Author Topic: Dodgy USB Power supplies...  (Read 7971 times)

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Offline pinchiesTopic starter

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Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« on: August 16, 2012, 12:10:34 pm »
Hi All! Thought I would start a general discussion on standard wall usb charges. I can't get enough of them, always using them.
I've had a couple over the last few years, and after seeing some scary teardowns on youtube I threw a bunch away.

I was looking for some more on ebay... was thinking of getting a genuine apple one, but then I saw the cheaper ones...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170807723778

WOW! 989 people bought this! Its got to be (sorry dave) the ducks guts!

I noticed the model number on the side: "KMS-AC09". On a whim I googled this, only to find: http://www.saferproducts.gov/ViewIncident/1219045

http://www.saferproducts.gov/Common/Pages/DisplayDocument.aspx?documentId=187090

Maybe I'll look for a different model...
 

Offline PeterG

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2012, 12:36:14 pm »
Thanks for the info.............. i had that tem on my ebay watch list........ not so interested now.

Let us know if you find a reputable 4 port charger.

Regards
Testing one two three...
 

Offline pinchiesTopic starter

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2012, 04:31:05 am »
Since I couldn't find a good 4 port, I started investigating single port USB chargers. I now have a couple:

1x Genuine Apple 5W Charger
1x "High quality" ebay charger (10W - 'iPad Charger') eBay auction: #251127757304
1x Dirt Cheap hwang low charger ("10W") eBay auction: #280919861384

I am really fascinated in their compact size, and what is the absolute minimum you could get away with for a cheap, but safe, charger.

I'm tempted to tear them down myself, but I won't be able to add much value to the intellectual discussion and testing. Perhaps I should mail them to dave?

The apple one has already been torn down by others online before, so the other two might be more interesting.
 

Offline FenderBender

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2012, 07:00:28 pm »
You could tear them down and just post pictures. Let other people do the interpreting if you'd like.
 

Offline Jeff1946

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2012, 02:29:30 am »
The USB charger that came with my Kindle is quite small, it is rated at 5V .85A and made by Flextronics.  An interesting teardown of an Apple phone charger is found at http://www.arcfn.com/2012/05/apple-iphone-charger-teardown-quality.html  Use of a flextronics technique for spike damping is mentioned.  Amazon sells these Kindle chargers for $10.   I assume they are of good quality.  I don't think is worth saving a few dollars on a charger for much more expensive electronics which might be damaged by a charger failure for example if AC jumps to the low voltage side.
 

Offline pinchiesTopic starter

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2012, 02:31:21 am »
I've seen that teardown, but I was curious as the australian ones are a different shape. I was also wondering about whether there were any good chargers on ebay, or if OEM is the only way to go (safely).
 

Offline T4P

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2012, 06:14:02 am »
Flextronics ... they are good quality, in fact i rarely see their stuff anywhere (I know they have a factory here near where i study) but i'm not sure where it's made.
 

Offline pinchiesTopic starter

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2012, 08:27:11 am »
Quick FYI: I pulled apart both ebay power supplies, the cheaper one has a clearance of ~0.8mm at its smallest point, and the more expensive one no visible clearance at all. Stay far away! Photos will come at a later date, nothing two interesting though, pretty simple circuits.
 

Offline amyk

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2012, 09:15:53 am »
I think they'd be OK if used on a surge protected power strip...
 

Offline pinchiesTopic starter

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2012, 09:23:17 am »
I think not....

"Exploded in the power outlet. Cheap Chinese garbage."
"the wall charger explode after 1 week of used :("

http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&ftab=AllFeedback&userid=wuyouguo2110&iid=251127757304&de=off&items=25&interval=365&which=negative&mPg=3&page=2
 

Offline T4P

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #10 on: October 03, 2012, 12:37:16 pm »
Exploded in the wall, wow.   :P
However, i have heard of "genuine" apple chargers blowing up without anything connected to it

 

Offline LaurenceW

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #11 on: October 03, 2012, 10:57:04 pm »
T4P, Your picture - that's not an apple, that's a mushroom, that is.
If you don't measure, you don't get.
 

Offline Monkeh

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #12 on: October 03, 2012, 11:02:59 pm »
T4P, Your picture - that's not an apple, that's a mushroom, that is.

And there I was thinking it was a Rayleigh–Taylor instability.
 

Offline pinchiesTopic starter

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #13 on: October 04, 2012, 06:06:44 am »
And there I was thinking it was a Rayleigh–Taylor instability.

I've been told I'm not allowed to have these in the house anymore, has to be outside. I can't quite remember why... something about damaging the parquetry.

In other news...

The "good quality" charger had a lump of metal inside to make it heavier. Before I bought it I asked if it was really good quality, and was told it was. I messages the seller to get an explanation.


Quote
hello,my friend
 
glad to hear from you
but sooo sorry to hear that the item does not meet your quality requirement :(
but this one we do shipped in 100% brand new,and have sold many,all work well and are very satisfied
 
well,though we are not sure what on earth the problem is
we are willing to make you a refund of 2$ and you keep it,
is that fine,my friend?
 
sincerely speaking,this one never meet any problems,and we sold at such a low price with free shipping
just hope to get your positive support and more orders in near future!
 
anyway could you pls do not leave us any neutral or negative feedback,my friend? :(
we are honest seller,we really highly value your 5 star and appreciate your kind support
 
so sorry again and waiting for your kind reply,pls?
 
 
nice day
yours
wuyouguo


They mustn't have read their previous feedback.
« Last Edit: October 04, 2012, 06:11:42 am by pinchies »
 

Offline T4P

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Re: Dodgy USB Power supplies...
« Reply #14 on: October 04, 2012, 03:30:59 pm »
T4P, Your picture - that's not an apple, that's a mushroom, that is.
 


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