program changes and debug would be very helpful.

An onboard power switch with LED indicator would also be nice.

[Allmaybe]

Hi, do you mean USB Type-C?

[Allmaybe]

@maukka

@Minimoke

Four ports usually is enough for daily use but not more than six . Please allow spacing of one USB port space between each of the four ports for easier plugging in and removal of USB plug. ( most of the multi ports charger are of the standard spacing type )

Absolutely. I like to be able to plug in usb power meters straight to the charger enough spacing would be nice.

To Minimoke: Thanks for your advice, quite practical.

To Maukka: May I further ask, if there is a LCD screen on the charger itself displaying charging current, voltage and things like that, will you still prefer using power meters when charging?

[Allmaybe]

@Woody

@dodge_911

Also, a switch on the back, a small one, like the Tronsmart Titan has. When not in use, you don’t have to unplug it, just switch it off.
And oh, 6 ports is enough, with at least 2 QC3.0 ports.

+1. Great Idea. Even though the Allmaybe CU6 uses very little power when it is connected to the mains, but isn’t charging any device, it would be nice to have a switch on the back to be absolutely safe.

I also agree that 6 ports is enough.

Edit>> I can’t vote 6 ports *and *at least 1 QC3.0?

Hi dodge_911, your idea will make the charger more convenient. That’s good. Many many thanks.

Hi woody, I will edit it right now. Hope it helps.

[Allmaybe]

@Lazy-R-us

Everyone’s use case is different, and we all think ours is the ‘right’ one. :sunglasses:

I have a couple 5 port BlitzWolf chargers, one with a quick charge port and one without. I think if you are making a new charger, QC ports (at least a couple) are mandatory. Having extra space so a USB meter can be used on any given, or even adjacent ports is a very good idea. I would prefer that the power supply have a standard power cord rather than a wall wart brick so I can plug it in and keep it on my desk without finding space for another transformer. If you do use an external power supply, please use 12VDC in, with a center positive, ‘standard’ connector. By doing so, it could fairly easily be used in a car, boat or anywhere a 12V deep cycle battery might show up.

USB C capable seems like it is where the industry is going, I don’t have anything that needs it yet, but if it is backward compatible with USB 2 & 3, go for it.

Having the charger be functional as a high speed USB hub would be absolutely marvelous, and I would buy one immediately right after HKJ approves it, and probably 3 or 4 more soon thereafter. I work with several High School competitive robotics teams (FIRST) and being able to (quick) charge multiple devices between matches while still using them to program changes and debug would be very helpful.

An onboard power switch with LED indicator would also be nice.

Thank you! There is no doubt you made a wonderful conclusion of all we had talked about :+1: and 12v DC is new.
Our present CU6 has a LED indicator, but it makes no big sense in fact, I guess.

[Woody]

@Allmaybe

Hi woody, I will edit it right now. Hope it helps.

Thanks - I have changed my vote to 6 with 1 QC port

[ZoomieFan]

Everything should be at least 2A. By that I mean 2A for each USB port and 2A for each battery. For the VC4 that means 20A in total.
The 6 ports on the VC4 fit perfectly so anything less than 6 ports would be bad.

Some additional wishes (for another product)

- A power bank function would be great.

• A flashlight function (if a power bank). Nothing fancy. Just an emergency light.

I fully agree with the suggestions made by “Lazy-R-us” but have one extra suggestion

If you do use an external power supply, please use 12VDC in, with a center positive, ‘standard’ connector. By doing so, it could fairly easily be used in a car, boat or anywhere a 12V deep cycle battery might show up.

I think the polarity shouldn’t matter. It’s quite easy to ‘correct’ the polarity.
I have a Braun battery powered razor. I just put it in the charging cradle. It accepts everything from 6 DC to 240 AC. Flexibility is great.