Charger Score @ Dollar Tree....

kdf9511 · 05-05-2010, 01:43 PM

I was at the Dollar Tree store yesterday and came across a very nice little 12v plug with dual usb power outlets and a retractable usb cable. I tried these on my PP and it worked like a charm. Total cost $2.00 plus tax. This will work out very nicely for carrying in my saddlebags incase I need to charge while on the road.

Robertb · 05-05-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdf9511

I was at the Dollar Tree store yesterday and came across a very nice little 12v plug with dual usb power outlets and a retractable usb cable. I tried these on my PP and it worked like a charm. Total cost $2.00 plus tax. This will work out very nicely for carrying in my saddlebags incase I need to charge while on the road.

Dear kdf:

I know you said it worked fine and I am thankful for that. Are you sure the output matches what the output is on the origional charger taht came with the unit? These darned chargers all look alike and often have the same size USB but the output is wrong.

I just do not want you to see any harm from what otherwise sounds like a great deal!!

kdf9511 · 05-05-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robertb

Are you sure the output matches what the output is on the origional charger taht came with the unit?

Yep, it has the same one amp ouput as the wall wart on both outputs that came with the unit. I will be able to charge the PP and run my GPS at the same time with this if I need to witch is a bonus for me as I can be charging while riding and ready to relax with a good book at the end of the day while sitting around the campsite.

jusmee · 05-05-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear kdf:

I know you said it worked fine and I am thankful for that. Are you sure the output matches what the output is on the origional charger taht came with the unit? These darned chargers all look alike and often have the same size USB but the output is wrong.

I just do not want you to see any harm from what otherwise sounds like a great deal!!

Given that your ereaders need to survive, and charge, from ANY computer USB port, then there should not be any issue. USB supplies 5volt power at about (at least) 500ma current capability. If it is "wrong" then it's not USB.

Spiffy · 05-06-2010, 12:24 AM

I'd be wary of a "dollar" power adapter less because it might be the wrong specs and MORE because it might be defective.

QIbHom · 05-06-2010, 08:37 AM

I've been using dollar store power adapters and chargers for years on cells and other equipment. I've had a few dead cables, but no other issues.

Which isn't to say that the next one I pick up might not explode, taking out 7 city blocks, but if one is really worried, couldn't you use a multimeter to check them?

theducks · 05-06-2010, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QIbHom

I've been using dollar store power adapters and chargers for years on cells and other equipment. I've had a few dead cables, but no other issues.

Which isn't to say that the next one I pick up might not explode, taking out 7 city blocks, but if one is really worried, couldn't you use a multimeter to check them?

Voltage (what a Multi-Meter measures) is only a very basic test.
Regulation, Regulation response time (needed with unstable power sources like cars), Noise and ripple, Over-voltage clamping.

To see those, you need a good storage-type oscilloscope and some expensive power disturbance generators.
The company I do work for uses a local testing lab for the power line surge and ringing voltage tests.
The equipment must survive 5 simulated power line lightning "hits" of 5000 Volts (this is for for a basic set top TV box). Failures are pretty spectacular
The basic tests, I do on the bench in the shop.

JSWolf · 05-06-2010, 09:54 AM

Is this USB wall-wart certified? If not, toss it out as it could damage your unit or even catch fire.

Davimee · 05-06-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

The equipment must survive 5 simulated power line lightning "hits" of 5000 Volts (this is for for a basic set top TV box). Failures are pretty spectacular

Oh, wow! That could be fun to watch! Do they do homeschool group tours?

J/K, but it would be fun to see!

irenas · 05-06-2010, 12:43 PM

I just bought a very good book light at the Dollar Tree store ...It has a large clip, long flexible neck and bright light.

Xochipilli2012 · 05-06-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irenas

I just bought a very good book light at the Dollar Tree store ...It has a large clip, long flexible neck and bright light.

Be sure to get it tested before you use it!

(naw...just kidding.

)

kdf9511 · 05-06-2010, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Voltage (what a Multi-Meter measures) is only a very basic test.
Regulation, Regulation response time (needed with unstable power sources like cars), Noise and ripple, Over-voltage clamping..

I haven't done any testing on this one yet but I do plan to as soon as I clear a few other projects off on my bench.

irenas · 05-06-2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xochipilli2012

Be sure to get it tested before you use it!

Believe me, i test it every night!

Spiffy · 05-07-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irenas

I just bought a very good book light at the Dollar Tree store ...It has a large clip, long flexible neck and bright light.

Well, unless its one of those book lights which plugs into the USB port and powers itself from it... you are probably okay.

05-05-2010, 01:43 PM	#1
kdf9511 Madman With A Box Posts: 115 Karma: 324 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Western Oklahoma Device: Kobo Clara HD, Nook Glowlight, Nook Color, Kindle 4, Astak Pocket Pro	Charger Score @ Dollar Tree.... I was at the Dollar Tree store yesterday and came across a very nice little 12v plug with dual usb power outlets and a retractable usb cable. I tried these on my PP and it worked like a charm. Total cost $2.00 plus tax. This will work out very nicely for carrying in my saddlebags incase I need to charge while on the road.

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05-06-2010, 12:24 AM	#5
Spiffy Groupie Posts: 160 Karma: 416 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Astak EZ Reader Pro AND Sony PRS-505	I'd be wary of a "dollar" power adapter less because it might be the wrong specs and MORE because it might be defective.

05-06-2010, 08:37 AM	#6
QIbHom Connoisseur Posts: 68 Karma: 102 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: Aztak EZReader Pocket Pro	I've been using dollar store power adapters and chargers for years on cells and other equipment. I've had a few dead cables, but no other issues. Which isn't to say that the next one I pick up might not explode, taking out 7 city blocks, but if one is really worried, couldn't you use a multimeter to check them?

05-06-2010, 09:54 AM	#8
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,894 Karma: 128597114 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Is this USB wall-wart certified? If not, toss it out as it could damage your unit or even catch fire.

05-06-2010, 12:43 PM	#10
irenas Zealot Posts: 101 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Orange County Device: Astak EZ reader	I just bought a very good book light at the Dollar Tree store ...It has a large clip, long flexible neck and bright light.

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