[Review] Meenova USB-C Dash Micro, OTG Adapter (lots of pictures) - Nexus 6P Accessories

Disclaimer: I was given these items at a large discount for my honest and unbiased feedback/review.
Dash Micro G3 Type-C MicroSD Card Reader:
The Dash Micro is made using an aluminum casing that has a nice solid feel to it. It is compact enough to fit in an included silicon key chain so you won’t lose it while on the go. I’ve used this with my Nexus 6P since it was first released, and I haven’t had any issues with it fitting my cases so far. I primarily use my larger Speck Candyshell case on my Nexus 6P, and the Dash Micro fits perfectly without forcing in it. The microSD card slot is spring loaded so popping a card out is a breeze. You do need to use your finger nail to push it in, but that’s still better than physically pulling it out. Meenova claims this will read cards up to 200GB which I verified with my Sandisk 200GB microSD card that I have. They also said it will fit cases that are up to 3mm thick which is the large majority of them. I have no complaints with the solid build and overall feel of the card reader.
I like the included keychain/holder which is offered in other colors if you break yours. I haven’t seen any issues with my other G3 Micro that is on my keyring along with my Yubi key, and other small things. I have 2 of these card readers now, so I keep one in my car, and one at home. I have a dash camera in my car that uses microSD cards, so it’s nice to be able to replay the video on my phone so I don’t have to do it on the small screen of my dash camera. My Nexus 6P always recognizes the card read the first time and doesn’t try to charge it like some other accessories I’ve used in the past.
Pictures:
Multimeter:
Since the first issues with Type-C cables/adapters arose I have been using a multimeter to check all of my A-C cables even if they are already ‘approved’ by Benson Leung or other people. It never hurts to verify things for yourself rather than ruin your phone or in some cases a Pixel Book due to faulty cables. These can hopefully be mitigated through the use of a multimeter like this one.
The device itself is about the size of a large flash (slightly bigger) featuring 2 input ports to, and it plugs directly into your charger. I like how you can see inside the multimeter through its dark grey clear plastic casing. I’m not sure how durable this device will be given it’s build, but I haven’t seen any issues so far. I used my other multimeter to verify readings using different cables with my Nexus 6P and S7 Edge all of which were consistent. The multimeter can only handle up to 9V, so if you want to use it on devices that support QC 3.0 or even some QC 2.0 in the future be it might not work. I have yet to see a phone charge at 12V, but I do have a battery pack that charged at 12V, so I can’t check the current using this mutlimeter without risking it failing. I would have liked it to support the higher voltages like my other one does, but that’s fine because I can use this one for my Nexus 6P, and the other one to check my QC enabled devices. Overall I’m happy with this little device, and I’m sure it will get used frequently just like my other one.
Pictures:
MicroUSB-C OTG Adapter:
I own a few different sets of these MicroUSB-C OTG adapters from different companies including Techmatte, Tronsmart, and now Meenova. The Meenova is the only one of them that’s made out of aluminum despite being fairly large compared to the other two. Like the Dash Micro this adapter is made out of aluminum giving it the best feel out of all 3. I tested the adapter with one of my microUSB OTG flash drives which worked flawlessly as expected despite looking funny due to the adapter & flash drives combined lengths.
Next, I wanted to verify that the correct resistor was used in this adapter due to earlier issues with companies not using the proper one. I plugged it into my Meenova/Tronsmart multimeters along with a short cable, and it showed the phone pulling the proper current. Now, before you go charging your device with these adapters Benson Leung has shed some more light on their approved uses. According to Benson Leung (https://twitter.com/Laughing_Man/status/692931998218895360) the host should never use an adapter for anything other than OTG i.e. it should not be used for charging. I know many people still use them for charging, but it’s good to know they aren’t intended for that. Overall this is still a great adapter that does what it says by providing OTG support to your Nexus 6P/Type-C device. It is my understanding that other MicroUSB-C adapters don’t work with OTG which I’ll have to verify with my other two when I get home today.
Pictures:

I don't see how those are USB OTG adapters... What would you plug in!? I don't have anything with a microusb end besides a cable.....
I suppose a microusb flash drive, but, meh.
Great reviews though. thanks

apristel said:
I don't see how those are USB OTG adapters... What would you plug in!? I don't have anything with a microusb end besides a cable.....
I suppose a microusb flash drive, but, meh.
Great reviews though. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what Benson Leung said as you can see form the linked conversation he had with an Arstechnica writer. It still works to charge just fine, but that's apparently not what they're supposed to be used for
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs

I actually talked to Benson. Type c doesn't have otg adapters anymore.. They are USB legacy adapters. I'll post up the conversation. Guy is super smart.

apristel said:
I don't see how those are USB OTG adapters... What would you plug in!? I don't have anything with a microusb end besides a cable.....
I suppose a microusb flash drive, but, meh.
Great reviews though. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a set of Z:ero earbuds with a builtin DAC.
Other DACs.
Not a lot of used but the earbuds was the one that had me go out and buy this.
Without it I had a jumble of cables and adapters to have my earbuds work.

apristel said:
I actually talked to Benson. Type c doesn't have otg adapters anymore.. They are USB legacy adapters. I'll post up the conversation. Guy is super smart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would appreciate that. There seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around and I don't want to mislead anyone.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs

Pilz said:
I would appreciate that. There seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around and I don't want to mislead anyone.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...I/AAAAAAAAZrM/aiR9nWm6Atk/s512/2016-03-07.jpg
Benson Leung
Hi. That looks awful. I can't figure out what that does.
Benson, thanks for the USB c reviews. Wondering if you have reviewed and type c otg cables; specifically ones w power pass through? much thanks
Benson Leung
power pass through is not possible.
at least for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X
Well that's good for now, I have the 6p
Benson Leung
for Pixel C, Chromebook Pixel, MacBook and other devices that support USB Type-C and USB PD, there are charge through hubs that can fast charge the laptops and tablets
also if you have Microsoft Lumia 950 phone, that supports PD as well
those devices allow the phone to swap data and power roles separately
the dongle you pointed to is a bad idea
the MacBook, for example, has an accessory that allows it to have an extra USB Type-A port and an HDMI port but still charge the laptop.
that hub is a USB PD charge through hub.
but it won't work with Nexus because Nexus doesn't support PD.
Perfect. I guess a regular otg cable will suffice. I figured I'd ask the one person who's know. Thank you very much for your time. I've made purchases based on your recommendations
Have you reviewed otg cables?
Benson Leung
there is no such thing as 'otg' for USB Type-C
the On The Go spec doesn't apply to Type-C
instead you have something called 'Legacy Device Adapter' cables
Ahh. Makes sense.
Benson Leung
which has Type-C plug on one side and a Type-A receptacle on the other
OTG is dead. it was bad to begin with, i'm glad it's superceded
Agreed. I will make sure to pass the knowledge on. Thank you again.
Mar 7, 11:44 PM

apristel said:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tOC26Yav_LM/Vt5lbaVxjDI/AAAAAAAAZrM/aiR9nWm6Atk/s512/2016-03-07.jpg
Benson Leung
Hi. That looks awful. I can't figure out what that does.
Benson, thanks for the USB c reviews. Wondering if you have reviewed and type c otg cables; specifically ones w power pass through? much thanks
Benson Leung
power pass through is not possible.
at least for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X
Well that's good for now, I have the 6p
Benson Leung
for Pixel C, Chromebook Pixel, MacBook and other devices that support USB Type-C and USB PD, there are charge through hubs that can fast charge the laptops and tablets
also if you have Microsoft Lumia 950 phone, that supports PD as well
those devices allow the phone to swap data and power roles separately
the dongle you pointed to is a bad idea
the MacBook, for example, has an accessory that allows it to have an extra USB Type-A port and an HDMI port but still charge the laptop.
that hub is a USB PD charge through hub.
but it won't work with Nexus because Nexus doesn't support PD.
Perfect. I guess a regular otg cable will suffice. I figured I'd ask the one person who's know. Thank you very much for your time. I've made purchases based on your recommendations
Have you reviewed otg cables?
Benson Leung
there is no such thing as 'otg' for USB Type-C
the On The Go spec doesn't apply to Type-C
instead you have something called 'Legacy Device Adapter' cables
Ahh. Makes sense.
Benson Leung
which has Type-C plug on one side and a Type-A receptacle on the other
OTG is dead. it was bad to begin with, i'm glad it's superceded
Agreed. I will make sure to pass the knowledge on. Thank you again.
Mar 7, 11:44 PM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems like he's referring to something that is against spec that he wrote about on his G+ page. You can't have a Type-C to female A adapter (see below), maybe it was just the way he worded it. I assume he's not referring to the link I posted below but rather it's inverse. I don't see any mention of micro USB like the reference I posted, so I'm still left here a little confused.
https://plus.google.com/collection/s0Inv
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs

It was a USB OTG cable with power passthru. Either way, USB OTG isn't a thing anymore with Type C. I have the little type C to micro usb adapters, they however are not USB OTG adapters as they say in your pictures. They are merely USB type c - microusb adapters.
The one i linked to in the beginning of the chat was this: (i'm not sure if that link worked or not) http://usbfever.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_316&products_id=2759 - What I thought was a USB OTG with power passthrough.... Something I used with my Nexus 6 and a portable HDD that required more power.

So wtf is this?
http://www.amazon.com/Adapter-RAVPower-Convertor-MacBook-Devices/dp/B017XARUKC
I bought it, and it doesnt work attaching usb thumbdrives to my 6P.

sapphirecoupe said:
So wtf is this?
http://www.amazon.com/Adapter-RAVPower-Convertor-MacBook-Devices/dp/B017XARUKC
I bought it, and it doesnt work attaching usb thumbdrives to my 6P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That isn't what this OP is about, so please stay on topic
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs

Pilz said:
Disclaimer: I was given these items at a large discount for my honest and unbiased feedback/review.
Dash Micro G3 Type-C MicroSD Card Reader:
The Dash Micro is made using an aluminum casing that has a nice solid feel to it. It is compact enough to fit in an included silicon key chain so you won’t lose it while on the go. I’ve used this with my Nexus 6P since it was first released, and I haven’t had any issues with it fitting my cases so far. I primarily use my larger Speck Candyshell case on my Nexus 6P, and the Dash Micro fits perfectly without forcing in it. The microSD card slot is spring loaded so popping a card out is a breeze. You do need to use your finger nail to push it in, but that’s still better than physically pulling it out. Meenova claims this will read cards up to 200GB which I verified with my Sandisk 200GB microSD card that I have. They also said it will fit cases that are up to 3mm thick which is the large majority of them. I have no complaints with the solid build and overall feel of the card reader.
I like the included keychain/holder which is offered in other colors if you break yours. I haven’t seen any issues with my other G3 Micro that is on my keyring along with my Yubi key, and other small things. I have 2 of these card readers now, so I keep one in my car, and one at home. I have a dash camera in my car that uses microSD cards, so it’s nice to be able to replay the video on my phone so I don’t have to do it on the small screen of my dash camera. My Nexus 6P always recognizes the card read the first time and doesn’t try to charge it like some other accessories I’ve used in the past.
Pictures:
Multimeter:
Since the first issues with Type-C cables/adapters arose I have been using a multimeter to check all of my A-C cables even if they are already ‘approved’ by Benson Leung or other people. It never hurts to verify things for yourself rather than ruin your phone or in some cases a Pixel Book due to faulty cables. These can hopefully be mitigated through the use of a multimeter like this one.
The device itself is about the size of a large flash (slightly bigger) featuring 2 input ports to, and it plugs directly into your charger. I like how you can see inside the multimeter through its dark grey clear plastic casing. I’m not sure how durable this device will be given it’s build, but I haven’t seen any issues so far. I used my other multimeter to verify readings using different cables with my Nexus 6P and S7 Edge all of which were consistent. The multimeter can only handle up to 9V, so if you want to use it on devices that support QC 3.0 or even some QC 2.0 in the future be it might not work. I have yet to see a phone charge at 12V, but I do have a battery pack that charged at 12V, so I can’t check the current using this mutlimeter without risking it failing. I would have liked it to support the higher voltages like my other one does, but that’s fine because I can use this one for my Nexus 6P, and the other one to check my QC enabled devices. Overall I’m happy with this little device, and I’m sure it will get used frequently just like my other one.
Pictures:
MicroUSB-C OTG Adapter:
I own a few different sets of these MicroUSB-C OTG adapters from different companies including Techmatte, Tronsmart, and now Meenova. The Meenova is the only one of them that’s made out of aluminum despite being fairly large compared to the other two. Like the Dash Micro this adapter is made out of aluminum giving it the best feel out of all 3. I tested the adapter with one of my microUSB OTG flash drives which worked flawlessly as expected despite looking funny due to the adapter & flash drives combined lengths.
Next, I wanted to verify that the correct resistor was used in this adapter due to earlier issues with companies not using the proper one. I plugged it into my Meenova/Tronsmart multimeters along with a short cable, and it showed the phone pulling the proper current. Now, before you go charging your device with these adapters Benson Leung has shed some more light on their approved uses. According to Benson Leung (https://twitter.com/Laughing_Man/status/692931998218895360) the host should never use an adapter for anything other than OTG i.e. it should not be used for charging. I know many people still use them for charging, but it’s good to know they aren’t intended for that. Overall this is still a great adapter that does what it says by providing OTG support to your Nexus 6P/Type-C device. It is my understanding that other MicroUSB-C adapters don’t work with OTG which I’ll have to verify with my other two when I get home today.
Pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks bro just ordered the Dash Micro G3 Type-C MicroSD Card Reader as I have been struggling to find one that fits my speck case.

zanoli99 said:
thanks bro just ordered the Dash Micro G3 Type-C MicroSD Card Reader as I have been struggling to find one that fits my speck case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem, but please don't quote the whole OP with true pictures if you have any other questions let me know. I have 18 cases I can test it on

Related

[Q] Using different chargers

In the online help for the Nexus 5 -- and I've seen this for other devices as well -- they say "Use only the travel adapter and micro USB cable that come with your Nexus 5. Using a different travel adapter or cable may damage your phone."
How realistic is this anyway? Is this just CYA verbage? I have a number of chargers that I use in different places, including of course one that works in the car, and have never had a problem.
rochrunner said:
In the online help for the Nexus 5 -- and I've seen this for other devices as well -- they say "Use only the travel adapter and micro USB cable that come with your Nexus 5. Using a different travel adapter or cable may damage your phone."
How realistic is this anyway? Is this just CYA verbage? I have a number of chargers that I use in different places, including of course one that works in the car, and have never had a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is CYA verbage. Cables are cables. Although not all chargers and cables are created equally. I monitor the voltage and amperage on my chargers when I first get them to make sure everything is working properly.

[Q] USB extension for Sandisk Dual USB?

I picked up a SanDisk Dual USB drive, and although it works well, I was disappointed to see it's a bit too big to work with the bumper case I use. I briefly considered modifying the case, but think my best option is getting a short USB extension cable... Though I thought that would be a simple and cheap solution. After a little looking around though, I'm not sure I know what micro usb extension I need - MHL, OTG, Power? As best as I can tell, I need what they're marketing as a micro to micro OTG extension - but if someone can confirm, I'd appreciate it. My concern comes from comments on some saying they don't work for charging or syncing (search for "YCS Basics 6 inch USB Micro male to female OTG extension cable" on amazon), but it sounds like the mhl cable is just for HDMI.
Help?
Just get a small USB OTG cable. I use one sometimes with my Corsair OTG drive and it works great. Not all of my cases will let me lug the micro USB in easily hence why I have a small OTG cable. I can post pictures if you would like.
MotoManic said:
I picked up a SanDisk Dual USB drive, and although it works well, I was disappointed to see it's a bit too big to work with the bumper case I use. I briefly considered modifying the case, but think my best option is getting a short USB extension cable... Though I thought that would be a simple and cheap solution. After a little looking around though, I'm not sure I know what micro usb extension I need - MHL, OTG, Power? As best as I can tell, I need what they're marketing as a micro to micro OTG extension - but if someone can confirm, I'd appreciate it. My concern comes from comments on some saying they don't work for charging or syncing (search for "YCS Basics 6 inch USB Micro male to female OTG extension cable" on amazon), but it sounds like the mhl cable is just for HDMI.
Help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you return it for the new USB 3.0 model? Supposedly they made the uUSB connector longer to work with more cases.
Note10.1Dude said:
Can you return it for the new USB 3.0 model? Supposedly they made the uUSB connector longer to work with more cases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? That would have been great... but no. Or maybe... but probably not worth it to me at this point. I got a standard OTA cable and have just been living with it that way. And I haven't looked, but I'd have to think they're charging a premium for the 3.0 enhancement. I bought mine during one of those Christmas sales, so I got it real cheap at the time. Thanks though.

Review for CHOETECH USB Type A to C Cable

Full Disclaimer: I was offered a discount in exchange for a review, however, I still had to pay for the cable and will be providing the most unbiased review as possible.
Amazon Link for the Cable - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0176BSALG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Pros:
- Lengthy
- Durable
- No issues with charging/data transfer
Cons:
- Isn't a unibody connector like the stock ones from Google (not a big problem though, haven't had issues with it, just noticed it and I'm being nitpicky)
Summary: I've owned this cable for about two weeks now, and it has worked flawlessly. Many ROMS have been transferred and many hours of charging has this cable helped me with. I also slammed my car door on it accidentally and it just put a small mark into the side of the cable, while the cable itself still works flawlessly. It's an awesome cord that does its job and I look forward to using it. Anyone here should know how frustratingly short the Type A to C cable that Google has sent with us is, was a breath of fresh air to have all this room to work with finally.
I also had a chance to compare this 2m type A to type C cable with the equivalent Google 1m version (got it at a discount) and so far I am impressed.
The cable came in fairly simple "no frills" packaging. The build quality is solid, though it doesn't feel as "premium" as Google's offering. However, it's also only $9 on amazon for a 2m cable (with free prime shipping) compared to $13 for Google's version which is only 1m. It plugs in at both ends with a satisfying click. The cable is compliant with type C spec (verified using the ChechR app). It charges my Nexus 6P at the same speed as the Google cable when tried with a variety of different type A chargers I had lying around. The data transfer rates are also pretty much identical.
All in all, well worth the price and does a fine job. Highly recommended if you're looking for a longer cable that will perform well and won't damage your device.
I want to try the longer 3m cable as there are so few on the market
Reviewed and purchased cable in Dec , USB suddenly stopped charging a=or syncing with Mac or PC.
Contacted support today to get a replacement. Good construction and can't understand the sudden epic fail.
If support monitoring this tread please contact me.
thank you
Still waiting for support. I would think they would want to know when their products fail and why?

Looking for original USB A to USB C cable adaptor (the short one)

Hi all,
Does anyone know where I can find the original Google provided USB C to A cable adaptor that comes in the box with the Nexus 6p? I'm not looking for a longer one as that one worked perfectly for my needs. I haven't seen it anywhere online, not even at the Google Store.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
This isn't the OEM cable, but it's a 1.5 foot cable from MonoPrice
https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030319&p_id=13813&seq=1&format=2
For the price, you're probably better off getting a 3 or 6 foot cable to keep around in the event you don't have access to a USB C charger if you are not at home or something.
http://www.amazon.com/Charger-iOran...&qid=1452093431&sr=8-1&keywords=iorange+usb+c
This one was also cleared by the Google person who tests all the cables
krolla03 said:
http://www.amazon.com/Charger-iOran...&qid=1452093431&sr=8-1&keywords=iorange+usb+c
This one was also cleared by the Google person who tests all the cables
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this cable in white/silver. It's a nice cable, but it's 6 feet long.
The google engineer benson had approved some complaint type c to a cables on his amazon profile.
I've been looking for a short one as well, but I haven't seen anything less than 0.5m so far.

What is the best USB-C extension cable (e.g. Male to female cable)?

I have heard that one has to be careful when purchasing USB-C cables as poor ones can damage your device.
There is a website (bensonapproved . com) and a well known spreadsheet that lists the best cables. However, there are no USB-C extension cables listed (e.g. male to female).
Where can I find the best one? Ideally I am looking for a cable that is sold on Amazon-UK, but I don't mind going elsewhere to get a quality cable. Amazon sell one by "Cable Creations". However, some of their products are rated both good and bad on the spreadsheet.
I would like to purchase a USB-C extension cable to connect a Nintendo Switch to its dock. I know I can just slide the Switch into the dock, but for the way my TV cabinet is set up, a cable would make things much easier. I've tried asking on Nintendo forums but have had no replies, so I hope someone here can help. Thanks!

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