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Extended power supply (plan).

Currently I have one of the 4 x AA battery extenders which copes not badly for the average day trip, but often means getting a set of extra batteries while travelling.
This can be a compete pain if I am travelling on a longer trip and and have a stop on a bus/train in some place where I was not staying long enough to buy currency, and they dont take cards.
So...
How about soldering a USB cable onto one of these (last row is the UK price).
6V 4.5Ah SLA L21AC 7.99
6V 10ah SLA UD07H 13.99
6V 12ah SLA UD08J 14.99
6V 7Ah SLA N33FR 1034 3.99
Remember the Ah rating is for 6v - so 5 times the equivalent of one 1.2v rechargeable AA or 4 times that of a 1.5v disposable.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ITAG=SPEC&ModuleNo=19363&doy=1m2#spec
The downside is they are obviously heavier, but have 3 times the capacity of standard rechargeables at under a kilo (but are small enough for the smallest side pocket on a rucsac).
The only downside is I dont know if they leak if battered.
Any suggestions/ideas?

wizardragon said:
The downside is they are obviously heavier, but have 3 times the capacity of standard rechargeables at under a kilo (but are small enough for the smallest side pocket on a rucsac).
The only downside is I dont know if they leak if battered.
Any suggestions/ideas?
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Have you thought about Li Ion or NiMh batteries, they give better performance, last longer and more importantly are lighter. I use them on a converted electric mountain bike......
Another option might be something like this...
Freeloader Portable Solar Charger
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?menuno=11936&FromMenu=y&doy=1m2&MenuName=Portable Energy Source
Specs say can run a PDA for 22hrs on its internal battery which is recharged by solar panels.
Good luck

Thanks
I had looked at the freeloader, but it does not really hold enough power as the battery drains at an alarming rate on trains or coaches as it tries to find cells, and using the net, playing music, keeping the display on, videos eats the battery power to much to make a freeloader viable on long journeys.
Also - a free loader is not really viable to get a recharge on a plane, or train or bus if not at the sunny window side.
However, could you recommend any larger capacity NiMh or Li ion batteries that don't break the bank?
Cheers

wizardragon said:
Thanks
Also - a free loader is not really viable to get a recharge on a plane, or train or bus if not at the sunny window side.
However, could you recommend any larger capacity NiMh or Li ion batteries that don't break the bank?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take your point on both counts.
The Li-ion battery packs that I use on the bike are 36V 2Ah Bosch cordless power tool batteries. Perhaps the power tool battery option might be suitible, as batteries/chargers are readily available and you could get a cordless drill as a bonus.........

Thanks/
I have a Bosch cordless hammer drill and the battery fits under around and to the front of the grip, but its massive, probably heavier than my motorcycle battery too. The charger for it is also pretty big.
How did you drop the voltage to make it work to charge in a USB range, as wont the internal resitance of the PDA vary vastly depending upon which functions it is performing?
I had noticed maplins did battery boxes for projects and had thought about either a 4x or 8x of C or D batteries or a 4x or 5x, C or D cheapo Maglite clone just to use for the battery storage tube.
However the downside with C or D batteries is most of the rechargable ones dont hold much over 3Ah unless going into the heavy price range, although these are starting to fall.
Did you find any specific battery with a good shape/weight/price/capacity?

Portable Backup Power / Solar Power

Trying to find gadgets of the type "external portable power".
That is power sources that is light enough to carry in a backpack or pocket, and have a battery (or in my dreams a fuel cell...) that can be plugged into SGS mini usb port for "emergency" power.
Also of interest is solar powered solutions, maybe to charge said portable power device while relaxing at the beach.

I believe this is what you are looking for:
spider-foot. com/1900mah-extended-backup-battery-power-charger-for-cell-phones-with-micro-usb-charging-port-1900mic-p-759.html
Ive seen a solar + wind up one as well, but not sure how good that would work.

There are few micro usb backup battery packs. Some are sealed rechargeable batteries (like the one in above post) while others allows you to use standard AA size ones (these are good in an emergency).
But IMO better to have a spare battery. That way you don’t have to wait for the phone to charge, you get instant power. Since SGS s batteries are very small you can even carry one in your pocket.

Personally I'd prefer something that used AA/AAA batteries. That way I can carry LSD batteries, and I can use a proper conditioner/analyser/charger on them to keep them in decent condition. It also means the phone doesn't need to get turned off at any point - I find mine isn't great after a restart for quite a while. Finally very high quality batteries are not that expensive for AA/AAA and you know what you're getting, aftermarket mobile batteries can be a little bit risky and performance can vary.

I use a solution from Philips, it is called Power2Go. I use the SCE4430. Works great, only thing is that it does not support micro usb out of the box. But a standard micro usb cable does the trick. Used this also on a Nintendo DS.
http://www.philips.co.uk/c/universa...UNIVERSAL_POWER_SOLUTIONS_SU_GB_CONSUMER=true

[Q] Solar Charger
Hey guys,
First post here and it may end up costing me a bit soo..
Would it be possible to harvest one of these solar phone chargers you see on ebay and build it into the backplate of the phone?
I know it may not be powerful enough to charge your phone, but maybe we can extend the life when we just need those few extra hours.
So, really, does anyone know what we would need? I have little to know electronics experience so not sure what i'm looking for but i'm more than willing to actually do it if someone is able to explain what/how its done.

No, it's enough for you to charge a phone, even other more powerful device. But first of all you need a good solar cell.

i got one from DX it works fantastic!
4200mAh Portable Dual-Panel Solar Power Battery Pack for Cell Phones and USB Gadgets
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.40210
just leave it by any window, or light source and it turns it back into energy, then just plug your phone into the pack for recharge
you can easily recharge twice with a full charge
red light = charging
no light = off
green light = in use
comes with all the plugs for our phones
and a build in LED flashlight
it can also be charged via USB if you are in a hurry, and can't take advantage of the free light source recharge
i use it mostly for long outdooring like camping / picnics, and you know that even 3x1500 mAh will not last you for a day/week
you can get a full charge in just 1 day (from sun rise to sun down) even on a cloudy rainy sky

But what about physically attaching a panel to the back so I don't have to carry extra stuff? Is it possible? How would I wire it up?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

that works, but you wont be able to use the phone for like a whole day meanwhile waiting for it to charge, and be drained almost instantly

Have a look here>>>http://tinyurl.com/y2nrvsv
I have ordered one of these will do a small review when it arrives>>>http://tinyurl.com/2fun3k6

I have this traditional solution for emergency charging: http://www.portablepowersupplies.co.uk/
They have Solar Charger, too.

that solar one from portable uk is okay, i only like the "bag" idea of it, but it's shy in power & recharge rate when competing againts the 4200 mAh beast from DX

mini/micro portable power pack
check this out
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320572770657&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have one, it has to be charge via usb, but I do that while I am on my laptop, and the bonus is that it will charge anything that connects via a mini/micro connection,

Applecrusher said:
But what about physically attaching a panel to the back so I don't have to carry extra stuff? Is it possible? How would I wire it up?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And leave the phone under the sun ?? A very bad idea, the heat will surely damage your phone.

PhoenixFx said:
And leave the phone under the sun ?? A very bad idea, the heat will surely damage your phone.
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Agreed
I don't think a little solar panel on the back of the phone will be capable of putting out that much power
I don't know about you but my phone spends most of its time inside my pocket so it is rarely out in the sun for the solar panel to work
Just carry a spare battery or get yourself the Samsung extended battery
mobilefun
.co.uk/genuine-samsung-galaxy-s-extended-battery-case-p25834.htm
It will extend your battery life without having to leave the phone lying in the sun

Solar charger for SGS and other mobiles.
Few days ago I was searching for the Solar charger for my SGS in India.In local stores I brought 2 solar chargers but these are the china made chargers with very low quality internal battery.
Then one of my friend suggest me the Amzer 3500 mAh Battery Backup Solar Charger and Solio Emergency Mono Solar Hybrid Charger.
I ordered the Amzer 3500 mAh Battery Backup Solar Charger and believe me, the charger is one of the essential accessory for every mobile phone.
Also this Charger is available in India, USA and UK regions.
For India, take a look at this, http://www.fommy.co.in/Amzer-3500-mAh-Battery-Backup-Solar-Charger-P83981.htm
For USA and UK, visit http://www.fommy.com/

the one i mentioned back in post #8 is way better and cheaper
and free shipping with tracking number
trusted site

actually i hv read all the backup power all u guys suggest but i found that these all are just rebranding some chinese low quality products and it cant survive for long and there r some potential hazard that may end up damaging our sgs...i hv tried solar charger and some portable backup power before, the solar charger dun hv a high efficiency to exchange solar energy to electrical energy...it takes me too long time to charge it and it can only recharge the battery once. for the backup power, the mAh thing is not accurate, u need to try it yourself n c how many cycles u can charge the stock battery in order to estimate the true backup power battery capacity

I love my PORTAPOW
Received it yesterday.
5000 mAH USB rechargeable battery in a piano black case.
Fantastic.
This means I can go out on an all-day hike with GPS on.(Yep, I'm that sad)
The phone battery would last 2- 2 1/2 hours max with GPS (and MyTracks or similar on) while hiking.
Really good build quality.
Really good price.
(PS I am in no way connected with the company etc...)
HTML:
http://www.portablepowersupplies.co.uk/portapowPremium.htm

solar or ac charged backup battery for all devices

i just ordered 2 of these. i like the idea plus they are solar and charge all my gadgets on top of my phone. and shipping from china is 22 for dhl but they are worth it and are the size or smaller than our phone! holds almost twice the charge with multiple voltages including 3.7v which is ours.
Total was around $52 after shipping but just sell one or keep the other for twice as much! ill repost this link in thread.
http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pName/solar-battery-charger-for-mobile-phones-and-mini-usb-devices/

Post a review when you get a chance.
Thank you.
What voltages does it support?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

It is really a wonderful item, actually this solar charged Product not the advanced idea now, China offers such kind of things since long before. I have bought a solar mobile power rechargeable battery pack for my iPhone 3 since last year, which cost about $20, and now Pickegg sold at the price of $11.14, the prices are much softer at present. There are many other large online stores like Pickegg offers such kind of things, however, maybe no better price than Pickegg.

Manufacturer Specifications
Main Function: Solar battery charger for portable electronics with LED flashlight
Designed for Charging: Mobile Phones, digital cameras, PDA's, MP3 players, MP4 players
Built in LED flashlight: 3 Powerful white LED lights (20 hours life on full battery)
Battery
- Type: Rechargeable lithium battery
- Capacity: 2600mAh
- Output Voltage: 3.7v, 4.2v, 5.5v, 9v
- Output Current: 400-800mAh
Solar Panel: Monocrystalline silicon panel
LED Indicators:
- Battery status (25 %, 50%, 75%, 100%)
- USB connection
- Solar charging
Input / Output / Buttons:
- Voltage switch: 3.7v, 4.2v, 5.5v, 9v
- Power IN / OUT / LED switch
- 3 White LED lights for flashlight
- Mini USB
Included Adapters: 5 total. Mini USB, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, and Samsung (some models)
Dimensions (mm): 127 (L) 82 (W) 13 (H)
Certifications: RoHS, FCC, CE
Manufacturer Ref: KDSH4HDF93JJ0
Ill post a review asap. they shipped already. should be where within the week. the LED light seems like a cool extra too.
I'll never lose cell power backpacking again!

also the reason i got this one was because of the capacity, almost twice the capacity of the G2x's battery compared to similar priced ones which were all less that 1500ma. in terms of price verses capacity/functionality this was the best i could find. plus it fits in my pocket (looks like the size of the G2x).

Solar battery charger
alright. i got the solar battery charger and on the box it says voltages above as stated. but the device has switches for output in 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 9v800ma voltage options and so does its little 2 page manual. so appears to be advertised incorrectly, though all places ive seen this exact item the specs are all listed this way. exact picture and everything.
now it also says 5.5v has the widest range of compatibility (found this statement on another site for same device.) The box says like this (EXACT picture of this device but just in silver) --> " Output Voltage: 3.7v 4.2v, 5.5v, 9v, generally 5.5v, multiplicate output ports optionable"
Our g2x stock charger is 4.8v and any usb is 5.0v which. our stock batteries say 3.7v them. research said that 3.7v charge to 4.2v generally as "top off" surface charge which drains quickly down to 3.8v. now i have an adapter for LG phones (micro usb) that is from my multi charger kit i bought separate, of which has the exact same adapters as this battery charger came with, just had an extra for LG. they looks so similar that i feel safe assuming they came from the same factory.
now all that said, i've read the too high of voltage will ruin battery or shorten life. i know 4.5v will work but will charge slower than stock charger and usb. so my question is will 5.5v be ok to charge the G2x?
these have to be the same device. but both boxes had this. and both devices were different than box and online. but the picture on the box is literally the same device. not a single difference. i need some input. i pretty positive 5.5v will work. perhaps 5.5v has those options and 4.5,6.5,9v800ma are extras? or (crazy) this thing has a 1v difference from here and china. 4 options, all but 9v are around 1v difference?

Well, with voltages you generally have what... 10% play each way? Question is 10% from 4.8 or 5.0? Personally, I would stick with the 4.5.
And the 5.5 might not even charge faster because a big factor in charging time is current which is rated 200 mA less than the wall charger. Not an EE major. Any EE's out there?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I got a Solio Classic iGo. It is solid and is perfect for emergencies. Especially since I go camping alot. haha

So how did you end up liking your solar charger?

I saw your post, What did you decide to use as the voltage setting and how did it work for you?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

These don't work very well and they get worse over time.
Solar energy sucks i use solar car charger to charge and lead acid battery and even that don't work very well.
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA Premium App

Review of Anker Astro mini 3000 mAh External Battery

I was provided with an Anker Astro mini 3000 mAh external battery for evaluation recently. I have used it for trips to Costa Rica and Galveston Texas. It is a compact unit, cylindrical in shape, measuring 3 5/8 inches in length with a diameter slightly less than 1 inch. The one I received is black in color. It came with a nice mesh bag case to protect it while carrying it around and a micro USB - USB connector. It has a USB slot to connect it for charging external devices and a micro USB slot to connect it for charging from a powered USB computer port or a wall charger. It easily fits into a pocket or purse. I have used it to extend my S4 battery life while watching video as well as to charge it from less than 1/3 battery remaining on the S4. It has worked great and has plenty of power to extend operation for a considerable amount of time or to charge the S4 battery when it is low. It has a green LED to show it is charging a device and a yellow LED to show it is being charged. It goes for $19.99 on Amazon and is similarly priced at other sites. For the money, if you are looking for a compact external battery that will keep you going to watch a movie, a game, etc. or you have a need to charge an S4 or similar smart phone while away from outlets, I can highly recommend this great little Anker unit.

Power banks - charging and using phone at the same time

About to pull the trigger on a OP7 (not Pro) and thinking in terms of charging.
I'm aware that OP phones have a proprietary fast charging standard that isn't really available on power banks (unless you trust Aliexpress gear) and that it falls back to about 1.5A, maybe 2, possibly 3 if the one post about it is correct and the non-pro model supports PD.
Use case is Pokemon Go - I like to do the community days which is 4 hours of screen and GPS with a notoriously thirsty game (3 for the event itself plus up to an hour sorting through the resulting mons and evolving them etc to get the time limited exclusive moves). I know the OP7 battery is said to be pretty good, but there are no miracles, nothing can handle PoGo for that long without a power bank.
Anyone used the OP7 like this, couple of thoughts/questions
1) If it drops down to 1.5A is that enough to charge it or will the power drain from the GPS, SOC etc outweigh the power bank? I remember on some phones if you had GPS running, low speed charging wasn't enough.
2) Dash Charge protects the battery by keeping the charge circuit in the plug rather than the phone, so that heat isn't generated. Obviously normal charging doesn't have this benefit. Would I therefore be killing the battery (charge heat + heat of GPS / SOC / display / etc) or is the lower current cap enough of a protection?
3) Worst case scenario I wear out the battery before its time, are they fairly easy to replace or stuck down under a mountain of parts and glue?

I've seen 2.5a from a non dash charger. Add the 500ma idle draw and you are at about 3a. That's about what's safe at 5v without dash or warp communication.

"Nothing can handle Pokemon Go that long without a power bank"
Turns out OP7 can! I have not needed a power bank for this beastie yet. It lasts forever. In comparison with anything I've had before, anyway! Only time I can envisage needing it is a very long, full day out or weekend camping trips, and I'd be happy enough to just top it up with the screen off in most cases.