DIY External, super-highCap battery pack? - General Accessories

Hi guys,
I do a lot of hiking and walking, taking my trusty Touch Cruise/ Orbit2 with me, running GPS and phone. I use the GPS to run EveryTrail - which allows you to track and record your position to upload your route and pics to the site later.
Of course, with all this lot running all day... well, lets just say the batteries dont!
Come to use the phone at your desitination, and voila! you've got a dead battery....
I'm not interested in those "2300 mah" extended batteries, I want something that's going to last DAYS (under these conditions) and I dont mind if I have to have it on a belt or something.
My idea is this:
Build a case to hold whatever and however many rechargeable batteries to give maximum power - within reason (say 48 hours).
This would then go on a belt, with a fixed power cable going to the mini-usb charge port on the Touch Cruise.
In theory, it might be good if it was possible to "daisy chain" multiples of these battery packs to increase the capacity still further....
So, my questions would be:
1. What are the pin connections for power on the mini-usb interface for the Touch Cruise?
2. Can someone recommend a low-unit supplier? (i.e 5 mini usb connectors)
2. What type / spec batteries would I need?
3. What does anyone else think of the idea?
My dad's helping me to look at this - who knows a lot more about electronics than me!
Thanks in advance - I think this would be useful for other people with the same goals...

i think that it is a good idea except one thing i would be worried that i would break the mini usb connector on the bottom of the phone.

OK, this is a good idea, but the weak link is the mini USB connecter (guess how I know...) I think the best solution would be a sleeve that clips around the phone so that the mechanical stress is not borne by the USB connector.
You can get the mini USB connector from Maplin:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=43998
Batteries should probably be NiMH as they have good capacity. Charging is going to be an issue, as you don't really want to have to charge 10 separate AA batteries...
Good idea though, I can only get about half a day out of my Kaiser under those conditions.

Hey, was thinking exactly about the same ;-)
My idea was to use:
1. A 5VDC switching regulator, so battery voltage doesen't matter and for example a 10V battery pack with 2000mAh will last as long as a 5V 4000mAh-battery
2. A complete Li-Ion battery pack with charger from an old camcorder,notebook,accu-driller, or whatever...
Good luck!

Hi there ,
I suggest you to buy 2 external battery pack of maybe 4000 to 5000 mah type suitable for your pda or your device , size like a normal cigarette pack , connection via mini usb cable or similiar , put these into your pouch and use it for your outdoor activities , it is easier than diy making all sorts of modification on wiring and so on . You can get these ext. battery pack with the right voltage and amps or omnhs - whatever from ebay and your local handphones and computer malls or outlets in most major towns in any country . Making a belt or an armband or a shoulder band or any sorts of diy is innovative but will take a lot of time , unless you are the type that likes to be really different or unique from others , then dont give up in making your special dream battery pack , cheers and best regards - jimmunsw

I have a setup like what you want, A 12v 12Amp SLA Battery with a 12v accessory plug that clips on that I just put my car charger in. To ad to this for my larger devices I have a 12v 46amp array in my car for my lappy, both supplemented by Solar panels.
Works well but there is a lot of weight.

Portable Power Supply
I've been interested in a similar setup for extended battery life. I've been increasingly interested in using Li-Po 18650 cells from dead laptop batteries. http://hackaday.com/2011/09/19/things-to-do-with-your-laptop-batteries-when-theyre-dead/ achieving 12v and using a cigarette car adapter to step the power back down to a constant 5.5v 2a It would be cool to finally test this out. dead battery packs from laptops are found many places so the parts could be fairly cheap.
Keep us posted on your DIY!

Related

AA USB travel chargers - any good? What's the real capacity?

Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a mini-usb AA (1, 2 or 4, to be decided) travel charger for an Orbit 2.
There's plenty of cheap stuff on Ebay or Amazon (and elsewhere), but If anyone has used them, I'd like to know
A) do you think the output is regulated enough to be suitable for safely charging my Orbit.
B) How much power is lost? For example a 1.2V 2500 mAH AA battery, should (if the rating is correct) should have nearly 2.7 WHour capacity (1.2*2.5), so that should roughly half fill an 1350mAH (3.7x1.35 = 4.8 WHour) Orbit 2, even allowing for some power loss.
Does this match your experience.
Perhaps it's easier just to carry a spare orbit battery, but AA's are so useful, and you can find them anywhere.
Ive been tempted by these, but never heard good enough reviews to buy one so am interested to know how you get on.
I've been looking at a Li-ion pack on evilbay - 2600mAh in a unit the same shape as a PPC phone but just a little smaller. Seems like it will fit on the back of my m700 with some velcro (or rubber band!) - so allowing extended GPS use outdoors.
My questions are similar - are external packs worth it, and do they keep the phone charged and do they fully charge a dead phone?
BTW, I'm also looking at a solar charger currently on offer at maplins . Its £9.99 (£20 off ?) and will hold and charge 5 AAA batteries. Solar chargers like this generally get crap reviews, but the seemingly good thing about this one is its rated at 1w, which is more than similar ones which I've seen
r_southampton said:
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a mini-usb AA (1, 2 or 4, to be decided) travel charger for an Orbit 2.
There's plenty of cheap stuff on Ebay or Amazon (and elsewhere), but If anyone has used them, I'd like to know
A) do you think the output is regulated enough to be suitable for safely charging my Orbit.
B) How much power is lost? For example a 1.2V 2500 mAH AA battery, should (if the rating is correct) should have nearly 2.7 WHour capacity (1.2*2.5), so that should roughly half fill an 1350mAH (3.7x1.35 = 4.8 WHour) Orbit 2, even allowing for some power loss.
Does this match your experience.
Perhaps it's easier just to carry a spare orbit battery, but AA's are so useful, and you can find them anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have several of the 4 AA usb type for my PPC and WM devices. I haven't had any issues with it damaging the device, but I'm careful as to what the power rating is on the device. I don't going over by 1watt but anything else I don't risk it. My devices require 5watt to charge, so the extra watt doesn't hurt anything. It's been a life saver on long trips and when in a pinch to need to charge.

Solar case for Xoom

I'm looking for the perfect Xoom case (for me).
I want a case that can house the Xoom, Motorola keyboard, Altec Lansing Sound Blade, and assorted small accessories such as a Mojo mini mouse, usb otg cable, stylus, card reader, etc. It can be hard or soft, and I don't want it to be larger than what I need for all those things.
BUT- I want it to have solar panels and a battery that will charge my Xoom & Droid.
I've found one for $600, but I'm not really quite THAT green!
Anyone have such a case? Chime in even if you have a charger (solar) that can fully charge the Xoom. I'm not opposed to buying a solar charger and somehow matting it with the bag.
Next choice would be a stand alone solar charger w/battery that is dimensionally close to the Xoom.
Thanks all.
Also looking at non-solar backup batteries. I would want one that is the same dimensions as the Xoom.
Question: What are the battery specs I'm looking for to fully charge the Xoom? Double what the Xoom's capacity is?
if you can do simple soldering and are proficient in modding you could make a pelican case to suit your needs. pelicans are also water proof. (do not work for pelican, i promise) they come with foam liners you can cut to suit individual items.
i turned one into an all in one 12v powered, ipod, wireless remote system with a headphone jack to plug into a amp on my dinghy so i could use my ijet wireless commander without getting everything wet, and keeping ipod and separate phone and wireless unit powered and charged. was pretty cool cause when i went out in the dinghy all i had to do was plug this box into cig lighter and haedphone jack on amp, and i had a water proof stereo, with wireless remote so i never had to touch ipod. or risk getting wet. ive since dissassembled the setup but i can show you pics of how the pick and pull foam in the box is easy to deal with.
not sure if i can post links, but here is waht i suggest, or something similar
http://www.pelican.com/1075/index.html
also solar panels are not that efficient, the solar panel will be more of a gimmick than anything else, especially if you are charging extra batterys as well, unless you make a mini foldout array, and now it is just getting complicated and unecessary. lithium packs are light, if you look on google you can find slim lithium packs to make a spare external pack, keep in mind you will need to keep the pack at 12v since thats what the xoom charges with. also its important to remember that the xoom uses 12v at 1.5 amp. by comparison thats almost equal to the output of 5 standard apple wall chargers, thats why our xooms charge so quick.. solar panels put out around 7w per square foot at 12v for the affordable panels that you see on peoples roofs, you would need a 4 square foot solar panel to meet the charging requirements of the xoom. so it would just be easier to integrate a beefy lithium pack that you can plug directly into the xoom. a properly sized pack could charge a xoom at least twice without weighing you down too much. of course you need to make sure you have the proper protections in place so you dont over or undercharge the external pack, packs can blow if treated incorrectly as we all know.
sorry about the ramble, sometimes i get carried away.
Thanks for all the input, bundles.
I am a good fabricator, so I may actually adapt something similar to the pelican, fitting it with a solar panel and LiIon battery pack. I know I can't run or charge directly off the solar cell, but the cell can take all day to charge the power pack; -That doesn't matter. Fitting the case together with all the components doesn't bother me, and I solder well (used to be a jeweler). But setting up several batteries in parallel or series, etc, I'm less confident about. Don't wanna burn the Xoom, and I don't wanna start one of those pretty green flamers like the old laptop batteries sometimes did!
I was also hoping to find something that allowed for several different currents/voltages so I could also charge the wife's iPad, our cameras, Droids, etc.
So it looks like the Energizer XP18000 is what I'll get for realtime practical functionality that meets my criterion, but I might make a separate solar cell unit to charge it with in the future.
the one other thing i forgot to mention is leaving a bag out in the sun will get very hot, i wouldnt want to cook my xoom in a solar powered oven of death. when you want to use it, it may be too hot.
If looking for solar / power up combo (costs a bit, but panels are amazing, I have the Adventure 10) ... check GoalZero products.
http://www.goalzero.com/shop/c/1/
That links to their power kit list.
if you can charge via your USB port you should also check out PortableSolarPower dot Biz and look at their USB solar charing panels , the 12w USB panel is perfect for the tablets that need 2 amps to recharge.
PortableSolar said:
if you can charge via your USB port you should also check out PortableSolarPower dot Biz and look at their USB solar charing panels , the 12w USB panel is perfect for the tablets that need 2 amps to recharge.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, the Xoom cannot charge via USB.

Best portable battery?

Hi all,
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with portable battery packs. I don't mean extended batteries either. I mean the universal usb charger kind that packs several thousand mAh.
I'm looking to get one for a nine hour flight, and I want to know what is a good brand.
Luuthian said:
Hi all,
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with portable battery packs. I don't mean extended batteries either. I mean the universal usb charger kind that packs several thousand mAh.
I'm looking to get one for a nine hour flight, and I want to know what is a good brand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't answer your question, but a lot of planes have a USB/charging input now. I know when I fly Air Canada, they have it.
I have had an Energizer XP18000 for about 3 months now and it has surpassed my expectations.
It holds 18000 mAh of power and will charge my Gnex and my Xoom at the same time (need to order a special tip for the Xoom/non standard device). I use it for long train rides to keep my phone topped up.
When watching HD video over 4G my battery level will drop about 1-2% every half hour, so it is not charging as fast as the wall charger, but it is enough to keep you from having a dead battery when you get to your destination. With my usage I can go 3 to 4 days and never need to look at a wall outlet.
The size is about as big as a external hard drive. There is also a wall charger that has a good size power brick in the middle of it. You can remove it when you don't need the wall charger, but I keep everything in one small bag so all I have to do is set it down next to an outlet and top up the external battery, then fold the cord into the bag and pull out what ever cord I need when I am on the move. It works just fine with the original Samsung usb charging cable.
I picked mine up from Amazon but you might be able to find a better deal if you look hard enough. They make a smaller model too that is only 8000 mAh.
I always keep it in my bag and it works so well for me that I don't even need the extended battery and leave 4G on all the time.
http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/us/products/xp18000/
Beautiful. Thanks Dante. And yeah, I heard some planes have USB chargers now. Unfortunately I'm not flying with them. I live near YVR, but Air Canada is having a bunch of problems with their workers right now. Last thing I need is flight delays or bad service.
I did a ton of research before buying mine. I wanted a pocket sized one, that had large capacity (enough to fully charge the phone twice), and could charge a device at a full 1 amp. After much research, I bought the original version of this one:
http://www.newtrent.com/store/iphone-external-battery/iphone-battery-imp50d.html
Mine has less markings and I believe both ports on mine are 1 amp, where as the new one has one 500mA and one 1A port. Mine was also like $55, this one is on sale for barely over $40, an even better deal.
It is very powerful - 5,000 mAh will charge the phone 3+ times - much bigger than other "pocket batteries", fits in a pocket nicely (I wear cargo pants) because it's skinny, like a deck of cards. Fairly light too. Only complaint is that I bought it before MicroUSB became the new standard, so it charges with miniUSB instead.
I carry a retractable mini-usb cable, and a retractable microUSB cable, in an altoids tin, in in my pocket with it. Works great, can charge my friends phones at the same time as me. Had it for 2 years, still going strong!
There are newer designs they have now too if you look at their website.
It does take a long while to charge - 8 hours to charge fully or so if you charge off a 500mAh USB port, because it's a huge battery! a lot less maybe 4 hours if you charge off a high speed 1A charger.
i was looking at this one http://www.amazon.ca/Anker-8400mAh-...UTF8&coliid=I3IVVC4G6YETK&colid=1ILTNQ88L4FE5
it has a 2amp 5v port, this can charge a transformer prime with the screen off.
I got this one recently:
http://www.amazon.com/Anker-SlimTal..._1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1335035472&sr=1-2
Its (much) smaller than my Nexus, has a built in micro-usb cable, and charges via micro-usb as well. While it doesn't have the capacity of those listed above (only 3200mAh), it was only $20 and the size really does let you take it everywhere.
It can fully charge it the phone from dead about 1.5 times.
I bought mine due mainly to the fact that it includes the micro-usb cable that hides away when not in use. It has a standard USB port as well for charging other items, but the appeal of only having to carry one item and no extra cable sold me.
My only complaint is that the built in cable could be a bit longer.
It has a flashlight too... lol
Been researching this topic lately and found that Anker's 10,000mah external battery is looking the best
Sent from my i9250 (GSM) Galaxy Nexus.
[email protected]
I use the Veho Pebble and it's fine for my needs. I get 2 charges out of it.
after hours of my own research I also bought the Anker Slimtalk. I dont travel enough to need one that is huge and can charge my phone 8 times. This seems small enough to toss in my pocket and not bother me since its so thin and light. For $20 and the convenience of having its built in micro usb cable sounds like a perfect little invention to get me through the day.
If I traveled more I would of probably got the Energizer XP8000. Their tip program is awesome. Free tips for life but really its $2 shipping each. if you want this device to charge a whole bunch of things it can. My Acer netbook, EVO 3D, girlfriends RAZR, 3DS, bluetooth, iPad 2, Nook, and the list goes on. I've been trying to ask New Trent for almost a week if their products would be compatible with the Energizer Tip program but found that contrary to what I've read their customer support is terrible, but their prices are better than energizer. So they loose out on the sale since over the last few times of researching has allowed me to find the Slimtalk which for the price and for my needs is perfect.
Curb71 said:
after hours of my own research I also bought the Anker Slimtalk. I dont travel enough to need one that is huge and can charge my phone 8 times. This seems small enough to toss in my pocket and not bother me since its so thin and light. For $20 and the convenience of having its built in micro usb cable sounds like a perfect little invention to get me through the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly why I went with it. Even while traveling I'm generally within range of a car or home charger, especially now that pretty much everyone without an iPhone has a micro USB charger somewhere.
I just wish it had a built in AC adapter as well but I'm sure the size would increase by quite a bit. Someone (iGo maybe) makes one like that but it only has about an 1100mah battery if I recall.
I found something here in the Netherlands, and I'm not quite sure if you guys in the US have the same thing..
The thing this has going for it is it's portability. It fits in your pocket, and if you don't mind a big lump in your pockets, it even fits together with your phone.
Click over there <<< to check out the dutch website of duracell. It basically is a battery with a socket plug on it, and 2 USB outlets.
Tech. info:
Output voltage: 5 volts DC
Input voltage: 5 volts DC, max. 1 amp
Capacity: 1800 mAh
Offcourse, this is the dutch version, with the dutch socket plug, but maybe there's an US version as well?
Thanks for all the info here guys. I have that crappy Black and Decker Pocket Power from a few years back, that well, isn't living up to the charge these days, so I need something else.
Still a bit too many options, but I'm sure I'll find one that works the best.

What is your power bank?

Hi All! So this is my first time starting a new thread so I hope I'm doing this right. I couldn't really find a thread specifically for battery banks or battery backups so I thought I'd start one.
I was wondering what is everyone's method of backing up/recharging your battery for your cellphones? For me, the battery that comes with my phone is enough to get me through the day usually and I just charge it every night while I sleep. If I go on trips, I use the Rav Power 10000 mah battery bank. I find this a bit bulky but it works great and lasts many charges before I have to recharge again.
Everyone's taste and preferences are different so I'm seeing what other options are out there that may be lighter in weight. I'm thinking of getting their smaller one, the 5200 mah, and have this in my backpack or car for just in case.
Any mini reviews of what you have would be great :good:
Wow, cool gadgets, I need to get a bank for just-in-case emergencies. Thanks Currently i use a solar powered charger, which is really slow and somethings doesn't work as desired. Looks similar to this http://www.amazon.com/External-Univ...=8-4&keywords=solar+powered+cellphone+charger
Ive bought one at sunsky from china battery about 4000mah, but it was year before, now there is a better.
I used to have a bank that looked like a GBA SP, with foldable screens. In the screens were two solar panels, which charged the battery of, I think, about 2000mAh or something like that. The thing is now broken though. Still looking for a nice (affordable) replacement
Mine is Anker 5600
I use the Belkin 4000, size similar to a ext HDD and look nice, pocketable too
http://www.techhypermart.com/belkin-f8m160ak-portable-battery-pack-4000.html
Charger considerations
Hi,
I need advise for the following:
Charger A (Li-polymer battery) output : 5V, 1A
Charger B (Li-polymer battery) output : 5V, 500mA
Device input: 5V, 750mAH (Li-ion / Li-polymer)
When using Charger A, some people comment that it will limit the current of 750mAH for the device and the device's battery should be fine since both the charger and device are at 5V. However, some people comment that this will shorten the battery life of the device since it will perform a 'quick charge' using 1A.
When using Charger B, some people comment that the device will draw more current than it can deliver and causes it to heat up and reduces the charger's life. However, some people comment that Charger B will extend the battery life of the device since it performs a 'slow charge'.
I also read that USB pins on the charger denotes if the charger is a PC or a dedicated charger. If it is a PC, the device will limit the drawing current. If it is a dedicated charger, the device will draw more current to charge itself.
I am confused as to who is right and which charger should i be using.
Can someone enlighten me ?
Thank you very much.
bought this one from Ebay, has not yet arrived, therefore I cannot tell if its good or not.
but for its price its quite a good bet, 12000mAh for 33 bucks (on sale until tomorrow)
not able to post links, just type w ww. before the following
ebay.com/itm/12000mAh-External-Power-Bank-Battery-Charger-iPhone-3-4S-iPad-3-2-Blackberry-/280947027345
Zagg sparq 2.0 highly recommended
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
I recommend Anker 5600 is very good for that stuff.
Hi, I use choiix power fort 10Wh http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=3001 it have 2700mAh and it's small and looks very nice. It can give one full charge for my SGSIII
I went on a trip this year and searched for a good bank, and this showed up.
http://www.sayes.co/20-powerbank.html
I tried it and it was really good, it has lots of adapters and it's cheap =P
I was able to order a RavPower 5600mAh on sale a while back ago, that was posted on slickdeals. here. I am pretty happy with the performance of the little backup, it defiantly gets the job done. My only complaint is that the body gets scratched up easily.
I was comparing the Ravpower and the Anker 5600 and they both look exactly the same except that both are branded with their logos. So I'm wondering if they're from the same manufacturer. Going to have to do some more research. However my current Ravpower power bank I do have is working great and I love this thing for trips.
I'm also thinking of getting a solar one for my 3day emergency/bug out bag. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Green Ranger said:
I was comparing the Ravpower and the Anker 5600 and they both look exactly the same except that both are branded with their logos. So I'm wondering if they're from the same manufacturer. Going to have to do some more research. However my current Ravpower power bank I do have is working great and I love this thing for trips.
I'm also thinking of getting a solar one for my 3day emergency/bug out bag. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, can someone please let me know if they are the exact same manufactuers, except for the company logos on them? I am deciding between the two. Also, what do you guys think of their 2600maH stick version? Which manufactuer would you go for over the other and why? I am very interested.
I'm using a "Scosche SolBAT II Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger" which I bought off Amazon for something ridiculous like $15 last year.
I bought it for hiking mostly as an emergency charger. I use a Huawei phone as a GPS out in the wilderness, and the GPS app (Androzic) is quite power intensive. I have also used the same device on an iPhone and an iPod touch. The Huawei phone will receive a full charge from this battery, but the iDevices will only go to around 75%.
The solar cell on the back of the battery isn't all that efficient and will take about two days to charge the internal battery, but having it there gives you more options should an emergency occur while in the wilderness. A half hour charging in full sunlight would provide enough power for a short call or a couple of texts to family or emergency services.
The device comes with suction cups and a small carabiner, so it can be stuck to the inside of your car window or clipped to the back of your rucksack. The device is lighter and smaller than the average smartphone and can be fully charged by USB in about three hours. Interestingly, the device has a LOT of bad reviews on Amazon, so maybe they simply sent me a good one.
I also have a very cheap and nasty handcrank USB charger from dealextreme which can be used to add a bit of juice to the solar battery pack at night or in cloudy weather or can directly charge the phone in an emergency. It's a little flimsy and takes a fair bit of cranking to get enough juice for even one call, but it weighs nothing, cost about $2 and is cheap insurance out in the boonies.
My list of power equipment for the phone/GPS and the iPod Touch for a multi-day walk are as follows:
Short Micro USB cable x 1
iPod USB cable x 1
Scosche SolBAT II battery/charger with alloy carabiner
DX hand crank battery charger
Total weight is less than 200 grams
nottellingeither said:
I'm using a "Scosche SolBAT II Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger" which I bought off Amazon for something ridiculous like $15 last year.
I bought it for hiking mostly as an emergency charger. I use a Huawei phone as a GPS out in the wilderness, and the GPS app (Androzic) is quite power intensive. I have also used the same device on an iPhone and an iPod touch. The Huawei phone will receive a full charge from this battery, but the iDevices will only go to around 75%.
The solar cell on the back of the battery isn't all that efficient and will take about two days to charge the internal battery, but having it there gives you more options should an emergency occur while in the wilderness. A half hour charging in full sunlight would provide enough power for a short call or a couple of texts to family or emergency services.
The device comes with suction cups and a small carabiner, so it can be stuck to the inside of your car window or clipped to the back of your rucksack. The device is lighter and smaller than the average smartphone and can be fully charged by USB in about three hours. Interestingly, the device has a LOT of bad reviews on Amazon, so maybe they simply sent me a good one.
I also have a very cheap and nasty handcrank USB charger from dealextreme which can be used to add a bit of juice to the solar battery pack at night or in cloudy weather or can directly charge the phone in an emergency. It's a little flimsy and takes a fair bit of cranking to get enough juice for even one call, but it weighs nothing, cost about $2 and is cheap insurance out in the boonies.
My list of power equipment for the phone/GPS and the iPod Touch for a multi-day walk are as follows:
Short Micro USB cable x 1
iPod USB cable x 1
Scosche SolBAT II battery/charger with alloy carabiner
DX hand crank battery charger
Total weight is less than 200 grams
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a nice list of equipment. How is the solar powered charger coming along?
tgmeyer said:
Yeah, can someone please let me know if they are the exact same manufactuers, except for the company logos on them? I am deciding between the two. Also, what do you guys think of their 2600maH stick version? Which manufactuer would you go for over the other and why? I am very interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly i went with pricing. I assume if they look the same they are from the same vendors/manufactures but different brand/company. Reviews for both sound very good too. Ravpower had a promo going on a while back and i tend to see them pop up from time to time on slick deals. The stick might give you one charge but since it looks smaller than the rest, it may be the easiest and lightest to carry around. I say get a decent sized one. Anywhere between 5600mah to 10000mah so you can go through a few charges without needing to charge again.
I have a 6600 mAh(well, in my experience it's not true, more like 4-4.5k), but I rarely use it after I bought a tablet with a fullsized usb port in it.
solar charger
I was looking for a solar charger. I bougth one but it crashed in two days. Therefore I returned it and now I am waiting for another one. In the place I live there are few options

Smartphone External Battery Pack Recommendations?

I've been looking into an external battery pack for my phone as a backup, partly because the phones I am considering buying in the very near future don't have replaceable batteries, and partly because a replaceable or even extended battery doesn't really guarantee I can get through a day.
My biggest fear and reason for wanting this battery is if I have little to no charge in the evening/night and can't manage to get a decent amount charged. Having a battery backup would make me feel more secure knowing I have something to keep my phone going even if I somehow end up away from a charger for an extended period of time, however irrational such a situation may be.
As such, I have been looking and found there are 3 different types of battery packs.
1) Built in Lithium ion (most common)
2) Replaceable lithium ion (ibattz mojo is the only example I can find)
3) AA based charger.
Now charger type 1 seems to be common, but overall the battery will lose charging capacity over time, not be replaceable, and will need to be tossed.
Type 2 and 3, the battery can be easily replaced, especially on the cheap. However type 2 can be smaller and slimmer, while type 3 has the benefit of using LSD NiMH batteries. For those who don't know. LSD is Low Self-Discharge in this case. A lithium ion battery dies every week or two just sitting there, LSD NiMH batteries can hold up to 75 or 85% of their charge even after a year of just sitting there.
Overall type 3 seems the most ideal. However there is another element. Some chargers have cables built in, while others have just a standard usb plug. At first I thought the USB plug was annoying and a built in cable made more sense. However after some thought, I realized the built in cables added too much bulk, and I found keychain cables, which make more sense. My favorite example of this, is the mojo treble keychain, which seems to do everything and then some.
So basically now I am looking for the best AA based charger that doesn't have any usb cable built in, just a simple full usb plug. The closest I can find is by energizer, but it has the plug built in on a super short cable that looks as if it would put undue stress on my phone if I used it.
However if anyone has any other suggestions, or reasons to recommend something else, I'd greatly appreciate any input. At this time I just want to find the most versatile option. I would also love to hear other reasons for why people went with options other than AA rechargeables for their battery packs.
dkkeo said:
Extend battery:
(1) first of all to see the instruction for use,
(2) choosing a charging performance good charger. Charging time, keep the battery clean, dry. Helpful hints: use a mobile phone to send a text message, playing games is the power consumption
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any reccommended battery pack for LG nitro???
I use Belkin External Battery pack, reliable,
my other mates bought cheaper made in china battery pack but after a month or so, they are already in the bin, the battery is damaged.
Charger considerations
Hi,
I need advise for the following:
Charger A (Li-polymer battery) output : 5V, 1A
Charger B (Li-polymer battery) output : 5V, 500mA
Device input: 5V, 750mAH (Li-ion / Li-polymer)
When using Charger A, some people comment that it will limit the current of 750mAH for the device and the device's battery should be fine since both the charger and device are at 5V. However, some people comment that this will shorten the battery life of the device since it will perform a 'quick charge' using 1A.
When using Charger B, some people comment that the device will draw more current than it can deliver and causes it to heat up and reduces the charger's life. However, some people comment that Charger B will extend the battery life of the device since it performs a 'slow charge'.
I also read that USB pins on the charger denotes if the charger is a PC or a dedicated charger. If it is a PC, the device will limit the drawing current. If it is a dedicated charger, the device will draw more current to charge itself.
I am confused as to who is right and which charger should i be using.
Can someone enlighten me ?
Thank you very much.
JefferyTeo said:
I use Belkin External Battery pack, reliable,
my other mates bought cheaper made in china battery pack but after a month or so, they are already in the bin, the battery is damaged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
80%-90% external battery packs are made in China at present. Some of the brands make good batteries as well.
tsgan272 said:
80%-90% external battery packs are made in China at present. Some of the brands make good batteries as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes most external battery packs are made in china ,so i prefer to buy them from china supplier online ,
with better price and more convenient .belowed is the websites i often bought from ,which is better .
http://www.kingsbuying.com/consumer-electronics/power-banks.html
http://www.dx.com/s/power+bank
http://www.banggood.com/buy/Power-bank.html

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