Fast charging support

[Alius]

I don't know if anyone has tried it, but in this thread, scops identified one that may work.  I also suggested a silly workaround that should technically satisfy the requirement as well (albeit not an ideal solution).

Edit:  Just a side note to earlier in the thread - I also accidentally plugged the fast charge cable into the wrong USB type-C port for a few seconds, to no apparent ill effect.

[cpitchford]

I've not found any mention of it here, but...

If I plug my Gemini in whilst it is powered OFF, it will charge with every usb-C charger I have (off the top of my head):

• Apple 29W USB-C
• LG Nexus 5X USB-C charger
• TeckNet 27W USB-C + Dual USB-A

If I leave it plugged in and power on, it still charges.

If I disconnect the charger and re-connect whilst powered on, however, it doesn't see the charger again. I must power off first.

So, if it works when powered off, surely its a firmware update to make this work more reliably?

It can't be a valid hardware limitation: "You must turn the device off to charge"?

Just to be clear, if I use the USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-A charger, the device will charge normally without the need to power off. Its only with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a standard USB-C charger that this cumbersome step is required?!

[gymbo]

I've not found any mention of it here, but...

If I plug my Gemini in whilst it is powered OFF, it will charge with every usb-C charger I have (off the top of my head):

• Apple 29W USB-C
• LG Nexus 5X USB-C charger
• TeckNet 27W USB-C + Dual USB-A

If I leave it plugged in and power on, it still charges.

If I disconnect the charger and re-connect whilst powered on, however, it doesn't see the charger again. I must power off first.

So, if it works when powered off, surely its a firmware update to make this work more reliably?

It can't be a valid hardware limitation: "You must turn the device off to charge"?

Just to be clear, if I use the USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-A charger, the device will charge normally without the need to power off. Its only with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a standard USB-C charger that this cumbersome step is required?!

Maybe it's the same with the hub connected? Could someone with the Gemini and hub try? Then it might be possible to charge the Gemini while using the hub with a software update??

[cpitchford]

If I turn off my Gemini, plug in the hub, plug my apple charger into the hub, the gemini starts charging.

If I power on the gemini, it continues to charge.

If I unplug the hub or the charger and re-attach, it does not resume charging..

I've not found any mention of it here, but...

If I plug my Gemini in whilst it is powered OFF, it will charge with every usb-C charger I have (off the top of my head):

• Apple 29W USB-C
• LG Nexus 5X USB-C charger
• TeckNet 27W USB-C + Dual USB-A

If I leave it plugged in and power on, it still charges.

If I disconnect the charger and re-connect whilst powered on, however, it doesn't see the charger again. I must power off first.

So, if it works when powered off, surely its a firmware update to make this work more reliably?

It can't be a valid hardware limitation: "You must turn the device off to charge"?

Just to be clear, if I use the USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-A charger, the device will charge normally without the need to power off. Its only with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a standard USB-C charger that this cumbersome step is required?!

Maybe it's the same with the hub connected? Could someone with the Gemini and hub try? Then it might be possible to charge the Gemini while using the hub with a software update??

[donc]

Just tried this with both the Gemini hub and a UGreen USB-C hub and get the same result. If you plug the Gemini in to the hub whilst it is on then it won't charge but if you plug the Gemini in whilst it is powered off then it will charge and continue to charge when you turn it back on.
I don't have a USB-C power meter to check how quickly it is charging but this definitely suggests that the USB-C pass through can work, given the hardware seems capable of charging through USB-C when the Gemini is off it must be a software issue preventing it doing so whilst on. Interestingly when I open the lid with the Gemini switched off but plugged in I get a battery charging icon with the current battery percentage, I hadn't noticed this before but normally I just plug it in and wait for the charge LED to come on.

[nordikgod]

Just tried this with both the Gemini hub and a UGreen USB-C hub and get the same result. If you plug the Gemini in to the hub whilst it is on then it won't charge but if you plug the Gemini in whilst it is powered off then it will charge and continue to charge when you turn it back on.
I don't have a USB-C power meter to check how quickly it is charging but this definitely suggests that the USB-C pass through can work, given the hardware seems capable of charging through USB-C when the Gemini is off it must be a software issue preventing it doing so whilst on. Interestingly when I open the lid with the Gemini switched off but plugged in I get a battery charging icon with the current battery percentage, I hadn't noticed this before but normally I just plug it in and wait for the charge LED to come on.

I tried the same process with a Kamera brand 5  port Qualcomm QC3 charger and a Hootoo usb-c hub and the Gemini would charge. When I first got it I tried the same thing but while it was powered on and it would not chargel

[Charlie Stross]

Speaking of chargers ... here's the Indiegogo campaign for the Mu One, a new 45-W single USB-C output international charger from Mu, who already sell (very successfully) the Mu charger. These are extremely nifty gizmos for UK users because of the fold-flat plug design and, in the more expensive models, the international/interchangeable adapters.

I've ordered a Mu One (I also use a Macbook, so it'll come in handy for that even if it won't fast charge a Gemini) and will try to remember to report back later.

Now I need to find my USB power meter and see if a regular Mu charger (USB type A) delivers high current to the Gemini ...

[Ifanafi]

Curious to know what might be the usual, expected time to re-charge a Gemini from "red zone" low to full charge (with device off)?

Seems each successive charge-up takes a bit longer than the previous charge time.

And, so, I wonder about the life expectancy of the Gemini battery.

Hopeful for a battery replacement either an OEM / DIY battery or replacement by PC Support / Repair Dept. with fast turn-around time.

IFanafi