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I have a friend who is visting the US (I'm from Canada) and I asked him to pick me up a nook. Not finding clear info in some of the reviews, mainly concerned about charging.
This charges over usb when hooked up to your computer right? Just want to make sure it doesn't use a proprietary cable for charging. I read on the ipad side, that older computers don't give out enough power to charge over usb, is that an issue with the nook?
What adapters/cables does it come with exactly? And is it just a standard mini-sub for the charging?
Also, this has a headset jack correct? I've read no bluetooth, I guess there's no way to get a mic working on this then.
Micro USB, will charge VERY slowly using a computer. Includes a 2amp wall socket and special cable to quick charge (still micro usb, just more pins). Has a headset port but does not come with a headset.
I've only had a few mobile devices. I read the ipad can charge over usb if the mobo supports giving out that extra juice. Some mobo's have a new firmware update to enable this.
The connector is micro-usb but just more pins. Hmm. so if the cable breaks or I misplace it no other micro-usb will charge it?
edit: i read a little more and found that it's 30 pin proprietary cable to speed up charging. I also read the galaxy tab does something similar.
Does anyone know if they use the same pin configuration? probably not, but I can get tab usb cables here.
I know you didn't ask for it but I'll tell you anyway
In case you are worrying about registering your device (mandatory at initial setup).
I'm NOT in the US and it worked fine.
Good to know. Thanks.
But I'm more concerned about charging it and relying solely on their cables.
I read the ipad can trickle charge on newer computers but some wouldn't provide enough power. Asus et al have released utilities to increase the power to the usb ports.
I can't post the links but endgadget has an article about it providing links to those utilites. They just talk of apple devices but does this work with the nook?
It comes with a charger for US-type sockets and only if you charge your nook with this (and yes, it is proprietary ) it'll charge quickly. It does seem to charge when you connect it to a standard PC USB port but at an extremely low rate.
On the device Micro-USB (not Mini) is used.
You say it does seem to, do you mean from personal experience? How slow? It sounds like that if you do own one it was so slow you didn't let it finish.
Like if it's 8hrs overnight, I can live with that, but I want to confirm that there is a plan b and not solely rely on their cables.
And as I mentioned asus and others released utils to give more power output to the usb (although these seem like their were only created for ipads). Wondering if those utils speed things up.
for ex, google asus ai charger to see what I mean.
I received my nook Color a mere few hours ago so I can't tell you a lot about its charging behavior It "seems" to load slower via standard USB... if you want to know about the details check one of the large threads on the NOOK and its rooting. I remember reading some information about the USB connector and its peculiarities there.
Ah you just got it. I see.
I found this on the root thread:
'
"There are 12 pins coming off the connector. It looks like there are no pins for the standard micro USB portion, only the extended 12 pins. 2 pins are used to bring in +5V, 2 pins are for signal ground providing a hefty circuit for the 2A charging. USB takes up two pins, and as far as I can tell 2 more are for each LED via current limiting resistors. Two more pins go to discretes that I haven't identified, and two more pins are unconnected. I'll take my scope to them when I have some time."
Not sure what he means when he says no pins for the standard micro portion...
Maybe the plug doesn't have standard USB pins, but the NOOK itself does have standard USB pins as well as the proprietary ones. Because I have trouble inserting the original B&N plug, I went out earlier today and bought a standard Micro USB cable...
I connected it to the nook and it said "not charging", so I went out to do some shopping (10-20 minutes max) and left it at 89%... when I came back it was at 93 %.
So it DOES in fact seem to charge albeit slowly.
Thanks. It's weird, lots of comments of its own cable not fitting properly.
As long as it charges with a normal cable I'm good.
I guess it is charging... however there is a slight chance, that it's NOT charging and the battery charge display is lying (de-calibrated). I don't think so, but I'll only know for sure after a few more days of using only the standard USB charger cable.
Just reading up on USB chargers, and I found somewhere in a thread here about phones defaulting to smaller ma when charging via USB if the connector didn't have the data pins shorted or something.
So, I was wondering a couple of things:
1) If the default charger supplies 700ma, do you think that is the most the Nexus S can draw? Does anyone have one of these shorted USB chargers? Does it charge the NS faster?
2) If it does charge faster, how hard would it be to do something similar to shorting the data connections? I have a generic AC-USB cable which I currently use for my iPod touch.
3) Is there a way to check if it is already shorted out? The USB charging port looks similar to ones on my computer, but I'm not sure what to look for.
Thanks for any help! Maybe if we can sort out this stuff, we can provide a solution for those looking for faster charging!
it does work safely, i'm using a 1000 mAh charger at home, and a 2000 mAh charger in the car both are from aftermarket eBay/DealExtreme charges.
no overheating
and charges faster than stock
AllGamer said:
it does work safely, i'm using a 1000 mAh charger at home, and a 2000 mAh charger in the car both are from aftermarket eBay/DealExtreme charges.
no overheating
and charges faster than stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thankyou for that AllGamer, I'll think of possible ways I could mod the charger now
The only reason it is slow is because of the USB charging brick instead of just a charger.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I know it's a wrong thread, but anyone has any pointers as to how to short a regular USB cable to make the phone think it's a power adapter cable?
XBOHDPuKC said:
I know it's a wrong thread, but anyone has any pointers as to how to short a regular USB cable to make the phone think it's a power adapter cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah it's not the wrong thread that was one of my questions! I'm not sure exactly where you would do it, but maybe if you skinned the wire, then cut the data lines it would work?
Not sure which end you would do it on however, but that may not matter. Any other ideas?
The two center pins in the USB carry the data. If you pull them out, the cable won't be able to connect to the computer.
Sent from my Nexus S
Wow - you don't need to do this and you wouldn't want to in a computer anyway.
The USB specification says that 500ma (@ 5v) of current should be available from a computer's USB port. Of course, the actual wires can carry much more than this, so manufacturers can tell their phones to takes as much current as is offered.
Almost all computers limit their USB power output accordingly - this is why some opld usb-powered external hard drives needed 2 USB plugs to get enough power. The only computers that I am SURE emit significantly more than 500ma on their USB ports are first and second generation MacBook Airs.
Some phones, the N1 and every other HTC specifically, look for a specially shorted cable to "know if they are plugged into the wall adaptor" as opposed to a computer USB port. In reality, this is just a way to make you specifically buy HTC chargers as opposed to third-party off-brands, because plugging one of these phones into an off brand charger will limit the current draw to about 450ma.
If you want to know if your Android phone thinks that it is in "USB" mode or in "AC" mode, just plug the phone in, open the dialer, enter *#*#4636#*#* and then select battery info. If your phone is one that cares (not all do), it will say USB if it thinks it should be in USB charging mode, or AC if it thinks it should be in AC charging mode.
I would not try shorting out the middle pins in a cable and then plugging it into the computer. First, most will probably just disable the USB port completely, shutting off even power you could draw. Second, if it doesn't shut down, you run the risk that a badly-built USB port might not properly limit the current to 500ma - and since they are not designed to furnish more current than that, you might melt something expensive or start a fire. third, if you make a mistake, you risk shorting out either your phone or your computer, which might ruin your day, week or month, depending on your financial means to replace the system that cooks itself.
I would just run out to your local store, pay 15 bucks for a 2A third-party usb charger brick, and go to town. That will work perfectly - this is what I use, and it probably cuts the charge time by 30-40%. Obviously, this indicates that the NS is not capable of drawing a full 2A - I have not put a meter on it, but I would bet that it limits itself to somewhere just under an amp in.
I have recently bought both a 2A wall charger and car charger and my phone does not recognise either of these as anything more than a 500mA source.
Is it really just a case of opening the car charger up and shorting out pins 2 & 3? they are currently not connected to anything in the charger.
If it's indeed a matter of shorting the data lines, then I think you can skin the wire as suggested by others, but then cut the data lines, short the end that leads to the phone, leave the end to the computer open. I think it's the phone that tries to determine whether the data lines are shorted.
Edit: Can someone measure the continuity between the data pins with the stock charger? I wonder if they are shorted. I'm still waiting for my Nexus S to arrive, so can't test it.
Yup, the data lines in the stock Nexus S charger ARE shorted.
I just modified a cheap 1A car charger by popping it open, soldering the 2 data lines together and putting it back.
The report on the Nexus S before I did this (*#*#4636#*#*) said "USB", and afterwards it now says "AC".
I will report back after I make a road trip if this improves the GPS + Pandora + Screen in car situation. I suspect it will.
----------------
Yup, the car charger seemed to actually maintain and increase the battery this time. Seems good.
The NS supports chargers output to a max of 1000mA, as it says on the back of it, where the battery resides.
Hi guys, I accidentally left my charger and USB cable at a friend's house 700 miles away during a visit. She sent it back to me, but it's been a bit over two weeks and I'm tired of being Nookless, especially with all of the new stuff developing (cyanogen on the way? AWWW YEAH!!).
Neither of the two BN stores near my house have replacement charger/cables in stock and it appears that the BN website does not either (not even a price listed, just a pic/description).
What is the cheapest way for me to get some power in this thing? I wouldn't mind charging solely through USB. Is the stock NookColor USB cable any different than a normal micro-usb cable? Can I just order a normal $2 cable from amazon and expect it to charge?
The cable that comes with the NookColor differs from a standard micro usb in a couple of important ways: It has extra pins to deliver a higher charge. OK, I guess by "a couple" I meant "one that I am aware of." Alright, maybe one more: The charger itself is rated at .5A, which is higher than the standard plug for usb chargers.
You might be able to trickle charge from a standard usb. I was able to get some power, but not much.
Here's one more thing to do:
Ask the manager at B&N if she has any extra chargers and cables in the back. Here's why I say this: I had to return my cable yesterday because it wasn't making proper contact with the pins and thus was not properly charging. The manager told me that he has a heap of NookColor plugs and cables in a box because when they send units back to wherever they send them for repair or reconditioning, they are instructed to send only the Nook, and not the cables.
It's worth a try.
Good luck.
It does charge very slowly when connected to the PC...It will charge overnight if not in use..
I have some Nokia cables (from my mobile) with Micro-USB, they are loading the Nook nearly as fast as the original one. Very handy for charging in the car.
I have been charging my nook with only a standard cable since day one. My nook came with a bad cable and at the time was one of the last nooks in my area. I have been calling B&N almost weekly for over a month and they keep saying they will send me a cable but I have not received it yet. I have had no problems charging my Nook overnight. I even emptied the battery once and it still charged fully over night.
A regular microUSB cable will eventually charge the NC, if it's sleeping. No 3-hour quick-charging, though.
Does the slow charging really have to do with the cable?
On high draw devices (e.g. iPhone or Palm Pre) the charger shorts the data pins to signal the capacity for higher current draw. The cable has nothing to do with it.
I have noticed the Nook plug is longer than a standard micro USB plug, but that only means you can't use the Nook cable on another device's micro USB port.
Anybody know the potential problems trying to root with a non-standard Cable?
mageus said:
I have noticed the Nook plug is longer than a standard micro USB plug, but that only means you can't use the Nook cable on another device's micro USB port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this confirmed to be true? If so, what allows a non-Nook USB cable to be used with the Nook?
I'm sure the cable itself is different, either by using the data lines as additional power lines for higher current capacity, or perhaps by adding some resistors to pull the data lines to certain voltages so that the Nook can identify when the "right" cable is connected, so that fast-charging can be enabled. I just can't quite grasp the idea that the cable is not physically compatible with other micro-USB devices.
I am able to use the original nook usb cable, my samsung moment usb cable, and others for data purposes, no issues
I have two other devices that also use M-USB for data transfer, and they work just fine.
I picked up a few of these a while back and they work as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=micro_usb_cable-_-12-119-265-_-Product
It seems that you can call B&N support for a new one if you had issues with your original. Not the OP's problem, but Some have had the issue.
Here is a thread about it:
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com...t-to-slide-charger-into-Nook-Color/m-p/809920
nootered said:
I have two other devices that also use M-USB for data transfer, and they work just fine.
I picked up a few of these a while back and they work as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=micro_usb_cable-_-12-119-265-_-Product
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the idea is that these could be used only for data and trickle-charging? Even if it's connecting the Nook to its official power-thingy (is there a name for those?)
markiejones said:
So the idea is that these could be used only for data and trickle-charging? Even if it's connecting the Nook to its official power-thingy (is there a name for those?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just using it for data transfer and charging with the stock wall unit. As far s using these cables or other USB devices that using the MicroUSB interface would require some type of software driver (USB Host) in order to make that work. As far as I know at least.
manchucka said:
Alright, maybe one more: The charger itself is rated at .5A, which is higher than the standard plug for usb chargers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually... .5A is the minimum for all plain jane USB ports.
If I remember right, when I flipped the charger over when I first got the NC, it is rated at 1.9A, which would make sense considering the size of the battery we are charging and at the speed we are charging it at. Hell, my Epic uses a 1A charger and it is only 1500mAh battery vs the NC's 4000 mAh.
danbutter said:
It seems that you can call B&N support for a new one if you had issues with your original. Not the OP's problem, but Some have had the issue.
Here is a thread about it:
]
Wow thanks for that link. From the day I got my Nook I couldn't use the included USB cable to move data, but it would charge like a charm. Now I'm getting a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
danbutter said:
It seems that you can call B&N support for a new one if you had issues with your original. Not the OP's problem, but Some have had the issue.
Here is a thread about it:
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com...t-to-slide-charger-into-Nook-Color/m-p/809920
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but.... I have been calling for well over a month and first they could not ship me one because I bought it at Best Buy and they did not have the warranty info yet from Best Buy. I finally got past that and since the week after Christmas they have been shipping me one each time I call. I have yet to receive one. I am going on 2 months now trying to get the cable shipped to me.
TainT said:
Anybody know the potential problems trying to root with a non-standard Cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there are any.. I do all my ADB work using a "non-standard cable". The usb cable that came with my nook wont let ADB work right. When I type ADB devices with my factory cable I get the serial number but instead of device it shows suspended or something like that.
http://www.rdi.us/USBCC.pdf
Here is a link for a Hi - Power USB Car Charger. It's 2100mA and can run and charge an Android Tablet or iPad at the same time. Also the microUSB cable they offer, shows "Charging ( AC) ” When plugged into my Captivate. Most just showed "Charging ( USB) ".
Sent from my Samsung Captivate with Perception 10.3, Firebird2 v0.8 #77 Kernel, Firmware 2.2.1, Modem T959TLJL3 using XDA App
.5A is nothing. Most phone chargers now are rated at 1A with ones for tablets going above 2 as someone else mentioned. Most BT headset chargers are rated at .2-.5A in comparison. Some GPS units have charges rated over 1.5A. My Dash unit had a 2A.
And if I'm not mistaken, if you're connected to a computer you will only get a tricklish charge as it's limited to .2 or .25A (I believe).
In regards to actual cables, any microUSB cable will work. I've used stock ones from Samsung and Palm phones as well as cheap 50 cent ones from Meritline. And if the Nook one is actually longer? Why wouldn' it work in something else? The cable will just stick out further.
manchucka said:
The cable that comes with the NookColor differs from a standard micro usb in a couple of important ways: It has extra pins to deliver a higher charge. OK, I guess by "a couple" I meant "one that I am aware of." Alright, maybe one more: The charger itself is rated at .5A, which is higher than the standard plug for usb chargers.
You might be able to trickle charge from a standard usb. I was able to get some power, but not much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
I just got my Nook and when I was about to charge it I realised I've lost my adapter for US plugs. Charging from the USB port on my computer is ridiculously slow, even with the Nook's USB/charger cable, and plugging it into my HTC charger makes that charger disconcertingly hot.
I reckon my computer's USB ports should be able to manage to provide at least a couple of amps, but, if I've understood things correctly, it won't provide anywhere near that much to the Nook unless the Nook asks for it.
So, is there any way to make the Nook ask for more juice?
Thanks in advance!
-- P
Animec said:
Hi!
I just got my Nook and when I was about to charge it I realised I've lost my adapter for US plugs. Charging from the USB port on my computer is ridiculously slow, even with the Nook's USB/charger cable, and plugging it into my HTC charger makes that charger disconcertingly hot.
I reckon my computer's USB ports should be able to manage to provide at least a couple of amps, but, if I've understood things correctly, it won't provide anywhere near that much to the Nook unless the Nook asks for it.
So, is there any way to make the Nook ask for more juice?
Thanks in advance!
-- P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB ports are hardware limited to 500mA. It is part of the specification. Also most USB cables can't handle more current than this without damage. The Nook Color has a special cable with extra pins to handle the ~1900mA that it's charger puts out. The Nook doesn't 'Ask' for more juice, it's charger is capable of more current than a standard USB port, and the cable has the extra pins that carry the extra current. B&N did make it so that you could also charge it via standard USB-albeit more slowly. Your HTC charger is getting hot because it wasn't built to self-limit current to prevent damage to itself.
Ah, my bad. I read somewhere that USB devices can start out at 100 mA and then ask for more, but I don't know how I figured it could be as high as several amps >_< thanks for the clarification
mrmark93 said:
USB ports are hardware limited to 500mA. It is part of the specification. Also most USB cables can't handle more current than this without damage. The Nook Color has a special cable with extra pins to handle the ~1900mA that it's charger puts out. The Nook doesn't 'Ask' for more juice, it's charger is capable of more current than a standard USB port, and the cable has the extra pins that carry the extra current. B&N did make it so that you could also charge it via standard USB-albeit more slowly. Your HTC charger is getting hot because it wasn't built to self-limit current to prevent damage to itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really.. most laptop usb ports can handle ~800/900ma just fine. i.e. with my evo, it normally charges at 500ma using a standard microusb cable.. but if I use a special charge-only cable (middle pins are shorted out), then it charges at ~800ma..
-mark
diomark said:
Not really.. most laptop usb ports can handle ~800/900ma just fine. i.e. with my evo, it normally charges at 500ma using a standard microusb cable.. but if I use a special charge-only cable (middle pins are shorted out), then it charges at ~800ma..
-mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not surprising:
http://www.maxim-ic.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/3241
What Your Mom Didn't Tell You About USB
With any standard, it's interesting to see how actual practice diverges from the printed spec or how undefined parts of the spec take shape. Though USB is, with little doubt, one of the best thought out, reliable, and useful standards efforts in quite some time, it has not been immune to the impact of the real world. Some observed USB characteristics that may not be obvious, yet can influence power designs, are:
USB ports do NOT limit current. Though the USB spec provides details about how much current a USB port must supply, there are mile-wide limits on how much it might supply. Though the upper limit specifies that the current never exceed 5A, but a wise designer should not rely on that. In any case, a USB port can never be counted on to limit its output current to 500mA, or any amount near that. In fact, output current from a port often exceeds several Amps since multi-port systems (like PCs) frequently have only one protection device for all ports in the system. The protection device is set above the TOTAL power rating of all the ports. So a four-port system may supply over 2A from one port if the other ports are not loaded. Furthermore, while some PCs use 10-20% accurate IC-based protection, other will use much less accurate poly-fuses (fuses that reset themselves) that will not trip until the load is 100% or more above the rating.
USB Ports rarely (never) turn off power: The USB spec is not specific about this, but it is sometimes believed that USB power may be disconnected as a result of failed enumeration, or other software or firmware problems. In actual practice, no USB host shuts off USB power for anything other that an electrical fault (like a short). There may an exception to this statement, but I have yet to see it. Notebook and motherboard makers are barely willing to pay for fault protection, let alone smart power switching. So no matter what dialog takes place (or does not take place) between a USB peripheral and host, 5V (at either 500mA or 100mA, or even maybe 2A or more) will be available. This is born out by the appearance in the market of USB powered reading lights, coffee mug warmers, and other similar items that have no communication capability. They may not be "compliant," but they do function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll echo the fact that while USB as a spec isn't limited though sometimes a computer manufacturers will place a limit on it. MacBook Airs won't put out more than 500ish, for instance. The reason for that, I believe, is because Apple wanted to keep the power brick as small as possible (it's significantly smaller than the MacBook Pro's), which meant that the maximum wattage passing through the brick was limited. Since Apple didn't want the MBA to use more power than it could pull through the cord, it limited the power output of the USB ports. I've never needed more than 500 before I got the NC, so I never really cared (and I still don't).
But it is a thing.
Animec said:
Not surprising:
http://www.maxim-ic.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/3241
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And, for example, some motherboards have a feature that is a perfect example of bending the standards.
http://www.gigabyte.com/microsite/185/on-off-charge.htm
http://semiaccurate.com/2010/04/23/gigabyte-launches-charge-apple-products/
So, the HTC charger charged it from non-booting to full (ish) charge in 3 - 4 hours, and this time it didn't feel particularly hot. Not sure how or why, but this is certainly a relief
Why not just get a new adapter, they're not expensive.
Sent from my NookColor
It only shows up as a USB connection for media instead of charging. Is there anything I have to change on my N6 settings? My old iPhone charged fine.
Maybe it requires a higher ampere charger?
lude219 said:
Maybe it requires a higher ampere charger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I find out?
dinosaur1 said:
It only shows up as a USB connection for media instead of charging. Is there anything I have to change on my N6 settings? My old iPhone charged fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never had an Android phone that would charge from car's USB. Never knew whether it was the phone or the car. I can play music from USB thumb drives or some phones through the car's USB port. Always have to use the 12v charger. If your i Phone did, you might see if a "Charge Only " cable would work. That cable is a good thing to have, regardless.
wtherrell said:
I have never had an Android phone that would charge from car's USB. Never knew whether it was the phone or the car. I can play music from USB thumb drives or some phones through the car's USB port. Always have to use the 12v charger. If your i Phone did, you might see if a "Charge Only " cable would work. That cable is a good thing to have, regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send a link ? I wouldn't mind buying one.
All android phones determine whether a charger is a wall charger or a computer by whether or not the two center USB pins are shorted. If they are, then it's a wall charger, and will show "Charging (AC)" in the battery screen. Wall chargers designed for iOS devices work differently, and as such most of them will only charge Android devices at 500mA, which is the the same as a computer's USB ports, regardless of the marked amperage. In other words, a 2A charger designed for iOS will still charge Android devices at 500mA.
"Charge Only" cables are also an issue. Many of them don't actually have center pins at all. Android considers this an "open." In a "short," the resistance is zero Ohms. In an "open," the resistance is infinity Ohms. (Infinity, being the exact opposite of zero.) So, a lot of charge only cables will cause your android device to charge at 500mA.
The solution is to ensure that your charger is designed for Android. Or, buy a charge only cable designed for android. Or, buy an adapter that turns any cable into a charge only cable designed for android.
Yes, I know that's all really confusing. Here's the real deal. Find a charger and cable that works for sure (oh, I don't know... like, the one that came with the device!). Plug it in, and go to the battery screen. Ensure it says "Charging (AC)". Once that's a given, replace the cable with any other cable that you want to use. If it still says "Charging (AC)," then it's a good charging cable. If it says "Charging (USB)," then it's not a good charging cable. If you ever plug a known good charging cable into a charger, and get the dreaded "Charging (USB)," then you know your charger isn't Android compatible, making it a bad charger.
So, the TL;DR of it all: Use the original charger to test cables. Use the cables that pass that test to test chargers. Other than that, it's a crapshoot.
jt3 said:
All android phones determine whether a charger is a wall charger or a computer by whether or not the two center USB pins are shorted. If they are, then it's a wall charger, and will show "Charging (AC)" in the battery screen. Wall chargers designed for iOS devices work differently, and as such most of them will only charge Android devices at 500mA, which is the the same as a computer's USB ports, regardless of the marked amperage. In other words, a 2A charger designed for iOS will still charge Android devices at 500mA.
"Charge Only" cables are also an issue. Many of them don't actually have center pins at all. Android considers this an "open." In a "short," the resistance is zero Ohms. In an "open," the resistance is infinity Ohms. (Infinity, being the exact opposite of zero.) So, a lot of charge only cables will cause your android device to charge at 500mA.
The solution is to ensure that your charger is designed for Android. Or, buy a charge only cable designed for android. Or, buy an adapter that turns any cable into a charge only cable designed for android.
Yes, I know that's all really confusing. Here's the real deal. Find a charger and cable that works for sure (oh, I don't know... like, the one that came with the device!). Plug it in, and go to the battery screen. Ensure it says "Charging (AC)". Once that's a given, replace the cable with any other cable that you want to use. If it still says "Charging (AC)," then it's a good charging cable. If it says "Charging (USB)," then it's not a good charging cable. If you ever plug a known good charging cable into a charger, and get the dreaded "Charging (USB)," then you know your charger isn't Android compatible, making it a bad charger.
So, the TL;DR of it all: Use the original charger to test cables. Use the cables that pass that test to test chargers. Other than that, it's a crapshoot.
Click to expand...
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Yes I'm using the cable that came with my N6 to plug it into the built in USB port. I have a 2014 4Runner with the Entune system.
dinosaur1 said:
Yes I'm using the cable that came with my N6 to plug it into the built in USB port. I have a 2014 4Runner with the Entune system.
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Most "built in" car USB ports are 500mA, so will show as USB chargers (not AC chargers). Those that are higher (1A or 2A), tend to be designed for iOS devices (so will STILL show as USB chargers, unless you get a cable or adapter that has the two center pins shorted). I've yet to see a built-in car USB slot that will charge an Android device in AC mode.
jt3 said:
Most "built in" car USB ports are 500mA, so will show as USB chargers. Those that are higher, tend to be designed for iOS devices. I've yet to see a built-in car USB slot that will charge an Android device in AC mode.
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That's what I thought. Could you recommend what charger I could use to plug in to using the cable that came with the N6?
dinosaur1 said:
That's what I thought. Could you recommend what charger I could use to plug in to using the cable that came with the N6?
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That's a very hard question to answer. Chargers tend to advertise iOS compatibility, but do NOT tend to advertise Android compatibility. However, they often do advertise a specific android device. So, for example, you might find a car charger that advertises compatibility with the Samsung S5. As long as it's advertising compatibility with any Android device, it should work with YOUR Android device. Just be aware that most manufacturers don't understand the whole AC vs USB thing, so even if they advertise compatibility, it's not ensured. Just be sure to buy chargers where you can take them back for a refund if they end up not showing up as working in AC mode for your device.
jt3 said:
That's a very hard question to answer. Chargers tend to advertise iOS compatibility, but do NOT tend to advertise Android compatibility. However, they often do advertise a specific android device. So, for example, you might find a car charger that advertises compatibility with the Samsung S5. As long as it's advertising compatibility with any Android device, it should work with YOUR Android device. Just be aware that most manufacturers don't understand the whole AC vs USB thing, so even if they advertise compatibility, it's not ensured. Just be sure to buy chargers where you can take them back for a refund if they end up not working.
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Sounds like I need to search for chargers for my N6 to plug in my 12v.
Someone just posted this in another thread. It's a car charger that supposedly supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, so it'd be the equivalent of the Moto Turbo Charger for a car. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9UILUM/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_0fvAub0VPYE9B
Since that's an Android thing, it'd almost be certain to work for all Android devices.
jt3 said:
Someone just posted this in another thread. It's a car charger that supposedly supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, so it'd be the equivalent of the Moto Turbo Charger for a car. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9UILUM/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_0fvAub0VPYE9B
Since that's an Android thing, it'd almost be certain to work for all Android devices.
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Should I even attempt to try an adapter first?
dinosaur1 said:
Should I even attempt to try an adapter first?
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Normally, I'd say yes, but in this case, since you have an N6, nothing is going to compare to having a Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 compatible charger.
jt3 said:
Normally, I'd say yes, but in this case, since you have an N6, nothing is going to compare to having a Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 compatible charger.
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Thanks. I'll definitely have to buy one asap.
jt3 said:
Normally, I'd say yes, but in this case, since you have an N6, nothing is going to compare to having a Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 compatible charger.
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Stay away from a charge only cable as well?
dinosaur1 said:
Stay away from a charge only cable as well?
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Another hard question. There are two types of "charge only" cables. One that has the middle two (data) pins shorted together, and one where they're just missing (even though the pins themselves may be there... they're not connected). The former would work fine. The latter wouldn't (or more specifically, it would work, but only show up as "Charging (USB)" in the battery monitor).
Determining which is which before purchase is virtually impossible. The only way to really tell is to try it with a known good (1A or higher) charger.
jt3 said:
Another hard question. There are two types of "charge only" cables. One that has the middle two (data) pins shorted, and one where they're just missing (even though the pins themselves may be there... they're not connected). The former would work fine. The latter wouldn't (or more specifically, they'd work, but only show up as "Charging (USB)" in the battery monitor).
Determining which is which before purchase is virtually impossible. The only way to really tell is to try it with a known good (1A or higher) charger.
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I'll stick with the Qualcomm car charger. By the way can it harm the phones battery over time if I constantly use the turbo charger at home and at work and the turbo charger in my car?
dinosaur1 said:
I'll stick with the Qualcomm car charger. By the way can it harm the phones battery over time if I constantly use the turbo charger at home and at work and the turbo charger in my car?
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Nope. They're designed to use that type of charger. Technically, rapid charging may decrease battery life, but you'll probably long since have moved on to a new phone by the time you'd have to worry about that. The only caveat is that you should NEVER start your car while the phone is plugged in (on ANY car charger). When you're starting your car, the 12V electrical system in your car can experience quite a large power surge, and that can transmit through the adapter and hurt your phone. The electrical system in your car is built to withstand that. Your phone isn't. Most (quality) car chargers will have a similar warning somewhere, since it's a pretty standard warning.
jt3 said:
Nope. They're designed to use that type of charger. Technically, rapid charging may decrease battery life, but you'll probably long since have moved on to a new phone by the time you'd have to worry about that. The only caveat is that you should NEVER start your car while the phone is plugged in (on ANY car charger). When you're starting your car, the 12V electrical system in your car can experience quite a large power surge, and that can transmit through the adapter and hurt your phone. The electrical system in your car is built to withstand that. Your phone isn't. Most (quality) car chargers will have a similar warning somewhere, since it's a pretty standard warning.
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Personally would you go with the charger you listed above? Amazon also lists USB cables that my N6 came with which is model skn5004a. Should I stick with that type of USB cables for extra cables I carry while traveling, work and auto?