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Fast charge hack

I bought what i thought were a couple higher quality universal chargers. They charge my razr fast but won't charge my nexus 7 at all. I have one of the chargers pulled apart but before I do any soldering I want to make sure -- if I cross the 2 data points will it work?

Well I couldn't wait 10 minutes so I tried. Answer: no. Wtf?

Can anyone tell me how to hack these chargers to make them work? Is there a resistor I need to remove?

Isn't it more likely to be a software thing?
With my samsung Tab 7.7 i couldn't charge it using my ipad charger until a Dev modded the software on the tablet.

are they 2Amp chargers? most universal chargers are only 1Amp

Well whatever the problem is, I want to charge my tablet in more than one place, I want to charge it faster than the 16 hours generic chargers are taking, and I don't want to pay $30 for OEM chargers.

If your tablet is taking 16 hours to fully charge, return it. I can drain mine after heavy use of the day and its still fully charged in under 6 hours.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

@soldeus: There's nothing wrong with my tablet. The OEM charger works fine and some of my generic chargers work, they just don't have the current. (See below)
@vivan: They are 1A chargers, but they should still work. They don't charge at all. The 500ma Blackberry charger I'm using here at work will charge it in about 8 hours.
Ironically the move to almost-universal micro usb chargers has made the market for them even worse. Now, instead of having to buy a new charger every time you buy a new phone, you have to buy a dozen different chargers till you find one that actually works. Like I said, I didn't try to cheap out. I got a high quality charger.

qoncept said:
@soldeus: There's nothing wrong with my tablet. The OEM charger works fine and some of my generic chargers work, they just don't have the current. (See below)
@vivan: They are 1A chargers, but they should still work. They don't charge at all. The 500ma Blackberry charger I'm using here at work will charge it in about 8 hours.
Ironically the move to almost-universal micro usb chargers has made the market for them even worse. Now, instead of having to buy a new charger every time you buy a new phone, you have to buy a dozen different chargers till you find one that actually works. Like I said, I didn't try to cheap out. I got a high quality charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OEM charger is 2A for a reason. Because the tablet uses more power, it needs more current to charge at a fast pace.
Your generic 1A chargers are probably just enough to keep the tablet powered on, without draining (or charging) the battery.
If you can find a 2A universal charger, it should work just like the OEM one.

reiji said:
The OEM charger is 2A for a reason. Because the tablet uses more power, it needs more current to charge at a fast pace.
Your generic 1A chargers are probably just enough to keep the tablet powered on, without draining (or charging) the battery.
If you can find a 2A universal charger, it should work just like the OEM one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, my 1A chargers are doing NOTHING at all. I plug it in and the charging icon doesn't come on. Reviews have tested these chargers at about 950ma and as I said, my 500ma Blackberry charger isn't too bad.. It's not lack of power, it's something else.
My guess is it has whatever resistor it needs to make it an "ipad" charger. And the vast majority of 2A chargers will, too.
So.. back to my original question: what do I need to do to make this charger charge my tablet? I KNOW it's possible. I just need to find the guy who can tell me how.

I also need a charger for my car, my usb power adapter in the car does not work, need to know what car charger will work as this tablet is supposed to be my car stereo replacement, sucks having to bring your stereo in to charge it and hope it lasts till you get done work

I bought the Scosche dual 10 Watt car charger, isn't here yet though. It does say it wont charge the Samsung tablets, maybe due to the proprietary cord because apparently there is a cord that works with them. It's not a specific ipad charger and does say it works with Android devices and tablets.
On a side note, what's the best way to determine what your N7 is actually charging at?

Both of my generic chargers won't work either, a 2.1A generic iPad charger, and a 1A standard USB charger. Considering it WILL charge off a 500ma USB port, it's not a current/amperage issue, it's a software/proprietary hardware issue.

b22ri22an said:
I also need a charger for my car, my usb power adapter in the car does not work, need to know what car charger will work as this tablet is supposed to be my car stereo replacement, sucks having to bring your stereo in to charge it and hope it lasts till you get done work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a verizon branded car charger to charge my N7 but I think they charge $30 for it at the vzw store.

I suggest you read this page as it may have some info to help you modify your charger:
http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/icharge.html

neilrl79 said:
I use a verizon branded car charger to charge my N7 but I think they charge $30 for it at the vzw store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the cost isn't so much the issue, its the actually working part. do they have one with an angled micro usb so i can mount the tablet in the car properly or preferably a usb adapter one where i can use my own cord

For $30 you could order a handful of different ones on ebay or monoprice and find something that works. But I want a dual charger.

grim82 said:
I suggest you read this page as it may have some info to help you modify your charger:
http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/icharge.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does that mean a usb adapter that is certified to work with an ipad will work for my n7

b22ri22an said:
does that mean a usb adapter that is certified to work with an ipad will work for my n7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't say 100% but I would bet the probability is very high. For the 1A charging they all seemed to play the same game with the voltage on the data lines. Not sure you'll get 2A but you'll at least get 1A.
Edit... maybe not, see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1781680

I have a philips as351 audio dock that pushes 2A out of the micro-usb charger and the usb port on the back and neither will charge the N7. Bummer because it looks so nice on the dock to

Additional 2amp Wall chargers

I was able to pick up car chargers already, but am having a hard time finding a good deal on extra 2amp wall chargers. Samsung had one on their accessory page for a while, but never got any stock. It disappeared in the last few days.

Might be cheaper to buy an iPad compatible brick and use it with a microusb cable. Works well and charges fast, and reusable for future devices.

radio shack has a 4port 2a that will give max draw to one port. i have already tested it with a multimeter. they are like 22$

Haven't gotten a chance to test these yet: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073FCPSK/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

I definitely noticed my old htc wall charger is slower to charge the note2 than my nexus 7 wall charger.
Can you guys recommend best car/wall chargers as far as amps(Electrical jargon I'm not too familiar with)?

I was wondering if higher amp is better?
I realize the device will cut off current too high, but wondering what the max it can draw is? perhaps over 2amp?

Will it mess up my wifes Note 1 if she uses my charger? Will it charge hers faster?

no they will limit the charge so you dont have to worry about that. most devices can accept up to 2A at 5V anyways. That is the limit for the spec. The absolute is 2.4 A i think.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055QYJJM/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00
I got two of these when they were only $19.99 each.

if you have a radio shack close why waste the time on shipping

You people seriously pay $20++ for wall chargers? LOL!
I got 5 of the Xentris 2A wall chargers, for $25 including shipping!
Xentris 2A Wall Charger
The connected micro usb cable is 2A, and the extra USB port is 1A. Both charge the Note 2 perfectly and the prongs flip up.

NeonMonster said:
You people seriously pay $20++ for wall chargers? LOL!
I got 5 of the Xentris 2A wall chargers, for $25 including shipping!
Xentris 2A Wall Charger
The connected micro usb cable is 2A, and the extra USB port is 1A. Both charge the Note 2 perfectly and the prongs flip up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The joke may be on you if your chargers are cheaply made. It all comes down to the person if they want to stay safe or not. You can risk your battery's life dying earlier than normal, or just plain ol damaging your phone. If you've had luck with those, than more power to you.
If anyone was curious, there was substantial testing done to a few chargers that may give you insight on what to put your money on.
http://www.arcfn.com/2012/10/a-dozen-usb-chargers-in-lab-apple-is.html

RMXO said:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055QYJJM/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00
I got two of these when they were only $19.99 each.
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Click to collapse
I have an extra one of these from when I got a TouchStone for my TouchPad. Planned on keeping it at work for my Note II.
Sent from my HOCKS

iahk said:
The joke may be on you if your chargers are cheaply made. It all comes down to the person if they want to stay safe or not. You can risk your battery's life dying earlier than normal, or just plain ol damaging your phone. If you've had luck with those, than more power to you.
If anyone was curious, there was substantial testing done to a few chargers that may give you insight on what to put your money on.
http://www.arcfn.com/2012/10/a-dozen-usb-chargers-in-lab-apple-is.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent read, thanks sent!

NeonMonster said:
You people seriously pay $20++ for wall chargers? LOL!
I got 5 of the Xentris 2A wall chargers, for $25 including shipping!
Xentris 2A Wall Charger
The connected micro usb cable is 2A, and the extra USB port is 1A. Both charge the Note 2 perfectly and the prongs flip up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen that one brand of 2A chargers. Do you think it charges as fast as your OEM charger? How long have you had them now?
Also how did you get them for $5 each?

4.2A Car Charger on ebay...need help...

Hello, Long time follower, first time poster.
I cannot post the link, but if you search "Juiced Systems 4.2 AMP" in ebay it's the first item under "Best match" and it's $19.99
Has anyone tried these chargers that claim 2.1A per USB port? Or does anyone know of any similar car chargers that charge 2 devices @ 2.1A?
I just want to buy the best charger that isn't going to blow up my phone, and a dual charger would be excellent if possible.
Thanks in advance.

giz_mang said:
Hello, Long time follower, first time poster.
I cannot post the link, but if you search "Juiced Systems 4.2 AMP" in ebay it's the first item under "Best match" and it's $19.99
Has anyone tried these chargers that claim 2.1A per USB port? Or does anyone know of any similar car chargers that charge 2 devices @ 2.1A?
I just want to buy the best charger that isn't going to blow up my phone, and a dual charger would be excellent if possible.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's the same one here from amazon http://www.amazon.com/Juiced-System...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 it appears to be apple only.

The one Android customer from that Amazon link said:
I bought this assuming it would charge my Droid DNA at an AC rate. Unfortunately, it charged at a USB rate and could not keep up with usage while driving.
It sounds like with that particular device, in order to get an Android phone to charge at an AC rate is to either modify the charger (through soldering) to short out the data pins or use a USB charge-only cable (DIY modification of an existing cable or purchased one). The Android phone should then see the charger as AC instead of USB for, hopefully, full and faster rate of charge.

I know you are looking for dual port, each with 2.1A - but I wouldn't hold my breath this one will output dual 2.1A without throttling down one of the ports. Its impossible to fit quality circuit in a small cigarette lighter package where due to excess heat the efficiency of your converter will decrease. And even if they manage to produce 4.2A you will either blow your fuse or melt your charger. Just think about it, you won't have any air circulation to even cool it down.
I only trust dual port chargers with 2.1A/1A rating. I reviewed one before - HERE from iSmooth which does work! Also, to my surprise, iSmooth charger was actually made for iPad/iPhone but it WORKS perfectly with Note 2. I can't voucher for other Apple converters, and as a matter of fact I have another one with a separate Apple and Android ports and Note 2 doesn't charge from Apple port. But the one from iSmooth I'm using right now works perfectly for Note 2 and also looks awesome in the car with a blue glow light

USB Charge Boosters

At CES 2013, a little USB device made a few headlines for being able to allow boosted amperage from a PC USB port in order to charge smart phones and many tablets at speeds close to or even faster than their OEM AC charge adapters. It's called ChargeDr, and here are a few info links:
Three things I saw at CES that I'd actually buy:
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-34450_1-57563158/three-things-i-saw-at-ces-that-id-actually-buy/​
ChargeDr lets you charge your tablet from a laptop USB port:
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-34439_1-57...ou-charge-your-tablet-from-a-laptop-usb-port/​
Digital Innovations ChargeDr USB Charge Booster:
http://www.digitalinnovations.com/chargedr-usb-charge-booster.html​
Basically, ChargeDr takes the 5V output of a USB 2.0 (0.5A) or USB 3.0 (0.9A) port and 'requests' a 5V output of up to 2.1A. The power coming from the ChargeDr is then equivalent to an OEM AC charge adapter. Pretty nice for something that will sell for about $30 when it finally ships soon.
There are a few products (Chinese and South Korean) that are already on the market today that either join in on this technology or confuses consumers into thinking their product is the same.
Here's some of what I've seen:
Pisen USB Power Adapter Increases Amperage Converter:
http://www.ylmart.com/pisen-usb-power-aadptor-increases-amperage-converter.html
eBay
Costs between $4 U.S.D. to $5 U.S.D.​
Descriptions for this item usually says something general such as 'increases the amperage to 2000 mAh.' Sounds good, right? Why pay $30 when you can get a device that seems similar for only $5 and usually with free shipping. Wrong. I made a just-to-see purchase of this Pisen device and was totally disappointed. When connected to a PC, it cuts off the USB data pins so that your device does think it's attached to an AC charger. With a Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note II as a test device, however, it took more than 8 hours to go from 18% power to 100% which is about normal when charging the phone through a PC USB port without the Pisen. Weak!
Fastar REUM Adptor:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/quick-charg...ader_Chargers_Sync_Cables&hash=item1e77e2afa9
Costs between $17 U.S.D to $22 U.S.D.​
I am intrigued by another device called the REUM Adptor. It's a South Korean product, and it sounds like it does almost exactly the same as what the ChargeDr claims to do. The REUM is sold on eBay for about $22 U.S.D., but you can also get it through Amazon for $17. This one looks like the real deal, so it'll be my next just-to-see purchase. I have PCs around me all the time, and it's more convenient to charge my smart phone through them than with an AC charger. The Galaxy Note 2's OEM AC charger can fast charge the phone from almost no power to 100% in a little over 3 hours. I'm all for getting similar results through a PC USB port!
So if you're interested in such things, my advice is to stay away from those $5 adapters that only cut off the USB data pins. Wait for the ChargeDr or try the less-expensive REUM.
I hope some of you find this post helpful. Have fun!

I'm intrigued! Please write a review once you get REUM part; I'm especially curious how hot does it get. I mean it's basic EE to use transistor to increase the current (collector current is a multiple of the base current coming from usb port, with an appropriate circuit around it). But implementing it efficiently in such a small package without overheating it could be a challenge.

USB cable that can run at 1800mA

I've managed to find some chargers (both car and wall) that will charge with 1800mA (according to Galaxy Charging Lite app).
I have not managed to find an aftermarket cable that will charge at more than 1amp. Anyone know of an aftermarket cable that actually is capable of 1800mA? I've tried nGear and monoprice, and while they are very well constructed cables, they will only charge at 1amp or less with the n7100
Thanks for the help in advance, but please only respond to this if you've actually tested the cable with with the Galaxy Charging app or a current meter of some sort. I'm not interested in cables that only work anecdotally.
-PW

I'm breaking your rules (gasp) but as far as I'm aware, it's not the cable that manages the charge, it's the power adapter that feeds the usb, right? I've used all sorts of random cables on my travels for work, but always sticking to my 2+ amp output charger, and they've always worked.

pacificwing said:
I've managed to find some chargers (both car and wall) that will charge with 1800mA (according to Galaxy Charging Lite app).
I have not managed to find an aftermarket cable that will charge at more than 1amp. Anyone know of an aftermarket cable that actually is capable of 1800mA? I've tried nGear and monoprice, and while they are very well constructed cables, they will only charge at 1amp or less with the n7100
Thanks for the help in advance, but please only respond to this if you've actually tested the cable with with the Galaxy Charging app or a current meter of some sort. I'm not interested in cables that only work anecdotally.
-PW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find a very short cable and you'll see rates up to 2100 ma (as measure by battery monitor widget). I use the short usb cable that came with my jambox combined with the the phones stock charger. The charger gets so hot due to the high current that I worry if it might burn out. The cable is very short, like 6 inches. I use this one when i need a quick bump before going out.
At this low of voltage plus high current, the shielding on most cables is not enough to protect against the voltage fluctuations caused by the high magnetic field. The longer the cable the more shielding is needed. Additionally, the cable shielding gets less effective as the cable gets older due to general wear. My original usb cable can only due around 740 - 1250ma, where it used to do 1800ma when new nearly 2 years ago.
If you could find a cable where there the positive and negative wires are separated in parallel strands like traditional AC power cords, it would also help. I have a cheap charger with built in cord like this and it charges consistently fast.

Jarm3r said:
I'm breaking your rules (gasp) but as far as I'm aware, it's not the cable that manages the charge, it's the power adapter that feeds the usb, right? I've used all sorts of random cables on my travels for work, but always sticking to my 2+ amp output charger, and they've always worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most USB cables will work with the charger, but some cables (usually longer or smaller gauge wires) will restrict the charge to a lower amperage. I still haven't quite figured out how the phone knows what cable is being used, because, realistically, in a simple DC circuit, the consequence of using a cable that is too small is heating up or burning out. A cable that is too small alone will not prevent too much amperage from going through itself. This is why they invented fuses. Somehow the phone detects the gauge/length of cable being used and restricts the amperage being pulled from the charger by changing its own resistance on the circuit.
nswenson said:
Find a very short cable and you'll see rates up to 2100 ma (as measure by battery monitor widget). I use the short usb cable that came with my jambox combined with the the phones stock charger. The charger gets so hot due to the high current that I worry if it might burn out. The cable is very short, like 6 inches. I use this one when i need a quick bump before going out.
At this low of voltage plus high current, the shielding on most cables is not enough to protect against the voltage fluctuations caused by the high magnetic field. The longer the cable the more shielding is needed. Additionally, the cable shielding gets less effective as the cable gets older due to general wear. My original usb cable can only due around 740 - 1250ma, where it used to do 1800ma when new nearly 2 years ago.
If you could find a cable where there the positive and negative wires are separated in parallel strands like traditional AC power cords, it would also help. I have a cheap charger with built in cord like this and it charges consistently fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect you're right. The impedance of a cable is the only thing that would change over a period of time that would result in a cable that could once pull 2A to start pulling less than that. Still, it would be nice to have a list of chargers/cables that consistently pull 2A before dropping $15-$30 on one of them. There exists such a list on this forum, but it is filled with comments like "It's good enough for me", without any real data as to what performance they are getting. Hence my rules above.

The charge rate depends on your kernal not the cable. I use Agni and get over 2 amp charges from a USB cable I paid 12 cents shipped for on eBay.

I purchased this cable about two weeks ago and it delivers!! I can charge my 9300mah Zero Lemon battery from 0-100 in just under 4 hours. Stock battery in about 1.5-2hrs. Of course I'm using a 2.1 amp charger, but NONE of my other cables come close. I'm averaging 1800-1900mah charge rate with it. Next highest rate cord only gets about 1200 max. I plan on ordering 2-3 more. $5 and change with PRIME.
2.1A Micro USB Sync & Charging Cable (1M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z94PV2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_7MD2tb08CY1N7R0J

carlz28 said:
I purchased this cable about two weeks ago and it delivers!! I can charge my 9300mah Zero Lemon battery from 0-100 in just under 4 hours. Stock battery in about 1.5-2hrs. Of course I'm using a 2.1 amp charger, but NONE of my other cables come close. I'm averaging 1800-1900mah charge rate with it. Next highest rate cord only gets about 1200 max. I plan on ordering 2-3 more. $5 and change with PRIME.
2.1A Micro USB Sync & Charging Cable (1M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z94PV2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_7MD2tb08CY1N7R0J
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Click to collapse
Thank you! This is exactly the type of review I was looking for!
:laugh:

Check this out. http://voyager8.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-choose-good-usb-data-and.htmlI found it while looking for the 6ft cable I used to use until it shorted from heavy use (bending a lot) and I got a pack of 10 short flat wire style 3ft cables. My 6ft one has a ferrite end and printed on it: 28agw/1p and 26awg/2c. It could handle 2A just fine, but this requires any wall outlet adapter that can output that amperage. The oem outlet adapter that comes with the phone says 2.0A output, but you can fine any 'reliable' one that has 2.0A output.

if the original cable is not 1800mA, there must be a reason

Get one of these
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=5457&seq=1&format=2

anyone have this cable... or know if it is a 28AWG/1P + 24AWG/2C (i.e., 24AWG/2C for charging)
http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-U.../B004GF8TIK/ref=pd_cp_e_1/186-6092214-7798820

Hi
Hard to get something original for samsung nowadays

I have those monoprice cables but get different results every time I plug in (1698ma, 1300ma, 600ma, 460ma, etc...)

carlz28 said:
I purchased this cable about two weeks ago and it delivers!! I can charge my 9300mah Zero Lemon battery from 0-100 in just under 4 hours. Stock battery in about 1.5-2hrs. Of course I'm using a 2.1 amp charger, but NONE of my other cables come close. I'm averaging 1800-1900mah charge rate with it. Next highest rate cord only gets about 1200 max. I plan on ordering 2-3 more. $5 and change with PRIME.
2.1A Micro USB Sync & Charging Cable (1M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z94PV2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_7MD2tb08CY1N7R0J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which 2.1 amp charger are you using? I have one for my car, looking for one for home use. I also have the 9300mah ZeroLemon battery in my T-Mobile Note 2. Thanks!

Asquared said:
Which 2.1 amp charger are you using? I have one for my car, looking for one for home use. I also have the 9300mah ZeroLemon battery in my T-Mobile Note 2. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using the 2A charger that came with my Nexus tablet. But I bought an additional one for work.
iXCC ® Dual USB 4.2 Amp (20 Watt) SMART High Capacity [High Power] ... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPTU0OU/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_PR7.tb01EM5CB
$11.99 thru PRIME.
Had this one for almost 3 months now and it works VERY well. I get a full 1900-2000mah charge rate on the Note2 and can charge my tablet at quick speeds simultaneously.

ElDuez said:
The charge rate depends on your kernal not the cable. I use Agni and get over 2 amp charges from a USB cable I paid 12 cents shipped for on eBay.
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Click to collapse
some fake cable limit current.

Got similar problems as the OP. I wanted to charge my phone in my car and using the phone as a navigation device without depleting the battery (which occured a few time).
Tried several usb cables, even did some mods like shorting the white and green data wire in the cabel at the phone side, but that all didn't help.
Then i came to Kopi who sells usb cables which can deliver a full current.
http://kopi-d.com/?recent_works=553
Bought a few for 6 dollar each and am now a happy camper.

shizuku said:
Got similar problems as the OP. I wanted to charge my phone in my car and using the phone as a navigation device without depleting the battery (which occured a few time).
Tried several usb cables, even did some mods like shorting the white and green data wire in the cabel at the phone side, but that all didn't help.
Then i came to Kopi who sells usb cables which can deliver a full current.
http://kopi-d.com/?recent_works=553
Bought a few for 6 dollar each and am now a happy camper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're sorry, but there are no items available in the Micro USB (Android) category lol on the web site

linkhunter said:
We're sorry, but there are no items available in the Micro USB (Android) category lol on the web site
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Click to collapse
I just saw it. Why don't you email them and ask about availability? I had contact with Victor Leung ([email protected]).