For Geeks that Like to Twiddle
Posts tagged chargers
Report: Wireless Charging Technology to Hit Mainstream in Late 2013
300 days
by TwiddleGeek
in batteries For Ast
Wireless charging has thus far been a niche technology, making an appearance in only a small number of handsets and accessories. but it could finally venture into the big leagues as early as next year to save us from our cord-cluttered lives.
Intel could be implementing wireless charging technology in select ultrabooks and smartphones beginning in the second half of 2013, according to a report from Digitimes. Intel would use the ultrabook as the smartphone’s power source, wirelessly charging the smartphone as long as the device is located nearby. The technology would “not require the phone to be put in a very specific position,” according to Digitimes.
Wireless charging first became a commercial reality in 2009 with Palm’s Touchstone inductive charger, which could be used to wirelessly charge the Palm Pre smartphone. The Powermat was another early entrant in the space, followed by inductive chargers from companies like Energizer. Powermat now makes a variety of wireless charging solutions, but they generally require that the portable device wear a special case in order to inductively charge on the mat.
Inductive charging works by using an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two devices. Basically, an inductive coil within the base station creates an alternating electromagnetic field, and a coil within the mobile device is able to capture energy from that field and then transform it back into an electrical current that charges its battery.
According to estimates from IMS Research, less than 1 percent of smartphones that shipped in 2011 were equipped with wireless charging capabilities, IHS analyst Jason dePreaux told Wired. for now, price, technical issues (like preventing this technology from interfering with other wireless radios and chips in a handset), fragmentation from competing wireless platforms, and the lack of a robust ecosystem are the primary reasons why companies haven’t readily adapted wireless charging methods in smartphones yet, dePreaux said.
Eventually, wireless charging stations could be embedded in our homes, and everyday objects. at CES 2012, Fulton Innovation showed off a prototype of how inductive charging could be implemented in a handbag, making it possible to charge your phone each time you toss it inside. Similarly, wireless chargers could be embedded in cars, in tables or desks, or on household countertops.
Looking at the morass of cables, wires and chargers crisscrossing my desk, this wireless future can’t come soon enough.
Charging Drill Batteries
328 days
Charging new Drill batteries can be frustrating. most people have been told that they should charge their new battery before using it. some of you already know that trying to charge the battery first does not always work. Depending on how long the battery has been sitting on the shelf is directly related to how much energy is left in the battery pack. Batteries are not shipped fully charged, but they do get an initial charge from the factory to energize the cells and test the integrity of the pack. if you receive a new or recently built battery pack, your charger may not recognize that the battery needs to be charged.
Some chargers, sample the voltage of a battery pack to determine weather or not the pack needs charging and if it see the voltage where it should be like in the case of a freshly manufactured battery pack, it will not start to charge. the charger believes the battery is already at full charge and does nothing or it may light up momentarily and the stop. what is needed is to put the pack into the drill and run it down a little and then try putting it back into the charger. if the charger still will not charge the battery, then you may have a defective charger, but try this first.
Also,the main reason that Drill batteries go bad is they’re run down too low before recharging. This will not be the case with a brand new battery. Brand new batteries, right out of the box can be used until you experience a slowing of the drill at which time you should place it on the charger. if you run a battery down continuously over a prolonged period of time , your can cause a polarity reversal in some cells, which is why they fail to recharge to their operating voltage over time.
Interesting Theory: New iPhone 5 Dock Connector Could Be Compatible With Micro-USB
345 days
by TwiddleGeek
in usb Fans
Here is an interesting theory: the new dock connector in Apple’s new iPhone 2012 could be a 19-pin port that would be mechanically and electrically compatible with the micro-USB standard. I don’t know what it would be like, but I love the idea.
The theory is that Apple would have engineered this new dock connector in order to comply with the European Union directive to standardize chargers around micro-USB. This would make the iPhone compatible with the standard set by the European Standardisation Bodies CEN-CENELEC and ETSI, as well as by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform.
At the same time, such a custom design would be able to do all the things that Apple and third party manufacturers need for iPhone and iPod peripherals. that includes hardware controls, digital data, audio, video, and power.
If this is true, it would be good news for consumers. they would be able to use any micro-USB cellphone charger and they would be able to keep their current peripherals working with the new iPhone by using an adapter like this one, imagined by Italian blog Mela:
Power on the go: Universal battery pack
357 days
It used to be that the only way to squeeze extra minutes out of the batteries of my mp3 player, digital camera, portable DVD player, or laptop was to turn off the backlight, use the viewfinder, or lower the screen brightness.
I have finally declared "no more! I will not compromise the way I use my gadgets!" with the purchase of a universal external battery pack. The appeal of this battery over others – and there are tons out there – is its wide voltage range and ability to charge and/or power up multiple gadgets simultaneously. while I do like dedicated battery chargers/extenders, an all-inclusive one is better when traveling. It’s bigger than a single dedicated external battery, sure, but more compact than a bagful of dedicated batteries.
I haven’t run any battery tests, so what follows are just some first-impression ramblings and basic information in case you’re interested in picking one up for yourself.
Specifications Capacity: 130WH (8800 mAh) Output voltage: 3V-24V Output current: 5A max Dimensions: 7.86" x 4.72" x 0.86" Weight: 2 lbs.
Box contents In addition to the power cord and battery, the system comes with a "super box," cigar lighter socket and plug, universal cables, and a tragically unmarked assortment of connectors:
There’s also a user’s guide CD, complete with homemade label and spare-no-expenses plastic baggie!
There are six files on the CD, three file formats (PDF, Word doc, and TIFF) each of the user’s guide for this model (KN-SP-130) and the guide for some other models. I suppose it’s nice to have choices, but it’s always a little suspect when a company offers "official" paperwork in a Word document. The guide is written in broken English and requires a bit of deciphering, but it’s easy enough to figure out.
Super box on the super box are a USB port and switches to set various voltages based on the output of a gadget’s AC adapter. The LEDs on either side of the box light up according to the selected voltage; the colors are important to know when/if what appears to be another homemade label falls off.
Connecting the box to the battery is easy, though a cord would’ve been better to save surface space (the little barrel connector is about 2" long).
The box allows simultaneous powering/charging of gadgets with opposing DC power outputs (high vs. low range), and if you have anything that charges via USB, such as a cell phone (5 phone adapters and a retractable USB cable are included) or mp3 player, you can actually charge 3 devices at the same time! It’s not a pretty sight, but it’s still pretty incredible.
Even though the universal cables fit directly into the jack on the battery, I don’t know if the battery can/should be used without the super box. on the other hand, since I think this super box is actually a homemade add-on, I’m sure that documentation exists somewhere for what can be safely and directly plugged in.
Compatibility according to the user’s guide:
3V will power most mp3 players 5V will power most cell phones, PDAs, PSPs, and the USB port 9V will power most portable DVD players 12V will power most GPS units and the cigar lighter socket/plug 16V-24V will power most laptops (16V for Vaio) and other peripherals (24V for many Mac laptops and printers)
So far I’ve found compatible connectors for my UX180P, Samsung e315, PSP, and a few gadgets that charge via USB.
I couldn’t find a match for the Panasonic D-Snap, Archos Gmini 402 and AV420, Motorola V180, and obviously anything that requires a proprietary connection. Fewer hits than misses, but compatibility with the UX more than makes up for that.
Quasi-Conclusion It’s much too soon for me to draw any conclusions about long-term performance, but so far I’d say that I’m satisfied. The things that are questionable and have that flea market/garage sale feel (and smell!) to them probably don’t belong in the box to begin with (USB phone connectors, soccer-ball-emblazoned USB cable, super box, user’s guide CD). and that’s nothing a few alcohol-soaked cotton balls can’t fix!
The main product, the battery itself, seems well built and everything else works the way it should. I bought mine for $150, which is reasonable and about how much universal batteries with these specs go for anyway. I’ll know whether the money was well spent once I see how long it keeps my UX running.
Oh, and the power level indicator is a nice touch.
Side note I have no idea what this battery is actually called. on the top of the box is "Universal High Capacity External Li-Ion Battery Pack," on the sticker on the side is "Universal External Power System," on the user’s guide is "Super Universal High Capacity Power Pack," and on the battery itself is "Universal High Capacity External Power Pack." A lot of the same words, but never in the same sequence. is it any surprise that I couldn’t find anything similar to it on the supposed manufacturer/distributor’s website? I say "supposed" because everything that has the company’s name, KALNA, on it is a sticker!
2012 Charger Girls Announced!
361 days
by TwiddleGeek
in chargers
TOP ROW (L-R)Clarisse, Rachel, Anjelica, Katie, Paige, Alexis Lauren, Kylie, Amanda, Allizon
MIDDLE ROW (L-R)Courtney, Nicole, Ariel, Kara, Lauren P., Erin, Andrea, Hope, Meridith, Starkesha
BOTTOM ROW (L-R)Kayla, Angela, Marissa, Lauren O., Katelyn, Alexis Ann, Natalie, Tawnie, Alexa
More photos on the Chargers website.
Looks like Kylie made it back to the squad from her one year sabbatical abroad. and Amanda from two years ago is also back, plus Alexa Flutie, former Charger Quarterback Doug Flutie’s daughter.
So by my reckoning, there’s 13 returning veterans, two returning former Charger Girls (Kylie and Amanda), 13 rookies which include one former N.E. Patriot cheerleader (Alexa), one former S.F. Gold rush (Meridith) and if I am not mistaken (and I’m checking on it) one former Washington Wizard Girl (Erin). so that makes 28 Charger Girls for 2012.
All in all, looks like another tremendous squad with the returning veterans and promising rookies. another fine job by Director Lisa Simmons and her staff.
Top 3 things to look for in a Marine Battery Charger
375 days
Is it possible to visualize currently being out in the middle of nowhere on the boat along with your just drifting alongside and relaxing then you choose it truly is time to head again to shore however, you recognize that the battery is dead or let us say you haven’t even still left the dock yet however , you have your loved ones and close friends waiting anxiously in your case to begin and after you try and your battery is dead. Even though one among these situations is even worse than the other neither certainly one of them is practical. That’s why you must by no means be with no Maritime Battery Charger. with certainly one of these onboard you are certain to have the security and assurance of not being stranded no matter what your plans may be.when a lot of these Chargers are certainly not pricey, therefore you should purchase an individual just about anywhere, ensure to accomplish your because of diligence and look around. Ensure that it’s got a lot of the subsequent features as not all Maritime Battery Chargers are alike. the following are some thoughts you should check with by yourself when looking for a charger on your boat.one. Is it interactive – the leading reason behind death of the battery is charging the battery excessively as well as second is simply not charging it enough. You might want to search for a Marine Battery Charger that could do neither, automatically. You must try to find a charger which is 20% with the Ah potential from the battery you require charging. Ah may be the expression in ampere-hours it means the capacity out there of a cell/battery. This may be confusing and it’ll choose some uncomplicated math to determine what size charger to acquire. Ensure you know your battery just before buying a charger, such as if you had a 200 Ah battery then take 20% of 200, and that is forty then you definately have to try to find a 40 ADC charger. This may make your battery get to its full potential in about three.5 hours and when you cannot discover a forty ADC charger really don’t worry, just do the math and go from there.I never find out about you but this entire math created my head damage. to prevent the headache of the and taking an opportunity that your battery dies an early loss of life I would just attempt to buy a completely interactive charger which will make this happen adjusting for you personally and let you know as soon as your battery is billed. I’d personally look for a charger that has some basic safety characteristics to shield you, your battery, and also the charger itself. Bundled are built-in protections towards reverse polarity, brief circuits, open circuits, sparks, overheating, overcurrent, overcharging, and abnormalities. these Maritime Battery Chargers give intelligence to change the battery-charging method which means you do not need to. You simply plug in the on-board battery charger and forget about your batteries.2. Is it water-proof – now this might seem like a no brainer however, you could be shocked how many makers available that offer a charger that is not, so that you have to make certain that the housing in the marine battery charger is entirely sealed rendering it water-resistant. This kind of housing makes it well suited for your severe environments that can be identified on board this means you should make sure that someplace during the description it states that it really is 100% totally sealed.One particular other point to try to look for during the description is really an IP ranking that may be good for Marine use. just in case you are not sure what what this means is, the IP part of the rating is for Global Protection or Ingress Protection – this is a score that is made up of the letters followed by two digits or 1 digit and one letter. the precise code to seek out in the Maritime Battery Charger is over and above the scope of this post but below is often a quite brief edition of what to seek out. the primary range just after the IP code is for protection with the equipment in the enclosure towards hazardous ingress of drinking water and for your Maritime Battery Charger it ought to be at least a five and that is for h2o test and for your piece of tools to get rated for this it’s examined for any period of three minutes that has a h2o quantity of twelve.five liters per moment. to get a good much better charger I’d try to find an IP ranking that starts having a 6. This is when the enclosure is tested with powerful h2o jets for three minutes and the h2o volume of 100 liters for every moment. This means you can see the upper the first variety immediately after the letter P the greater.3. Is it intended for use with much more than one battery style – while it may be named a marine charger it should be made for use with batteries discovered in boats, golfing carts, UTVs, ATVs, tractors or generators. a very good charger should be developed to cost and manage your battery by way of a several step method and may be made use of for multiple battery style.a charger need to even be little and light-weight but it is just about an business standard. Those that I have observed are just more than 10 lbs . in weight and therefore are approximately 11×7 and just 3 inches huge in order that they will match inside the smallest places if you need to maintain it on board which I very recommend you do.Even though I didn’t put this within the top rated three there is another thing you might want to look at – in the event you are going to maintain your charger on board a boat make certain that it does not interfere using an on-board radio. the radio won’t specifically say that it does and that means you might have to complete just a little a lot more research or study the opinions and find out what other people must say. when you nonetheless simply cannot find the remedy then you have two alternatives. 1) Purchase it and hope for the finest even though most, otherwise all, businesses will back again up their Maritime Battery Charger with some kind of promise and you could often return it. or two) you might phone the manufacturer of the charger and just consult.
Jessie Goodrich is an avid sportsman, writer and she loves to update her home with all kinds of new gadgets and styles. You can check out her latest website at a href=”smartbatterycharger.org”Smart Battery Charger/a, where she fills you in on the different types of battery chargers and you can try to figure out what is best for you. if you should need an 18v battery charger but have some questions then you will want to read her article she did on an a href=”smartbatterycharger.org/18v_battery_charger.html”18v Battery Charger/a.
Your Toshiba Laptop Charger Guide
380 days
Toshiba is one of the worldwide leaders in manufacturing laptop computers. it makes some of the best laptops ever to be released on the market. Oh, it comes as no surprise that the company creates exceptional accessories for the portable computer as well. The Toshiba laptop charger appears as a prime example. Both durable and efficient, it never fails to provide power to a laptop computer, regardless of the brand, whenever there’s a power source nearby.
Chargers and Batteries
Battery life is of great importance when it comes to laptop computers, or any electronic gadget for that matter. And the Toshiba laptop charger provides power to the battery, quickly. once you hook up the charger to the laptop and a power outlet, usable energy is routed to the battery, where it will be stored, and the processor. you can work for long hours, without any hassles, just by using the accessory. since it is produced by Toshiba, you can be sure that it won’t break down, easily.
Compatibility
Efficient as a laptop charger may be, it is practically useless if it is not compatible to your computer. good thing Toshiba manufactures chargers in a rather general sense. Most of its models can be hooked up to a variety of laptops, so owning a particular brand isn’t really an issue, unless your unit works only with brand-specific accessories. once connected, the charger routes power with ease. The battery gets fully-charged at a relatively quick pace.
Car Charging
Electronic devices, such as mobile phones and some portable music players, can be charged inside the car. The same can be said for the laptop computer, since laptop car chargers are available on the market. it is connected via the car’s port for the lighter. The heat is transformed to usable energy, as it is stored in the battery. you can even use the laptop, without draining power, while it is plugged to the port, like in regular charging.
Toshiba Quality
Laptop chargers are must-haves for anyone who owns a laptop. Toshiba, being an industry leader, improves on the standard charger. make it your primary option.
Car Battery Trickle Charger
392 days
You want to store your car, or RV, but you know that when you go to start your vehicle after it’s been sitting for a few weeks or months, that your battery will be dead.
The car battery trickle charger is specifically designed for the maintenance of 12 Volt batteries that are used periodically or kept in storage for extended periods.
The normal self-discharge of a battery is prevented when using a car battery trickle charger. in addition, the life of rechargeable 12 volt batteries is extended by providing a minimum current, regulated output.
Low quality chargers will produce a strong, rapid charge that often will decay electrodes and boil out liquids. We strongly recommend purchasing a charger that; once your battery has been fully charged, it will automatically shut-off and then resume charging as your battery level drops. Also, check to make sure the charger you buy is specifically designed for longterm use. You want to be able to safely leave it connected to your battery for days, weeks, months, even years
More important tips for vehicle storage:
Air carries moisture with it and that will result in condensation in the tank. to reduce this as much as possible make sure the tank is as full as it can be. this will reduce the condensation and considerably lessen the amount of water in the gas and the injection system. get a gasoline stabilizer such as Stabil and put this in before filling the tank. You will need to run the engine for a while to ensure that the stabilized gas has penetrated the entire injection system.
Change the oil filter and the oil
The contaminants in old oil will corrode the insides of your engine so it’s important to put fresh oil and a new filter in the car.
Inflate automobile tire to approximately 40 or 45 psi. Modern radial tires aren’t known to have problems with flat spotting from storage. still, some people suggest that you roll the car a little every 2 weeks or so. it is strongly recommended that you don’t jack the vehicle up and rotate the tires because when you lower the car the suspension will be loaded up. Try and check the pressure of the tires every few weeks or so and watch for slow leaks.
Some say that the suspension will sag by putting the car up on jacks. Letting it sit on the ground for the few months shouldn’t lead to any problems.
Clean the vehicles interior
When it comes time to take your vehicle out of storage you won’t clean it. You may not want to clean it before you put it in storage but when you take it out you simply won’t do it. So, take some time and get everything really clean. clean the carpets. clean the glass, inside and out. clean behind the pedal cluster. clean and condition the leather. You’ll be surprised at the dirt you’ll find. clean all the nooks and crannies. Also, don’t forget to also clean the trunk, etc. There is a full season of dirt and junk in the vehicle that you’re not going to want to carry into the next season. Moth balls and a bag or two of the silica gel inside the car (which absorbs any moisture in the air) are excellent preventative measures.
Dust and dirt are corrosive to any paint job so to ensure a longer life it’s important when storing to not leave those elements on the vehicle, but take care not to put it away wet. this can be challenging if you want to use the vehicle right up to wet or snow season. You should never put your car away wet because rust will form everywhere the water collects. You’ll want to try anticipating the weather and cleaning the car and driving it a little to dry it out before storage. then it will be necessary to get the dust off before storing it with a wipe down with wet/damp towels followed drying it with towels. another option is one of the quick detailer sprays available at many auto parts stores.
This is recommended but it may be difficult to get in a good waxing of the car depending on the temperature when you are preparing to store it. A good quality of wax will be too difficult to apply in low temperatures.
Condition the rubber parts
Many of the brand name products for treating rubber put on greasy coatings of silicon (Silicon isn’t good for paint) or tend to build up over time and actually make the trim look worse. use a good rubber conditioner to preserve all the trim.
Brake dust is highly corrosive and it’s not good to have it sitting on your wheels for weeks or months at a time. to do the most thorough job remove the wheels from the car, clean them on the outside and inside.
Sealing up the exhaust tips will help to prevent rust inside the exhaust system. Close the heater vents and any other openings. Every 2 weeks or so, it’s probably a good idea to make a periodic inspection. Check if any leaks developed or if any mice are nesting.
Spray WD 40 into cylinders
Take out spark plugs
Spray WD 40 into air intakes
Turn over the engine by hand with wrench a couple of times
Every three months repeat this (except the spark plugs which will no longer be in the engine)
To change the wheel bearing position, every three months turn wheels, or move car into different location
And for manual transmissions shift into one gear and move gear box internal around
Every six months drive the vehicle.
There are differing views on whether starting a vehicle periodically while it is in storage is a good idea. Starting the engine puts considerable thermal stress on parts which are often in cold temperatures. The majority of engine wear occurs in the first few minutes when a car has been started because the oil is still in the oil pan and not lubricating the engine. in cold weather the engine may not get hot enough to burn off the moisture, acids, etc. the car is creating while running. this contaminates the clean oil. If you are going to store your car for a really long time then it needs to be run periodically to keep it operable.
Rechargeable D Batteries
430 days
Ready to do yourself and the planet a big favor? Stop buying those landfill clogging disposable batteries that pollute the earth with toxic chemicals. why not replace your regular throw away flashlight batteries with environmentally friendly, rechargeable D batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are an earth-loving alternative to traditional batteries for powering your portable electronics. You can save on carbon emissions when you shop at home for your rechargeable D batteries and/or charging system. Shop online and save, because there are lots of great rechargeable batteries and chargers available through Amazon.com.
For instance, you can pick up the Sanyo 277265 Eneloop Power Pack with Battery Charger, 8 AA & 2 triple-A Batteries, Plus 4 C& 4 D Size Adapter (CostCo Kit #2) and then you’ll have all of the rechargeable batteries in all the sizes you could need the economical, worry free Eneloop works compatibly with any device using AA, triple-A, C or D batteries. Eneloop batteries come pre-charged and are ready to use right off the bat. it has a fold away plug and no messy cords, with a multi-color LED charge indicator light to let you know when your batteries are fully charged.
Rechargeable D batteries, and other sizes, can provide you with lots more flashlight and portable radio time, without wasting precious natural resources, not to mention wasting your precious money, on disposable batteries. this product was given a rating of 4 out of 5 stars by users who bought it through Amazon. com.
The Juice TM Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) 5-hour family charger system is capable of charging 2-AA or 4-AA, triple-A, C or D size of TM’s own Juice TM NiMH batteries in 5 hours or less. this compact charger features dual color LED charge indicators and it also provides you with the security of short circuit protection. in addition, the reverse polarity protection will work to prevent damage and possible injuries that could ensue if batteries were installed backward this versatile charger can charge both NiMH & NiCad battery technologies.
Its advanced microprocessor controlled charging system simply reads the battery technology that is being used and then the charger goes to work, charging it to the proper level for that battery type this charger will turn out rechargeable D batteries (as well as other types) quickly and dependably. it will not work with other brands of rechargeable batteries, though. You’ll have to use theirs it got 3.5 stars out of 5 from Amazon users.
Whatever type of charging system you choose to purchase and use, you’ll need quality rechargeable D batteries to put in it. maybe you already have a battery charger, but now need more batteries to power new appliances. (Its stormy weather season, so you’ll need extra flashlights and portable radios).
Don’t worry. Amazon has rechargeable D batteries from all the big names, as well as those special ones. Rayovac, Energizer and other brands of rechargeable batteries (including rechargeable D batteries) are available when you shop at Amazon.com. They’ll save you money and by using rechargeable D batteries, you will be helping to save the planet. What a deal
No outlet in sight? These solar kits keep your notebook charged
442 days
Some of us have probably fiddled around with the various solar charger technologies that have been available for smartphones and tablets over the past year, but I never realized there were so many options emerging for notebook computers until I came across this updated piece about the category from Treehugger, “5 best Portable Solar Laptop Chargers.”
The article by Treehugger’s tech writer Jaymi Heimbuch features the latest kits from several different companies, including Goal Zero, Voltaic Systems, Brunton, EarthTech Products and Go Power! these things aren’t cheap, ranging from $459 for the Voltaic offering (which comes in the form of a laptop case) to a whopping $1,815.28 for the Go Power! Weekender product (which includes a 125-watt solar panel and 1,500 watt pure sine waver inverter).
Mind you, these gadgets aren’t exactly all that efficient. for example, it takes up to 10 hours for the solar panel in Goal Zero’s Sherpa Adventure Kit to fill the battery pack, which in turn feeds what is attached. Compatibility is also an issue with the products listed, you need to research your purchase carefully to make sure that there is an adapter that works with your notebook or (if you’re inclined) your table computer.
If the geek in you is starting to think about all the fun outdoors vacations you can take starting this spring, but you know you don’t want to completely leave your notebook computer behind, this is definitely a list you should consult. of the offerings featured, I’m inclined to opt for the Voltaic one, not just because it is least expensive but because it is one of the lightest (the Brunton one is lighter) and because it doubles as a carrying case. it is, however, also the least powerful of the options. So that’s the tradeoff.