Random question re packing chargers

[Gingeycat]

We are off to the mouse in August - whilst debating tsa approved luggage straps& which new suitcase to buy (any recommendations?) I wondered if you can buy 1 device that charges iPhone, iPad, ds, portable DVD & cameras? I'm fed up with taking a load with me & I've googled with no joy.
Thanks in advance

 

[paulh]

we take with us a usa 2 pin lead to plug into our chargers saves a bit of room as not having to take a lot of uk ones.
Paul

 

[flortlebap]

You mean like some sort of universal charger?

Let me know if you find anything, in the meantime ill ask OH if he can dream up a prototype, he loves challenges like that! (he's in electrics and engineering, btw, so it is actually feasible!)

 

[JintyB]

You could get a Power Monkey http://*******.com/73sxudl
The only issue with this and any universal charger is that whilst it can charge everything, it can only charge them one at a time - not ideal if you need multiple cameras/phones charged for the following morning.

 

[Elise79]

iPhone and iPad will both charge off of the iPad charger - there you go saved you one

Generally not as they all require different connectors

 

[Vixster]

Maybe everything should all be built with same connector would save a lot of space and money

 

[wayneg]

Maybe everything should all be built with same connector would save a lot of space and money

A few years ago there was talk of a universal chargeing unit for all mobile phones as millions are dumped every year when phones are replaced. Doesn't even look like they could all agree on that.

Its a pain taking all the different electrical stuff but don't see any solution.

 

[Disneymad]

When buying an ipod or something a year or so back the plug came with all the overseas prongs too that all slide into a plug unit. The cable for the plug was detachable as it was actually one of those usb thingy's which was brilliant as it means now we just have to bring all the various usb cables for each device but only have to use the one plug.

Lemme see if I can find a picture of what I mean. I didn't buy the ipod from anywhere dodgy so not sure how come I got all the prongs, but it might be that you can pick up the plug unit or various slidey in things from ebay or something.

 

[Disneymad]

I can't find the plug I have with the interchangeable prongs but did find this on ebay (there were a few from all different sellers, I didn't check if this was the cheapest, it was just 1st on the page).

It's a US plug with the usb port - so if your various chargers have use usb cables on the charger means you can just switch the cable for each device rather than having to bring each individual plug. We are able to charge our ipad and phones this way.

 

[rex008]

A few years ago there was talk of a universal chargeing unit for all mobile phones as millions are dumped every year when phones are replaced. Doesn't even look like they could all agree on that.

Its a pain taking all the different electrical stuff but don't see any solution.

That connector was micro-USB, and almost all phone makers use it now. Unfortunately that excludes Apple, who like squeezing their customers for all they can get on proprietary stuff (not a fan!).

Saying that, a plug that has a USB output is the best start, then at least all you need is cables - apple for ipod/pad/phone, micro-USB for other phones, you can get a USB->DS cable (be aware connector changed between DS Lite/DSI and XL/3D, get the right one). Camera will probably need a specific external battery charger (depends on camera, may use mini-usb, NOT the same as micro-USB). DVD may well be proprietary. All USB plugs I've ever seen can cope with 110-240V. If you search on ebay for "worldwide USB charger", you get a whole selection that have changeable plug prongs for uses around the globe.

 

[beautifullily]

That connector was micro-USB, and almost all phone makers use it now. Unfortunately that excludes Apple, who like squeezing their customers for all they can get on proprietary stuff (not a fan!).

Saying that, a plug that has a USB output is the best start, then at least all you need is cables - apple for ipod/pad/phone, micro-USB for other phones, you can get a USB->DS cable (be aware connector changed between DS Lite/DSI and XL/3D, get the right one). Camera will probably need a specific external battery charger (depends on camera, may use mini-usb, NOT the same as micro-USB). DVD may well be proprietary. All USB plugs I've ever seen can cope with 110-240V. If you search on ebay for "worldwide USB charger", you get a whole selection that have changeable plug prongs for uses around the globe.

Great advice, am adding one to my shopping list

 

[Gingeycat]

Thank you all. I've done a bit more surfing & found a company Called power chargers who let you build your own set with 1 plug & then different tips for devices. I'm not too worried about only doing 1 at a time, just trying to save space & weight for my shopping

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

you could always try one of these. It allows you to charge 2 things at the same time http://www.holidaywardrobe.com/travel-accessories-c4/travel-plug-adapters-c24/design-go-charge-it-uk-048-travel-charger-p708

 

[paulh]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...battery-chargers-reality--homes-AND-cars.html
a few years away but a step in the right direction
Paul

 

[Kath2003]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/4-port-usb-travel-mains-adaptor-383894

Bring the cables and this.
From your list, you shouldn't need too many cables. Any Apple products use the same connector, lots of cameras etc. use the same micro-USB cables now.

 

[rex008]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/4-port-usb-travel-mains-adaptor-383894

Bring the cables and this.
From your list, you shouldn't need too many cables. Any Apple products use the same connector, lots of cameras etc. use the same micro-USB cables now.

That looks like a very useful device, but it says each output is rated at 500mA. Quick Google shows the standard iPad charger can pump out over double that. So it should work, but will probably charge slower. Or the plug will get hotter. I'm not sure I'd want to use all 4 sockets if you're including an iPad or other tablet. Other than that, looks like a good idea. Quick look on ebay, and there are similar available, and some that are rated at 2000mA per socket, for less money, eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270967300034
Not that I'm endorsing the above. Although I have just ordered one. It's a clever idea. Thanks Kath

Paul - the wireless charging thing is not a few years away! Google "Powermat". .

 

[beautifullily]

That looks like a very useful device, but it says each output is rated at 500mA. Quick Google shows the standard iPad charger can pump out over double that. So it should work, but will probably charge slower. Or the plug will get hotter. I'm not sure I'd want to use all 4 sockets if you're including an iPad or other tablet. Other than that, looks like a good idea. Quick look on ebay, and there are similar available, and some that are rated at 2000mA per socket, for less money, eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270967300034
Not that I'm endorsing the above. Although I have just ordered one. It's a clever idea. Thanks Kath

Paul - the wireless charging thing is not a few years away! Google "Powermat". .

I've put the eBay one in my watched list the other day

 

[Kath2003]

That looks like a very useful device, but it says each output is rated at 500mA. Quick Google shows the standard iPad charger can pump out over double that. So it should work, but will probably charge slower. Or the plug will get hotter. I'm not sure I'd want to use all 4 sockets if you're including an iPad or other tablet. Other than that, looks like a good idea. Quick look on ebay, and there are similar available, and some that are rated at 2000mA per socket, for less money, eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270967300034
Not that I'm endorsing the above. Although I have just ordered one. It's a clever idea. Thanks Kath

Paul - the wireless charging thing is not a few years away! Google "Powermat". .

We took the iPad charger separately for that reason. But for most devices, a standard power adaptor is fine. The iPad will charge slowly, that's all. You probably wouldn't notice it if you powered down the iPad and charged it overnight.

Even if you take two plugs - producing different amps - you only need to take one Apple cable for both the iPad and iPhone.

 

[Constant]

I have a range of cables with US plugs which work with laptops, camera chargers etc. Also I made a UK 4 plug extension lead with a US plug on the end so don't need to worry about multiple travel adaptors which never fit very well particularly if having a heavy charger attached. Really useful for the cruise line. Got that tip from someone on this board so thanks if it was one of you!

I also try and keep as many USB charge cables as possible, our car has a USB socket so great for charging on long journeys which is fine for phones and apple products but camera's seem to be the most lagging behind...

 

[rex008]

That looks like a very useful device, but it says each output is rated at 500mA. Quick Google shows the standard iPad charger can pump out over double that. So it should work, but will probably charge slower. Or the plug will get hotter. I'm not sure I'd want to use all 4 sockets if you're including an iPad or other tablet. Other than that, looks like a good idea. Quick look on ebay, and there are similar available, and some that are rated at 2000mA per socket, for less money, eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270967300034
Not that I'm endorsing the above. Although I have just ordered one. It's a clever idea. Thanks Kath

Paul - the wireless charging thing is not a few years away! Google "Powermat". .

Received the ebay one, and it's nicely built. But the 2000mA rating is a little creative - that is the TOTAL rating. It does specifically state you can do a 2A charge on ONE item, or 500mA on all 4. Still, not the end of the world, and frankly not that surprising, knowing a bit about how transformers work. Useful thing.