USB sync/charge cable warning - Page 3

JakeRich · 01-24-05, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by gringuito

Hmmm ok I bought a set on ebay with a wall charger unit, on the wall charger it says Output: 12Vdc, 400mA, 3.6W (MAX) Does that mean I'm not going to get enough juice to charge my battery because it only is letting out 400mA?

That won't work at all. The Axim requires 5.4v or 5.0Vdc, the unit you have is 12Vdc. If you use it, the protection circuits will kick in to try to protect the Axim, but at 12V, that's a LOT of power for it to handle. I recommend you DO NOT CONNECT to the Axim as it may fry the circuits.

zim2dive · 01-24-05, 09:34 AM

Out of curiosity, what color is the power button during the "discharge" cycle people are seeing (where the unit is not charging, but instead being drained)?

I found a thread over on www.minidisct.com on making a 5V supply for MDs that was informative.

If these "battery extenders" (I have one on order) are using a LM7805 to regulate the +5v, then I think they are current limited to 500mA (someone else double check the spec sheet)(if they are just a diode, then maybe not). An MC7805A seems to put out 1A. power-one.com has some DC-DC converters that put out plenty more (but not as sure about availability).

My thought is that the "kit" of stuff I'm getting with the battery extender (off EBay) will serve as raw parts if needed. My only real thought is that the battery extender might need a current improvement depending on what they used.

Anyone know the voltage required to charge an iPod? If its USB and 12V, also thought about one of the power-one 2 voltage units.. putting out 5V and 12V. A nice 2-in-1 charging device ;) Stick one USB port (5V) and one FW (12V) jack as the outputs. I already have a small 12V lead-acide rechargeable battery I use for the iPod (tho I am loathe to bring it thru airport security nowadays with my soldered on connectors...)

Mike

fishfuzz · 01-25-05, 11:15 AM

I still have issue with these statements. Perhaps I'm not fully understanding your claims.

But with my Boxwave DirectSync cable, I can now not only fully charge (and sync) from both my laptop and PC. I can also charge from my Arkon PDA mount AND my Socket mobile power pack. All with the original battery, running full brightness and full power - occasionally with WiFi and BT running. The charge time seems to take no longer than dropping it in the cradle.

So, is it just some cables that work and others that don't? Is this issue only for the extended battery (which I have but have no need for unless travelling). Does anyone else have the Boxwave cable and aren't able to charge their PDA?

I know that the Boxwave cable does not work with the VersaSync charger. But that wasn't a problem with the cable, it was the VersaSync (as per Boxwave).

01-25-05, 01:49 PM

The reason it works for you is that your power sources are capable of providing enough current where others are not. It has nothing to do with the cables but everything to do with the power source. The reason for this warning is to explain why it does not work for some people. If you look at the charge curves I posted you can see that when discharged both batteries take more current then a usb port should provide. Some motherboards have current protection which shuts the port down if you draw more then the specs 500mA.

fishfuzz · 01-25-05, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by Kenban

The reason it works for you is that your power sources are capable of providing enough current where others are not. It has nothing to do with the cables but everything to do with the power source. The reason for this warning is to explain why it does not work for some people. If you look at the charge curves I posted you can see that when discharged both batteries take more current then a usb port should provide. Some motherboards have current protection which shuts the port down if you draw more then the specs 500mA.

Ahh...thanks for the clarification.

jpooton · 01-27-05, 01:02 AM

Well the thread certainly answered some perplexing questions I've been having w/ a car charger. (and I use that term loosely)

I do have one question though, has anyone tried a 6v power source with the x50v? Just wondering if there is any protection on the x50v or if that's close enough to the 5.4v to use. I happen to have a 2500mA car adaptor here that I'd like to use.

Thanks if you know !

-James

JakeRich · 01-27-05, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by jpooton

Well the thread certainly answered some perplexing questions I've been having w/ a car charger. (and I use that term loosely)

I do have one question though, has anyone tried a 6v power source with the x50v? Just wondering if there is any protection on the x50v or if that's close enough to the 5.4v to use. I happen to have a 2500mA car adaptor here that I'd like to use.

Thanks if you know !

-James

I tried 6v and the protection circuits cut in to prevent it being used. Someone here suggested using diodes with a 0.5v drop to reduce a 6v to 5.5v, but I don't recall where. Search for "diode" and you should find it.

01-29-05, 10:00 PM

Seidio seems to use the 5v port....

I just got the G2500 cradle and it works like this....if you plug it into the car or axim power pack (it works with the axim power pak, yayaya, they dont say this but the plug fits and the light comes on :) ) the unit turns on the power light to orange, but if you go to the battery status screen, it does not say charging or anything (just like when you have it plugged into usb without a power adapter)

So i believe the seidio works like when you have your axim plugged in via usb...it only charges when it is off....kind of a bummer since that means it wont charge while you are using it in the car...

i have yet to totally test this out, but i dont believe the battery is charging when the unit is on considering it doesnt say charging in the battery status screen....but the power light does turn to orange saying it is getting some power

any thoughts, sorry if this is explained confusingly :)

01-30-05, 05:59 PM

I discovered today that if you use USB to charge in the cradle it will only charge the x50 battery not the spare. That may be why the have it set up the way they do. That way if you have it plugged in to the cradle with the AC it uses different ports than with just the USB. Easy way to make it work.

itreker · 01-31-05, 03:33 PM

I returned my sync & charge to Sedio. They refunded all plus shipping. They are very excellent to work with. I am waiting for a working "system" so I can use the GPS while traveling. I currently use the 12V car adapter from my Itrek GPS unit on my Dell as the GPS goes 20 hours plus without a charge. So far my Dell stays charged while using BT GPS. :) :)

RS2000 · 02-01-05, 04:23 PM

Why can't Dell just make a car charger for the X50V??? I'm sure if they can build the PDA, they shouldn't have to much trouble making a charger to go with it.

bobby jones · 02-01-05, 04:57 PM

http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductD...uctCode=PAXX50

It say's: "Charge and use your PDA at the same time", but this may not be correct......

gringuito · 02-01-05, 06:26 PM

Well I bought the Dell Bluetooth GPS and it comes with a car charger that works for both my Axim and the GPS. So, seems they have made one.

Cyjeff · 02-02-05, 09:30 AM

I use my GPS extensively on my travels, and really need to find a car solution....hopefully with a USB in so that I can plug it into my nifty 12v and AC plug adapters.

I know, I know... as long as I am wishing, can I have a pony?

I really don't need it to sync...I will have the cradle on me...but I will need it to charge... is just this option possible for the x50v?

JakeRich · 02-02-05, 09:36 AM

The Seidio cradle does charge the X50v properly, even from low battery levels. It also has a 5v out that can be used to charge your BT GPS (if you have one) at the same time.