so this isn't specifically related to GSIII, but that's the phone i have an i don't want to fry the thing so figured i'd ask here.
yesterday while at lowes getting a gfc socket for the house i saw they also had replacement plugs you could wire up that had a plug on one side and two usb ports on the other. obviously for charging various devices without having to use the plug portion of your wall charger.
question is... do the chargers have some sort of electronics (or whatever) to prevent overcharging or is all of that junk in the phone itself?
the plug wasn't expensive and was kind of nifty so figured i'd buy and wire it up if it was safe to use with my phone.
thanks!!
Related
(Yes I mention android development but this is regarding a 'general' topic)
As an android app developer, it's pretty much mandatory that I have my devices plugged into the computer for ADB. However, with wifi / bluetooth / GPS / screen brightness turned on or cranked up, I also need to have the device plugged into something that provides more than the measly 500mA that the computer's USB port can provide. From what I've been able to gather, the USB standard requires that USB hubs and ports cannot supply more than 500mA to a connected device. However, I suspect that there are manufacturers out there that are aware of the need for simultaneous charging + connectivity and have made special cables specifically for this (What I'm thinking of is a Y usb cable where one end plugs into the device, one plugs into the computer and only uses the data wires, and the other plugs into the charger which feeds and charges the device.) Do any of you know if something like this exists and where I can find one? I've definitely tried to Google for it but the phrases I'm using are long and not producing the right results. I obviously don't know the correct term(s) to search for.
If I knew a bit more about circuitry in general and the USB standard specifically, I could probably solder together a cable like this with a couple diodes to prevent the charger from zapping the motherboard's USB, or perhaps, as mentioned, not connect the power wires at all. I do have 6-8 spare cables laying around but I'd rather not start chopping and black-taping unless I get some confirmation Plus I only have one female end to mangle, so... yeah ;p
My idea for the splice & solder (in case no commercially available alternative exists):
Code:
computer - 2 data -----\
|----------------- device
charger - 2 power -----/
Most chargers and phones have some kind of regulator circuit built-in anyway, at least that's the impression I'm under. Generally if you crack open a charger there are only two cables black and red (+/-) which makes things considerably easier but that's assuming you have a charger that's just for charging and not one that requires you already have a usb cable to plug into it (like some that come with phones now). Standard wiring color schemes applied to all the cables I've cut open and spliced so as long as you go black/black red/red from the charger and leave the other wires untouched you should be ok. You'll know if something's wrong quickly because your phone will get quite a bit hotter than normal and do so faster, and you shouldn't need to add any components as they're already in the charger circuit (diodes to prevent current flow-back, resistors and the transformer to convert to dc, capacitors to smooth the current, etc). Just use common sense when working with this, don't solder until you test, don't splice wires together that don't seem right, use a multimeter to make sure you're getting the proper wires, don't work on anything while it's live unless you're properly insulated and even then not if you can help it, all that jazz.
Yeah, my biggest concern would be that I was told that some USB devices negotiate current requirements with the motherboard, which I'd assume goes over the two data wires, but I remember landline phones have 2 wires but both power and data flow over it, so I wasn't completely confident that the two power wires weren't passing data as well. If I run the 2 data to the computer and the 2 power to the charger, and it turns out that the negotiation requires all 4 wires be connected from the device to the computer, then I've just ruined two good cables.
I just am not so super confident in my logic and theorizing that I'd want to risk frying circuitry If I can nab a commercially available accessory that does this for $30 it's a lot less than having to buy another $700 device and a new $200 motherboard (at the least)
I don't think you really have to worry, but I wouldn't replace the charger wires, I'd connect the wires from the charger to the power lines inside the usb cable that way even when the charger isn't plugged in the phone is still getting some power and it'd basically be hooking them up in parallel when the usb and charger are plugged in. You could always go buy a $20/$30 cheapo phone that connects through microusb-to-usb and test the cable on that through a USB hub. that way if something goes wrong you're only losing a cheapo phone and a usb hub, but honestly things shouldn't fry as long as you get the wiring right and don't try to do something like black to red because then you're feeding power from the charger back into the usb socket which is where things get ugly.
I think i've found something on the interwebs, that will actually save you the wire-splicing and soldering
It is actually just what you described, it uses 2 USB ports in order to provide 1000mA to a device.
dealextreme.com/p/cable-style-dual-power-1000ma-usb-2-0-4-port-hub-13526
Sorry for the inconvience with the url, atm i'm not yet allowed to post links directly... :/
Xadro said:
I think i've found something on the interwebs, that will actually save you the wire-splicing and soldering
It is actually just what you described, it uses 2 USB ports in order to provide 1000mA to a device.
dealextreme.com/p/cable-style-dual-power-1000ma-usb-2-0-4-port-hub-13526
Sorry for the inconvience with the url, atm i'm not yet allowed to post links directly... :/
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I know that some of the smaller usb external drives have a cable that has 2 "type-a" connectorsto allow data connection/enough power for the drive. I have not seen these in micro-usb form, only mini-usb. SO, I do not see why it would not work.
papabear said:
I know that some of the smaller usb external drives have a cable that has 2 "type-a" connectorsto allow data connection/enough power for the drive. I have not seen these in micro-usb form, only mini-usb. SO, I do not see why it would not work.
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Agreed, USB offers about 2.5v of charge aswell as data connectivity of course, I don't understand why it wouldn't work... I can tell you from experence through that it does take about 40% longer, and will suck the life out of a laptop if you are using it on battery mode.
The reason I was thinking about cutting the power wires from the computer entirely is I don't know what dumping 1-2 amps into the computer's USB port is going to do ;p
Edit: Looks like newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707145&cm_re=2a_output_usb-_-17-707-145-_-Product should do what I'm interested in, if the details are legitimate. Who knew finding a hub with full details would be so hard? ><
LycaonX said:
The reason I was thinking about cutting the power wires from the computer entirely is I don't know what dumping 1-2 amps into the computer's USB port is going to do ;p
Edit: Looks like newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707145&cm_re=2a_output_usb-_-17-707-145-_-Product should do what I'm interested in, if the details are legitimate. Who knew finding a hub with full details would be so hard? ><
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just as papabear already said, there are also external hdd, that use this kind of wire.. so it should be no problem. If the ports arent't capable of delivering that power (but as far as i know they are designed for 500mA each), simply you will not get the the full 1 A.
And i must agree, hardware vendors rarely add detailed power info -.-
Sidekick 4g will not charge via wall, but does charge very slow on usb. I tried different wall chargers except the "official" wall charger, even a samsung branded usb detachable wall charger, but it still keeps doing in and out with a beep sound and doesn't charge. Am I missing something??? Please help, this issue is extremely aggravating especially when you use your phone for business. X(
I am on the final smooth maximus rom btw.
Well in my experiance with samsung phones and even some htc modles you have to use an offically branded charger for your modle sometimes, it has to do with the pins and how they line up, now if you use the usb cored and a travle wall charger (I use this set up in my truck for work) you should see a faster charge time cause the voltage is higher and its the right pin set
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App
The connector is an industry standard. There's no problem with the pins not lining up. There's also no difference in voltage between chargers. Being USB, it has to be 5v.
However, some chargers have higher capacity than others. The USB spec allows for 500mA from a PC's USB port, but chargers sometimes increase it to a full amp for faster charging. The phones will still charge from a PC's USB port, but they'll take longer.
Also, some companies (Like Motorola) require a special Motorola-branded charger. It's just because they want to sell more chargers. The only difference between a real Motorola one and a generic one is a resistor between two pins to identify it to the phone.
The Sidekick doesn't have this vendor lock-in crap. It'll charge from just about anything you can plug it into. If it's not charging I'd suspect a broken USB connector on the phone, a faulty battery, or a damaged charging circuit inside the phone.
Jax184 said:
The connector is an industry standard. There's no problem with the pins not lining up. There's also no difference in voltage between chargers. Being USB, it has to be 5v.
However, some chargers have higher capacity than others. The USB spec allows for 500mA from a PC's USB port, but chargers sometimes increase it to a full amp for faster charging. The phones will still charge from a PC's USB port, but they'll take longer.
Also, some companies (Like Motorola) require a special Motorola-branded charger. It's just because they want to sell more chargers. The only difference between a real Motorola one and a generic one is a resistor between two pins to identify it to the phone.
The Sidekick doesn't have this vendor lock-in crap. It'll charge from just about anything you can plug it into. If it's not charging I'd suspect a broken USB connector on the phone, a faulty battery, or a damaged charging circuit inside the phone.
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Thanks for the response guys.. Yeah, this stuff is pretty weird.. it would blow if the port is messed up. The phone is brand new though, would they be manufactured faulty?? In that case samsung tech department sucks!
When you make a million of something, statistics say that a few mistakes will happen. If it's new I'd suggest taking it back. I charge my Sidekick off of my PC's USB port and am often surprised by how quickly it charges.
Jax184 said:
When you make a million of something, statistics say that a few mistakes will happen. If it's new I'd suggest taking it back. I charge my Sidekick off of my PC's USB port and am often surprised by how quickly it charges.
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lol. I see. See, the thing is now its charging fine after a certain %. My guess is the battery is faulty then...
Hello
I am not sure how to properly explain this but hopefully someone understands what is going on.
My Nexus S (i9020a) doesn't charge properly. The original Micro USB cable that came with my phone frayed and no longer works so I went and picked up a third party one for $20. For some reason my phone will only either charge on an angle or upside down with this charge cable.
(It isn't the cable its self it works perfectly on everything else Micro USB wise)
I do find it weird that I originally thought it was the USB port on the phone that was dying so I cracked it open and there seemed to be no sign of destruction on the board so I put it back together. I then plugged it into my Nexus 7 Asus wall charger with the Asus cable and the phone charges properly no angles or upside down.
Any suggestions besides buying a $24 charger from Google?
Things I have tried:
1: Different wall chargers
(Nexus S wall charger + 3rd party M-USB):crying:
(Original Galaxy Tab 7.0 Wall charger + 3rd party M-USB):crying:
(Asus Nexus 7 wall charger + Asus M-USB):good:
2:Cracking the phone open to check the usb port on the board.
Phone: Nexus S i9020a
Carrier: Telus
Rooted: No
Version: 4.1.1
PS: Let me know if you need anymore information.
The thumbnail below is what I mean by Charge on an angle.
I doubt opening your phone will show you if the usb port is broken, unless you opened it previously. The most likely problem is that your USB port is worn out, dirty, etc and it's having trouble making contact with the cable ('charging at an angle' is usually caused by this). My recommendation is to try to clean it. First power off your phone, then try sticking something that can scrape the little metal pads in the usb port. Be careful that you don't bend or snap anything inside or outside the phone, so be very gentle.
Another possible reason, which is a problem I've run into myself, is that the charger you're using just doesn't work with the phone. My Nexus S doesn't charge when I connect it to a generic USB charger in my car, nor does it charge with most wall chargers and the original Wall charger that came with my phone was DOA. The only way for me to charge my phone is at my computer or with some wall chargers that, I guess, output more amps (I'm noob when it comes to electrical stuff! ). If it doesn't charge in one USB port, try connecting to another one and/or switching cables.
If it doesn't charge at your computer, then it's probably dirty.
AlexRamallo said:
I doubt opening your phone will show you if the usb port is broken, unless you opened it previously. The most likely problem is that your USB port is worn out, dirty, etc and it's having trouble making contact with the cable ('charging at an angle' is usually caused by this). My recommendation is to try to clean it. First power off your phone, then try sticking something that can scrape the little metal pads in the usb port. Be careful that you don't bend or snap anything inside or outside the phone, so be very gentle.
Another possible reason, which is a problem I've run into myself, is that the charger you're using just doesn't work with the phone. My Nexus S doesn't charge when I connect it to a generic USB charger in my car, nor does it charge with most wall chargers and the original Wall charger that came with my phone was DOA. The only way for me to charge my phone is at my computer or with some wall chargers that, I guess, output more amps (I'm noob when it comes to electrical stuff! ). If it doesn't charge in one USB port, try connecting to another one and/or switching cables.
If it doesn't charge at your computer, then it's probably dirty.
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Thanks for input.
I don't think the plug is worn out since it works perfectly with my Nexus 7 charger. I did look into the bottom of the phone and it does look a little dirty so that could be a small part of the issue but that doesn't explain why it it would work perfectly with one charger and not another. It does sound like it could be just the wall chargers I am using are not as good as the Nexus 7 charger (When I use the nexus 7 cable and charger the cable seems to fit alot better and it very firm when it is plugged in where when I plug in my 3rd party cable it is loose and feels like it is going to fall out. I might just buy the extra asus charge set from google since I know its a 100% work rate. was just hoping I wouldn't have had to spend that on just a wall chargers. >...<
Anybody else tried this charging plate ? I just bought one from eBay and it works 100% with my lumia 820 just by putting it on the mat!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171026676132?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Wireless Charger
Could you tell me what the benefits are when using this wireless charger compared to the regular charger? I've seen some videos about it and, to me, it looks pointless having a wireless charger, which is in fact, wired. The only difference that there is, or so I think, is that you don't have your phone directly connected with the charger via micro usb cable - you put it on the "plate", which is wired to the charger itself and you charge your phone. What I'm trying to say is that either of the chargers limit you by the cable and I don't see the "wireless" in the wireless charger. All it does is save you a second to unplug your phone. Again, that's what I think. Your opinion may be different and that's why I'm asking you to tell me the benefits
a) You can place your phone down and charge it without searching for a cable that's slipped down the back of furniture
2) say you run a café - put these on the tables to allow customers to charge and stop them plugging random ass chargers into your sockets
III) It's a fad, but freaking cool - WIRE LESS charging. Sit and think about that.
Also, it's on a mobile phone, so saying it's pointless is slightly hypocritical as it's attached to a device that's USP was not needing to be plugged into the wall
Thanks just ordered one of the Qi Mats. Pemda obviously hasn't had any failed leads or charger ports. Im on my 5th or 6th lead with my M9, all fail after a while.
On my m7 i have had 3 new charger ports fitted by HTC, no worrying about the charger port on my lumia
My sons phone just stopped taking a charge. initially thought we needed a new battery, which the repair shop order but isn’t in yet. In the meantime I did some reading And got a wireless charging adapter and was able to charge the phone. Also bought new block and cable. Phone charges with the wireless but still won’t charge with the cable. Any ideas why? Should we still replace the battery? I don’t want to spend $70 if it’s not going to fix the problem.
C port pcb is likely bad. Try cleaning the contacts first.
Replace both battery and the port pcb together.
If that doesn't work it's likely a mobo failure but it's likely the former.
Cleaned the ports previously. The wireless adapter plugs into the c port. If it was bad wouldn’t it prevent the wireless adapter from working? Or no?
Keb3468 said:
Cleaned the ports previously. The wireless adapter plugs into the c port. If it was bad wouldn’t it prevent the wireless adapter from working? Or no?
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It plugs into the phone C port?!!!?
Meaning it's charging through the C port?
Use a known good Samsung brick/cable and wall outlet.
Sounds more like a cable or brick failure...