Select charging speed for smartphone - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PinheadBE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2020, 10:18:03 am
content: Hi,My smartphone (Samsung A70) has a quick charge ability.But some times (example, during the night), the quick charge is not useful at all.Rather than switching from one charger to another, do you know if there's a gadget out there (Aliexpress,...) that would be inserted between my charger and my phone, to allow me to select a charging speed by means of a switch ?All ideas (including DIY) are welcomeThanks

author: Datman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2020, 05:00:36 pm
content: You have to disconnect data lines, using only the two wires +5 and 0V. I don't know if you can find an adapter cable like that.Oooh! This could be an idea! (Why "condom"?...)https://www.instructables.com/USB-Condom/

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 11:04:10 pm
content: Quote from: Datman on October 31, 2020, 05:00:36 pmUmm… plastic covering on the plug, to stop the data lines from spreading malware like viruses…

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2020, 01:29:48 pm
content: I wouldn't do that, phones usually manage that themselves based on battery health, temperature and other conditions.Forcing it might have nasty consequences....

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2020, 08:39:49 pm
content: Quote from: DavidAlfa on November 04, 2020, 01:29:48 pmNothing is being forced here.Charging at a slower rate will extend the life of the battery.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 06:20:04 pm
content: Opps, yes, I understood it backwards. Yep, cutting the data lines will set it in "safe" mode, 500mA max

author: duckduck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 09:46:39 pm
content: I end up using a Qi (inductive) charger that charges slower when I am not in a hurry. I'm more interested in not charging beyond, say 70%. I end up setting a timer and take the phone off the charger when it beeps. Yes I know that iOS has the feature to "learn" when you put it on the charger regularly, and to only charge to 80%. I have considered making a device that goes in-line with my lightning cable (or USB for the Qi charger) that only charges for, let's say 10 minutes with a button press (auto-shut-off based on time). Of course, I could always just use something like in the attached image. I guess it wouldn't be too hard to build/buy/whatever a USB-powered timer with a relay.

author: PeteH
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 10:10:37 pm
content: What is more important is phone (battery) temperature when you charge and the maximum voltage you charge to and sit at....Charge current on the order of 0.5 to 1A does impact (slightly) battery temperature.... But the charge currents are still fairly low. You can charge without issue up to 0.5-1C if you manage cutoff voltage and battery temperatures...A better product would be something that could delay onset of charge (let's the phone reach ambient temperature) and cutout at say 80 or 90% SoC.Something that Android should have supported from the beginning and they still have not incorporated this in... (Lenovo laptops do this to some extent, Tesla does this in entirety)... It's 2020 and the only reason I see for not doing this is to drive battery replacements and phone upgrades?Edit: others in the thread have already brought up these points ...

author: Thomas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 11:39:27 am
content: Can't you just turn off Fast Charging in the phone menu?