Author Topic: USB/car charger question (Read 2451 times)

kic · « **on:** September 22, 2004, 02:58:14 am »

Howdy. I'm back with another question, not as stupid this time, I hope.

Anyhow, I got my rom backed up and I'm running the latest pdaXrom on my new 860, but I was wondering if my current car charger would be acceptable.

I checked the numbers on the Zaurus's charger (DC 5v, 1a) and compared it to what my little USB car charger (it just plugs onto a USB connection) has (DC 5.5v, 700ma), and while I'm thinking the half volt difference won't be too big a deal, I figured I'd see if anyone thought otherwise first. I'd rather not send too much voltage to it and end up destroying the little thing. The lower amperage difference I'm guessing will just result in a slower charge time, but so long as it sustains power (and perhaps charges a little as well), I'd be happy.

Thoughts, anyone? If I could read the manual, I might be able to find the tolerances listed, but that's far beyond my meager skills.

Thanks much in advance.

gdfj12 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2004, 11:38:07 am »

I wouldn't use that charger. All it takes is a little too much & you could damage your Zaurus.

I made the mistake of accidentally hooking up my Radio shack charger with the switch @ 6v & it blew the little fuse on the circuit board inside. I had to send it in for service to Sharp. I think any more than 5.3 volts could be bad.

Do a search thru this board for "charging" & you should find some more info.

Some of the IPAQ car chargers should work, just make sure they have the right connector & put out 4.8-5.2V, preferably 5-5.2V.

kic · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2004, 11:48:24 am »

I was afraid it might not be extremely tolerant, but I do have some understanding of that stuff, so I'm not too surprised. I'll have to do some poking around for one with tighter numbers according to the Z's own charger.

Thanks much for your reply. Hope your Z is working fine since the repair. Must have been painful to send it away.

V-Man · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2004, 10:54:27 pm »

Don't relay on the printed specs of the chargers! They may be off by quite a bit. Get an inexpensive (or borrow) multimeter. Check the output voltage while under a load. The voltage may vary according to the load placed on it.

I made a few extra battery packs and with a full charge on the external packs, they put out 5.34V while under load. They drop to about 4.1V when fully discharged. The Z (I have a 5500) does not like the lower voltage, but no permanent harm has occurred.

If your near the Oklahoma City area, contact me and I'll show you what I'm talking about. Plus, I want to see an actual in the flesh 860. I promise not to drool all over it.

V-Man

kic · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2004, 12:20:40 am »

Sorry, Southern California here. I'm sure I have a meter somewhere, but I'm feeling my charger will be too much. I'm used to the numbers being off as I'm very particular about power supplies for my computers. I just haven't had a chance yet to poke around for some lower voltage alternatives yet.

raybert · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2004, 11:30:32 am »

I bought one from Semsons awhile back. Works great.

I think it was this one: http://store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/pdaplugincha.html

~ray

kic · « **Reply #6 on:** September 23, 2004, 12:00:59 pm »

That fits an 860? Looks like I may need to order one. I wish it had a higher amperage, but I think that'll cover the Z and a wifi card running. Thanks for the link.

WindlePoons · « **Reply #7 on:** September 23, 2004, 12:23:05 pm »

I think Kic is talking about something like this

(sorry for the UK links but thats where I am)

http://www.shirtpocket.co.uk/cat/product_i...?products_id=59
to plug a USB charger in to.

although I'd be tempted to get it as part of a kit like this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...item=5124164440

which is advetised for use with the Zaurus.
at the end of the day do you want to risk trashing it for the sake of a few pounds (or $'s)

kic · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2004, 12:38:45 pm »

Yeah, what I have right now is similar to what you posted, WindlePoons. It just plugs over a USB connection and then you can go right into your card. However, the one raybert linked to has my interest peaked (piqued?) because it doesn't use the cable connection, but plugs into the actual power line. That means I can have a serial cable connected for my GPS and have the Z plugged into power at the same time. Neat! (I'm yet to see a Y-cable that's serial and USB for a Z, so this seems like a reasonable alternative.)

I also noticed that ebay linked one has an output of 5.5v. Same as what I have now, and without knowing actual tolerances, I'm a little worried. Not hugely worried, but I'd rather play it safe.

I certainly appreciate the continued information and links on the subject.

lek · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2004, 09:52:45 pm »

Quote

I bought one from Semsons awhile back. Works great.

I think it was this one: http://store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/pdaplugincha.html

~ray

hi ray,
did you use this on the Z6K?

lek

lek · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2004, 10:08:27 pm »

Quote

I bought one from Semsons awhile back. Works great.

I think it was this one: http://store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/pdaplugincha.html

~ray

hi ray,
did you use this on the Z6K?

lek

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Author Topic: USB/car charger question (Read 2451 times)