Decent USB Charger from 12V?

[lampshuk]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a USB charger powered from 12V that can actually deliver a decent amount of charging current?

I have tried various "cigarette lighter" types of charger, but they don't seem to be able to deliver enough current to charge an ipad, they just barely stop it from discharging.
I'd be happy with a high-current hub that could be dismantled and integrated into a cupboard. No doubt modern yachts come with docking stations, but this is to retro-fit into a Moody 31.

I saw that the YAPP project has a 12V-to-5V converter, but the USB charge regulator part isn't there.

I've just bought a supposedly 3.1A cigarette-lighter-plug charger off eBay, so we'll see if that's any good. I need to move the 12V outlet, though, since it's right next to the VHF, and interference from the charger impairs reception. Not to mention wrecking Jack FM on the stereo.

 

[charles_reed]

Unfortunately most are set to deliver 0.5 amp @ 5.5v. (the USB standard).

Here are a few which put out more, I have a PowerGen 2.5amp one which charges smartphones.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...vptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3ashc23ipf_b

 

[Stork_III]

http://www.kensington.com/kensington/en/gb/s/1622/chargers.aspx#.U0KgSCfySSo

 

[NickRobinson]

Ebay shows some cig lighter units with two usb outputs, one low and one high power for Ipads etc.

Is the high power outlet 'safe' for lower power devices? I think the volts should be the same...

Nick

 

[northwind]

I use one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Griffin-PowerJolt-In-Car-Charger-iPhone/dp/B003LGT4WU/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1396877597&sr=8-10&keywords=12v+charger+usb+griffin

Delivers 2 amps, happily charges my ipad.

Just remembered, it also depends on which iOS / ipad you are using...
http://www.portablepowersupplies.co.uk/important-news-for-ipad-users/

D

 

[prv]

Search for 2.1amp devices. This magic figure is the nominal draw for (at least some) iPads, and tends to be how the more powerful chargers are advertised.

pete

 

[nigelmercier]

Search for 2.1amp devices...

Or more if possible.

This one is awesome and will charge two 2.1A devices: http://amzn.to/LGO4zQ but this one also works well for a single 2.1A device: http://amzn.to/Oz4U69

 

[DipperToo]

Some devices (phones/tablets) look for the USB charge connection to have the data wires connected together (which it detects) so that it can then draw a higher current - otherwise they limit themselves to around 0.5A. Some chargers have this 'short' built in, others not. I bought cables specifically for charging (data connections will not work) from Amazon which seemed to have been recommended somewhere on these forums previously. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0088HTYUE/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_dp_1

 

[nigelmercier]

Some devices (phones/tablets) look for the USB charge connection to have the data wires connected together (which it detects) so that it can then draw a higher current ...

Not actually connected together, there are resistors between the data lines and the power lines. I've never had a problem charging my iPad from a dedicated 12V or 230V charger, providing it was capable of providing the 2.1A.

 

[joha]

I got an LG one from pc world that has 2 USB slots one @ 1 amp and the other @ 2.1 amp it plugs into the 12v socket like a cigarette socket but a bit beefier it will charge and run my Galaxy tab 3 8 at the same time. I think it cost £5 maybe £6 quid.

J

 

[nigelmercier]

... pc world ...

Spit.

 

[philip_stevens]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a USB charger powered from 12V that can actually deliver a decent amount of charging current?

I have tried various "cigarette lighter" types of charger, but they don't seem to be able to deliver enough current to charge an ipad, they just barely stop it from discharging.
I'd be happy with a high-current hub that could be dismantled and integrated into a cupboard. No doubt modern yachts come with docking stations, but this is to retro-fit into a Moody 31.

I saw that the YAPP project has a 12V-to-5V converter, but the USB charge regulator part isn't there.

I've just bought a supposedly 3.1A cigarette-lighter-plug charger off eBay, so we'll see if that's any good. I need to move the 12V outlet, though, since it's right next to the VHF, and interference from the charger impairs reception. Not to mention wrecking Jack FM on the stereo.

Apple Store - http://store.apple.com/uk/product/H0695ZM/A/griffin-powerjolt-se-for-ipad-iphone-and-ipod?fnode=3c

It does as it says - and I have one.

 

[xyachtdave]

This thread might help answer the question 'why didn't my Maplins 150watt inverter with USB port not charge my wife's iPhone 5 at the weekend?'

 

[Mistroma]

This thread might help answer the question 'why didn't my Maplins 150watt inverter with USB port not charge my wife's iPhone 5 at the weekend?'

Always read the spec. If it's the Maplin "Nikkai 12V Modified Sine wave Inverter with USB charging socket", it says "Includes a 500mA USB charging port for modern devices". Also "This unit also boasts a 500mA USB socket that can charge your small electronics devices."

So fairly wimpy USB charging port.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/nikkai-12v-modified-sinewave-150w-inverter-with-usb-charging-socket-a00jz

 

[xyachtdave]

Always read the spec. If it's the Maplin "Nikkai 12V Modified Sine wave Inverter with USB charging socket", it says "Includes a 500mA USB charging port for modern devices". Also "This unit also boasts a 500mA USB socket that can charge your small electronics devices."

So fairly wimpy USB charging port.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/nikkai-12v-modified-sinewave-150w-inverter-with-usb-charging-socket-a00jz

Yep that's the one.

I thought a phone counted as a small electronics device!

 

[Mistroma]

Yep that's the one.

I though a phone counted as a small electronics device!

Sounds reasonable enough considering the iPhone 5 isn't meant to draw very much when idling (but fair bit more when playing a video). Now I think about it, perhaps the problem isn't related to the charger not having sufficient ooomph. I seem to remember reading somewhere that Apple devices used to have the ability to "detect" how much power to pull from an Apple USB charger. I don't think there was a standard way of going this so it was probably Apple specific and therefore they might play safe with a non-Apple charger and only pull a very low current.

No idea if that's the case but might be worth doing a little digging as it might affect choice of charger if I do remember correctly.

 

[joha]

Spit.

Well it works for me. Told the bloke what I wanted, and minutes later walked out of the shop with the right bit of kit. No effing about on e-bay or amazon and hanging about for a dodgy bit of gear to arrive.

 

[nigelmercier]

... Maplins ...

Spit. Again.

Will you guys cut it out.

 

[Coaster]

Post deleted as it was irrelevant.

 

[Iliade]

Spit. Again.

Will you guys cut it out.

Radio Shack! :0)