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USB Battery/Solar chargers

Hi Guys
Im going to download festival in a week and need some extra juice and I was wondering if anyone any experience of any of the AA/AAA/Solar power usb chargers? Are they any good? How long will they take to charge a phone battery (in my case 1500mah)? Will one set of AA/AAA batteries charge a phone fully and how quick?
Example Ebay Items
Thanks!

I've got a small 12v sealed lead acid battery which I hook up my car charger to overnight. It's a little heavier than what your looking at, but is reliable and lasts ages. Battery and charger cost me about £30 total, but you could get a battery for about £15

im going camping mate with no car. Could be a bit tricky hehe

Monty Burns said:
im going camping mate with no car. Could be a bit tricky hehe
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Try these, I have the freeloader one (in silver) and its great, stores charge in its own battery for use later on down the line too...
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/freeloader-solar-chargers/index.html
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/power-monkey-explorer/index.html

Monty Burns said:
im going camping mate with no car. Could be a bit tricky hehe
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Click to collapse
Thats what I'm talking about. It's a small battery weighs just under a kilo, but you can attach a car charger to it in your tent. I go to glasto most years and its been serving well for about 5 years now.

Freeloder are good.
Could try switching your phone off, save some juice and enjoy the festival?

ive tried one here in the states on my g1..it sucked...it charged it but it had to be directly in the sunlight, when it wasnt in the direct sunlight it would send a surge through my phone...i was told by tmobile to not use it because it could void my warranty.

I have the IceTech i-9005, and its served me really well. I use my Kaiser a lot, and at school, I'll usually charge it up with my solar panel during my 45 minute free period. Here's a link if you're interested. It's not too expensive either, it cost me only $90 from REI. It has a large 2000 mAh battery too, so it should charge your device with no problem.
And unlike some other chargers, it has a voltage selecter, so you can choose the voltage which works with your device (but 5 volts charges most stuff fine). It also has a standard USB port on it, so any USB charging cable should work with it (it also comes with a proprietary cable and some common adapter tips). And it also has overcharge and short circuit protection, so it won't fry your battery. And although it's kind of gimmicky, it even has a bright LED light built in.
And in addition, like most solar panels with batteries, it also comes with a wall charger, so you can charge the device without leaving it in the sun, and then use the built in battery anywhere.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with it, and I would recommend that you at least take a look at it before you buy any other solar charger.
Dave

bootx1 said:
Freeloder are good.
Could try switching your phone off, save some juice and enjoy the festival?
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Click to collapse
Ahh but then how would i be able to Facebook and make all my mates that aren't there jealous?

Solar Charging

I'm going camping soon, and I need to be reachable 24/7, so I thought maybe a solar charger would work. Has anyone had any experience with these? How is the charge rate?
Any other cheap solutions? A charger that uses batteries would cost too much in batteries.

I tried a cheap eBay solar charger on my previous phone (HTC touch cruise). It was a charger with internal battery. So you could charge it during the day in sunlight and use it to charge your phone at night. At least... in theory. A full solar charge (about 1 week in the sun) gave my phone 10% extra juice I haven't tested it with my desire, but I expect it's even worse since the battery capacity is larger.
I'm not an expert, but I think the "mAh" capacity of the solar charger should be a lot higher (like double or more) than the device you're going to charge. For instance, if you connect it to a notebook (with battery capacities from 4000 mAh and up), the power will be succesfully transferred. But even then, I don't think you can fully charge your phone without draining the notebook battery completely. The Desire battery has 1400 mAh.
I would advise to look for better quality (and more expensive) alternatives. Like the solar chargers they use on campers to power a TV or fridge. Especially if you want to be reachable 24/7. If you want an emergency charger to give you enough power to make one phone call a day, a cheap solar charger will be sufficient though.

I'm a new user so I can't post link. But try googling "High Capacity Solar Charger and Battery w/ Flashlight (11200mAh)" and click on the 1st result. Bought that and am very happy with it. the charge rate is almost the same, if not the same, as the wall charger. it's got flashlight and mosquito repellent too.
theoretically it can charge the desire from zero to full 8 times before you need to charge it again. but you know it will be lower than that.
if you're looking for a cheaper solution then try googling "Solar Charger USB Hub" and click on the 4th result. but the charge rate will be substantially lower though. hope that helps.

I usually use the SOLIO solar cgarge, maybe a little expensive than the ebay but work very well, i use it about from 3 years and never had a problem.
I've testet him in very extrem condition.
You can see it on the solio web site, i have the classic version.

one of the best used by forces in iraq etc is the "solar monkey" make sure if tyou get one you choose the correct type for your device as different devices are more power hungry than others, i'd go for the top link the power traveller
links here
https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome/primatepower/powermonkey-explorer/
https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome/primatepower/solarmonkey/
https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome/primatepower/

Have a car charger and will be near your car when camping? Then just use that. Worked fine for me during a 5 day camping trip.

mouth said:
Have a car charger and will be near your car when camping? Then just use that. Worked fine for me during a 5 day camping trip.
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No. We're going backpacking. Tents and sleeping bags on our backs and sleeping in the outdoors. <3
Thanks for the links guys. I will check them out. I could attach the charger to my backpack with the cable going into phone which is in my pocket, so I can charge it while we're hiking. I'll look extremely geeky, but it'll work I hope.
I need to be reachable for work. I'm also bringing my laptop with me in case there is an emergency at work. Hurray for tethering!
It doesn't really do "camping in the wilderness" any justice though.

If you are in the UK i wouldn't waste your money on a solar charger...i'd spend the money on some nice waterproofs lol.

Got this here: Energy Trends ET 3000
Wondering why they don't have a language selection... http://www.energy-trends.eu But you can see it here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ET-3000-Solar-Power-Cell-Phone-Device-Battery-Charger-/220641737521
Also described here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7093929&postcount=13
But I assume that they don't deliver to the UK.

Alternative to Spare Batteries

I like a lot of people use my phone very heavily yet I don't have an opportunity to plug my phone into an AC charger until I return home. A great remedy to the problem is this handly little AA charger.
http://www.igo.com/accessories/powerxtender-charger/invt/ps002640004/
The reason I like it so much is because cheap portable battery packs usually pack under 1000mah of power. Thats not even enough to give you 1 full charge. And the more expensive 2000mah+ packs are often on the large side and well... expensive lol. On the other hand this little bugger is cheap and small enough to sit in my pocket without being a bother. What I find is the best part of it is the fact that you can choose what kind of AA batteries you put into it. I opted for Energizer rechargeable which are rated at 2450mah EACH for a total of 4900mah of power. Thats the equivalent of 3 G2x batteries. Keep 2 more batteries in your backpack/desk/purse thats an additional 4900mah. If that can't get you through the day you have more than just phone issues
Originally bought it for my Vibrant but quickly found it was awkward because the the product doesnt come with a cable adapter. This meant it was hanging and putting much strain on the usb port of the phone. Out of fear of breaking it I stopped using it. However since the G2x charges from the bottom there is absolutely no problem espcially seeing as I bought a 20cm micro usb extension cable so that the charger can sit in my lap or on a table while using the phone.
Just thought I'd share this since we can't get legit replacement batteries yet and even when they do become available they will cost a pretty penny. Got mine from Staples but they can be had on amazon also along with the usb extension able and rechargeable batteries.

This one works very well, too:
Well I'm a new member, so not allowed to post outside link. Therefore goto
Amazon
Duracell Instant USB Charger with Lithium ion battery
Pick the very first one
You don't need to by batteries or an extra charger. You can recharge it via your G2x power supply or any computer.

This was my favorite (coming from g1)
Too bad theres no new version for the micro usb's now..
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-9878...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1304363010&sr=1-16
This can be added on, though it wouldn't be very convenient since its a slide in/out connector
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Mini-USB-Micro-USB-Charger-Adapter/dp/B0018L4GOQ/ref=pd_sim_cps_1

hire4blood said:
This one works very well, too:
Well I'm a new member, so not allowed to post outside link. Therefore goto
Amazon
Duracell Instant USB Charger with Lithium ion battery
Pick the very first one
You don't need to by batteries or an extra charger. You can recharge it via your G2x power supply or any computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost bought one of those until I saw how low the capacity on it is. Looks tiny though which is nice.

J&R has Veho 5Ah external battery for $35 and I have 2 of them.
Just use regular microUSB cable to charge the phone and leave the original cable secure.

I'm thinking about getting the i-up 13,200mAh pack.

regP said:
I almost bought one of those until I saw how low the capacity on it is. Looks tiny though which is nice.
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They have a bigger version for 32$ as well. The 22$ version gives me a full charge from around 30%.

Just received my Pebble XT 5000mah pack. Won't be able to put it through its paces till next tuesday. Upon first impression, i think im in love with this thing already. its small enough to sit in pocket without having much presence. extremely lightweight. and the cord is long enough to be able to have the charger in your pocket and phone in hand (thank you lg for putting the usb port at the bottom). All info I have read indicated that it really does output 5000mAh of power so even a heavy user such as myself will have no problem getting through a full day of use.

Just wondering how everyone's batterys are working out for them?
Also how many full charges did you get?
Also any likes or dislikes of product they decided to buy?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Just wanting a update???
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

That looks like something that might be good out camping or something where you needed to charge your phone without touching it. But I would figure actually picking it up and putting that much weight on he usb port a very bad idea... This should come with a extension cord to charge while using, even texting or something would be pretty difficult to hold both...

motorola p793

Check this site for power packs, all kinds 5000mah for around $20
http://www.tvc-mall.com/details/660...r-Cell-Phone-Tablet-PC-PSP-etc-IPHONE-4-7095/
Micro usb 1900mah
http://www.tvc-mall.com/details/Por...AZR2-V8-HTC-BlackBerry-and-etc-Black-MCH-615/

ImaxPower IMP500 (5000mAh) External Battery
I've used an IMP500 Rechargeable (5000mAh) external battery pack for a few years with great sucess. They make them as large as 11000mAh (or more?) and even have solar-rechargeable options. Just take a look at New Trent or other similar products on Amazon or eBay.
The best part about the IMP series is that they have multiple adapters for iPhones, mini/micro USB, PSP, DS, and other devices so you can charge your phone and anything else you might be carrying around with you.
Link to NewTrent for info on models
I'd recommend buying elsewhere because you can find them for 30-50%+ off.

Need some help with otg + charge mod

Dear XDA, i really need your help,
I am planning to make this (see thubnail)
i want to make a custom case for my htc one s. (I know it will be a little bigger but that's ok)
I want to charge my phone using a usb cable or a micro usb cable, and at the same time doing OTG. I don't know what resistor i will use yet (tips?)
Also add an extra battery. It is an old phone battery. So if i want to charge from the battery i need to stop the solar cell and guide the electricity through the 5v regulator to charge. What ya think?
I am new to modding so please comment cause i need a lot of help to make this one succeed!
Greetings, pro-one1000
sent from htc one s ville

Don't mean to be negative but I see a couple issues right of the bat. First, where are you going to get a 5 volt charger? I would guess most dc chargers are going to be 12, 24, or 36 volts. I don't think they'll run on significantly less. The solar panel is only going to output about one half of one watt. Assuming no friction loss or inefficiencies that would hardly slow your phone's discharge.
If you want to power the phone and hub I would suggest a small sealed lead acid battery. They're available in 12 volts in many sizes. Easily enough power to keep phone totally charged. Will work with cigarette lighter car chargers so you won't need to customize that part. Depending on the size it'll last a week to a month non-stop. Unfortunately, it probably won't fit in your pocket but if you carry a book bag or briefcase you could hide it there... I use a battery like this at work when I'm using a lot of phone battery and moving around too much to plug in.
Good luck with which ever route you choose!
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app

thanks
lampel said:
Don't mean to be negative but I see a couple issues right of the bat. First, where are you going to get a 5 volt charger? I would guess most dc chargers are going to be 12, 24, or 36 volts. I don't think they'll run on significantly less. The solar panel is only going to output about one half of one watt. Assuming no friction loss or inefficiencies that would hardly slow your phone's discharge.
If you want to power the phone and hub I would suggest a small sealed lead acid battery. They're available in 12 volts in many sizes. Easily enough power to keep phone totally charged. Will work with cigarette lighter car chargers so you won't need to customize that part. Depending on the size it'll last a week to a month non-stop. Unfortunately, it probably won't fit in your pocket but if you carry a book bag or briefcase you could hide it there... I use a battery like this at work when I'm using a lot of phone battery and moving around too much to plug in.
Good luck with which ever route you choose!
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app
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Thanks for your reply!
First about the charger, i will use my 5v 1amp charger (micro usb) or an usb male to male usb cable from my pc to charge. So i'll be able to get a charger.
You're i think right about the solar panel, i need to find a better one indeed, trying to get one cheap on ebay! If i try to search for a "smal sealed lead acid battery" i get 40 dollar + big cases of batteries, could you please give a example in the form of an ebay-link?
Anyway thanks a lot and when i have ordered the parts i will try to upload the stuff!
Greetings

I'm assuming the 5v charger you're talking about it a car charger; which means it would have an input voltage of 12 - 14 and won't run on 3.7 (and even if it could run on the lower voltage the amperage would go up dramatically draining the usable power in the battery in minutes. And I wouldn't connect anything to a USB port for two reasons: first, if you connect two batteries in parallel (red to red and black to black) and they're not identical one will usually drain the other as they try and equalize (unless you isolate them from each other). Second, I don't think most USB ports (USB 3.0 i believe has provisions to receive power) are designed to receive power on a computer and your schematic doesn't include anything to prevent back feeding power to the computer.
There are many solar chargers I've seen that would give you the output you need - I've seen them designed to trickle charge RVs, boats, cars, and motorcycles - but I think they would be way to larger for what your looking for.
And I guess I should clarify what I meant by small... Was a bad choice of words for a cell phone forum, I guess. I meant small relative to other lead acid batteries; i.e. car or boat batteries. This is similiar to what I use:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12VOLT-5AMP...US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item589ef11aed
Attached is a pic of my batteries and the adapter that gives me a cigarette lighter type receptacle. And I use a spare motorcycle float charger to keep them charged. And because they're 12 volt batteries they'll power and accessory that is designed to run in a car.
I guess I should probably have asked what is your ultimate goal? And do you carry anything where you could stash the battery?
giesse1996 said:
Thanks for your reply!
First about the charger, i will use my 5v 1amp charger (micro usb) or an usb male to male usb cable from my pc to charge. So i'll be able to get a charger.
You're i think right about the solar panel, i need to find a better one indeed, trying to get one cheap on ebay! If i try to search for a "smal sealed lead acid battery" i get 40 dollar + big cases of batteries, could you please give a example in the form of an ebay-link?
Anyway thanks a lot and when i have ordered the parts i will try to upload the stuff!
Greetings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks for your reply,
After thinking I want to use a second1-5 volt boost regulator attached a small high capicity battery of 3.7 volt. (like a galaxy sIII battery or something. So if i put the switch to on the extra battery should charge with 5v my phone battery. Or i could charge my phone directly from a high efficient solar cell with 5v.
I indeed have no idea how to prevent backfleeding. Do I need diodes / light emmitting diodes for this? And indeed the batteries you mentioned are way to big. I am planning to use an old battery from an other phone with the 5v boost regulator mentioned above. Further i don't understand where you see a computer in my scheme?
Your mod ( i think i it deserves that wonderfull name) with the 12v battery is a good idea. Very handy when going out without a charge point. I usually go to school and am probably able to put the large battery in there, but as i mentioned i want to keep it a "phone case".
My ultimate goal is to make the tiniest possible case for the htc one s ville with,
- a very small usb hub 4 port for 3 female ports and inside a micro sdhc memory for more storage.
- Add the charge ability, so i don't need to take the phone out of the case to charge
- be in otg mode and charging mode at the same time (i guess the hardest challenge)
optionary:
- Add a battery so when i get the actual phone out of the case the solar cell can keep providing power to the battery
- Add a solar cell
- make it actual work with multiple switches
Really appreciate your help!
Greetings,

I misunderstood "First about the charger, i will use my 5v 1amp charger (micro usb) or an usb male to male usb cable from my pc to charge" to mean you might have a computer available to charge. I guess you just meant the cable itself. Understood.
I'm not an electronics expert by any means but yes I believe diodes will prevent the current from flowing in an undesirable direction but they won't prevent one battery from draining another. Two batteries connected in parallel can drain each other and the diode will slow that but I don't think it will eliminate it. Might be able to mitigate the affect by opening one of your switches when the auxiliary battery is not in use. When two batteries are wired in parallel they are frequently connected to an isolator that has three terminals (for a two battery setup). Terminals one and two go to batteries one and two and terminal three goes to the system it's connected to. Batteries one and two never 'see' each other and therefore cannot affect or drain each other.
Not sure I have anything else that can really help... GOOD LUCK! And post pics and details if you build a working prototype.

Thanks again!
I'll try to order a couple extra diodes with low consuption, that plus the switches will hopefully do the job. I ordered yesterday the parts out of China, so it'll take a month to get it in my hands. Now I have more time to consider how it can be assembled all together, but if i get anything i will post it directly!! If it works i may try to make a tutorial for other people so they could also enjoy more ports on their phone!
Greetings

[Q] Which do you prefer: spare battery VS external battery pack ?

Can't seem to make up my mind on this!
most of the time i have access to power socket, but after i ran out of battery the other day, leaving me without navigation system and clueless on how to drive back home, i realized i need some sort of back up!
so first thing first, i added Anker 24W Car Charger to my list.
second, I'm trying to decide between a spare battery, like Anker 3220mAh Li-ion Battery , Or a power pack like Anker Astro E3 /// Astro E4.
like i mentioned, most of the time i have access to power socket, as well as car charger (soon).
also, when i wake up in the morning, i plug my phone right away to the charger, so i usually leave the house with 90%+ battery.
which of the two options would you recommend?
no matter which one, most chances it will lay in my bag for a while until i do need it, won't be on regular use.
i nearly ordered the Astro E3, but then i ran some of the comments on amazon, claiming it works fine at the beginning only!

Sounds like all you need is the car charger and a couple of Anker 3220mah spare batteries. The spare batteries are much more convenient to carry that a power pack. Along with the fast charger you should be set, unless you are travelling to the moon without a power source.

Just a matter of what purpose you want it for.
Battery pack pros:
-can charge any device
-can charge itself with usb cord, phone isn't needed
-no phone interruption
-can charge multiple devices at once.
-larger capacity than spare battery
Spare battery pros:
-easier to carry
-phone will be instantly charged to 100%
-not prone to idle drain like some battery packs

Extended battery
BAD ASS NOTE 4 + BAD ASS GEAR S

of course the power bank.
just try replacing the batteries (turning on-off, putting the back cover off/on), etc.
you also have to fully charge the spare battery... need a spare charger for that.
with the good power bank you can just add as much juice as you need and continue to use the phone hassle-free.
i just dont understand those swapping the batteries in a device that charges 50% within 30 minutes...

lisbon2004 said:
i just dont understand those swapping the batteries in a device that charges 50% within 30 minutes...
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You don't always have a 2a output charger sitting around though... If you try charging a note 4 on some PC usb slots and you use the phone a little bit, it basically won't charge faster than it drains.
Also holding the phone and using it with a power bank + usb cable attached is not as convenient as swapping the battery and instantly having 100%.

thanks for your replies .
i just bought a replaceable Anker battery+external charger. the main battery last me the entire day most of the time, so for the occasional battery emergency drain, i prefer to instantly replace with a 100% charged one.
although the power bank seems like a nice idea for any long vacation i go to each year. but they are cheap anyway, so will buy one as well later on.

lisbon2004 said:
of course the power bank.
just try replacing the batteries (turning on-off, putting the back cover off/on), etc.
you also have to fully charge the spare battery... need a spare charger for that.
with the good power bank you can just add as much juice as you need and continue to use the phone hassle-free.
i just dont understand those swapping the batteries in a device that charges 50% within 30 minutes...
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Click to collapse
Spare batteries are great for when you are out and about without access to a charger. The spare battery route works for me as I did the same with my S3.

I vote for the spare battery which is why I got one. I have used external chargers often in the past and I hate having to walk around with the darn thing and its cable. You cannot beat swapping in a battery which takes less than a minute. It is also more compact as well. Sure, you have to charge it separately, but you will have to do that with an external charger anyway.

bleuiko said:
I vote for the spare battery which is why I got one. I have used external chargers often in the past and I hate having to walk around with the darn thing and its cable. You cannot beat swapping in a battery which takes less than a minute. It is also more compact as well. Sure, you have to charge it separately, but you will have to do that with an external charger anyway.
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Exactly this. I have both but the spare battery is my "go to". The official OEM spare battery kit is awesome for our N4 since it charges separately and is super compact. I have an external battery pack that can charge several devices but it'll usually be left behind with a few exceptions. It's mainly to charge devices when away from power but is not a good solution if you want to continue using the device since you have to lug the wire and charger with you if you choose to go that route.
---------- Post added at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 AM ----------
lisbon2004 said:
of course the power bank.
just try replacing the batteries (turning on-off, putting the back cover off/on), etc.
you also have to fully charge the spare battery... need a spare charger for that.
with the good power bank you can just add as much juice as you need and continue to use the phone hassle-free.
i just dont understand those swapping the batteries in a device that charges 50% within 30 minutes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
0 to 100% in seconds. 'Nuff said.

jlczl said:
Exactly this. I have both but the spare battery is my "go to". The official OEM spare battery kit is awesome for our N4 since it charges separately and is super compact. I have an external battery pack that can charge several devices but it'll usually be left behind with a few exceptions. It's mainly to charge devices when away from power but is not a good solution if you want to continue using the device since you have to lug the wire and charger with you if you choose to go that route.
---------- Post added at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 AM ----------
0 to 100% in seconds. 'Nuff said.
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Click to collapse
you can buy a similar item from a good company half the price:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q4NQQA0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&m=A294P4X9EWVXLJ&tag=ianker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B00Q4NQQA0
it's what i ordered.

666pluto said:
you can buy a similar item from a good company half the price:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...17145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B00Q4NQQA0
it's what i ordered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but Amazon recently had the OEM version on sale for $29. I had Best Buy price match it since I had a $25 BB gift card laying around I hadn't used so I paid nearly nothing for it. Plus I prefer OEM (nothing against Anker, I actually have a great portable battery charger from them I got on Amazon).
I mention the price because OEM versions of products can frequently be purchased at great discounts if you watch for them. I use the slick deals app to notify me of good deals.