Batteries and Chargers – Page 9

Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL waterproof attachable gear storage review

REVIEW – As most active outdoor enthusiasts know, many of our personal lighting solutions still rely on replaceable or swappable batteries. These battery-hungry lights always seem to run out of power at the most inopportune times. The Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL offer a solution to carrying and keeping your batteries dry. After having my headlamp die on a recent camping trip, I ordered two CellVault XL (one rescue orange and one clear) and one CellVault (flat dark earth) to hold batteries and supplies for my camping backpack and my EDC bag / day pack.

What is it?

The Thyrm CellVault line of attachable gear storage designed to provide a safe and convenient way of storing batteries. The CellVault is design to store CR123 / AA (LR06) / AAA (LR03) batteries. The CellVault XL will also store 18650 rechargeable batteries.

What’s in the box?

The CellVault and CellVault XL arrived attached to descriptive hang cards. The CellVaults are easily removed from the hang cards by simply releasing the clip / clasp and sliding the vaults loose from the cards.

Hardware specs

CellVault

5.25″ long
1″ wide
1.25″ deep (front-to-back)
1 oz weight

CellVaultXL

5.25″ long
1.875″ wide
1.25″ deep (front-to-back)
2.05 oz weight

Design and features

The CellVault has an oval cross-section with a hinged lid and integral clip. The CellVault XL has a figure-8 cross section with a removable divider (with convenient markings to show you which way to reinstall the divider). The vaults taper slightly from top to bottom (more on that later). When attached to gear, the lid hinge faces out. The integrated clip also serves as the latch for the lid. The length of the vaults allows the clip to slip through 3 rows of MOLLE webbing (so, two loops on your vest / bag). In addition to the clip, there are lanyard loops on the top and bottom of the vaults that provide locations to attach additional gear and to give additional carry options (you can also attach dummy cords to them if you are prone to dropping things–I have not had to add them to mine, yet).

The CellVault and CellVault XL were designed around the 3V CR123 battery commonly used for tactical lights such as those from Streamlight, Surefire, and Inova. The slight taper the vaults is a very clever design feature. This keeps the CR123 batteries from falling out when the vaults are inverted (which is the normal method of opening the vaults when attached to MOLLE panels. A slight squeeze on the narrow sides of a vault releases the batteries. CellVault / CellVault XL is also compatible with AAA (LR03) and AA (LR06) battery sizes. However, the smaller diameter of these other battery types means that the positive retention system does not work for these battery types. Two AA batteries will stack in the CellVault, and four AAA batteries sit comfortably stacked side-by-side two high.

The CellVault will securely hold up to 3 CR123 batteries. Alternately, up to 4 AAA (LR03) batteries or 2 AA (LR06) batteries may be stored in a CellVault instead of the CR123 batteries. The CellVault may als be used to store fire lighting or survival supplies or medications. Small cigars may also fit.

The CellVault XL doubles the storage capacities for the aforementioned battery types and adds the option of storing up to two 18650 batteries. The center divider of the CellVault XL may easily be removed to allow bulkier items, such as keys, memory cards, or first aid / survival supplies (see below) to be stored in the vault.

I have allocated my trio of vaults as both battery carriers and an EDC first aid kit (see below). One CellVault XL is attached to my Mystery Ranch Komodo Dragon pack (to the side MOLLE loops) that I use when camping. It carries AA and CR123 batteries for my headlamp and my Streamlight Polytac 90 flashlight.

Alternate use

I removed the center divider from my second CellVault XL and converted it into my EDC first aid kit (see below). The CellVault currently carries AA batteries as spares for my wireless mouse and my small EDC flashlight. The first aid kit and CellVault are clipped into the MOLLE loops on the side of my Mystery Ranch ASAP which is my EDC / day pack. To attach a CellVault to a strap or to MOLLE webbing, just release the clip / latch by pulling the lower tab away from the lower lanyard hole and slide the clip over the strap / down through the webbing and then clip to re-latch and secure the vault.

The contents of my first aid kit are shown below. I ended up taking the tweezers out of their tube and used the tube to store a combination of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen tablets, but I didn’t photograph the new contents.

Performance

I have found that the CellVault and CellVault XL work very well for carrying CR123 batteries. They also do a respectable job of carrying AA and AAA batteries, but I need to do a little shock packaging to keep the smaller batteries from rattling around. I don’t carry these in tactical situations (I’m an idea rat and computer jockey), but the rattling is bothering me with just daily carrying between my truck and desk. The first aid kit has proved useful several times and has been restocked with bandages once (I had an accident involving a bagel and a Leatherman Wave)

What I like

MOLLE-compatible clip
CR123 batteries can be removed easily one at a time without the remaining batteries falling out
Fits multiple types of cylindrical batteries: CR123, 18650, AAA (LR03) and AA (LR06)
Can be used to store items other than just batteries.

What needs to be improved

Non-CR123 sized batteries rattle around and are not held in when a CellVault is inverted
CellVault cannot be removed from gear without opening the vault (this can also be viewed as a benefit)

Final thoughts

The CellVault and CellVault XL are excellent CR123 battery holders / carriers with many ingenious design features that enhance their function. The CellVault XL also makes an excellent EDC first aid kit, but don’t expect it to serve as your only kit for more than hikes on prepared surfaces. With a few modifications, such as adding a bit of foam padding, the CellVault works well as a AA / AAA battery carrier.

If you are looking for an elegant way to keep your lights supplied with batteries, you would be hard pressed to find a more elegant solution than the Thyrm CellVault / CellVault XL.

Price: CellVault $19.99 / CellVault XL $29.99
Where to buy: Thyrm LLC website and Amazon
Source: The samples of these products were purchased with personal funds.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers, EDC, Storage

Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL waterproof attachable gear storage review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 11, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Just Mobile Gum Slim power bank review

REVIEW – One of the very first battery banks I ever reviewed was from Just Mobile. It served me well for several years and was passed along to a friend just a year or so ago. Today’s offering from the same company offers about the same charging power but in a unit half the size, and almost a third the price. Battery tech marches onward, and the Just Mobile Gum Slim has landed in my review queue.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

What is it?

The Just Mobile Gum Slim is a highly pocketable, fast-charging battery pack for modern electronics in a slim, rounded metal case that could be mistaken for a phone on first glance.

Hardware specs

Simultaneously charge 3 devices
USB-C and 2x USB-A output
PD/QC dual-standard fast-charge
Fast charge USB-C input
USB-A to USB-C cable included
USB-C: 5V/3A, 9V/2A 12V/1.5A (PD 3.0 / QC 3.0)
Output：USB-A1: 5V 3A 9V 2A 12V 1.5A (QC 3.0)
USB-A2: 5V 3A 9V 2A 12V 1.5A (QC 3.0
Total: 18W
Capacity：10000mAh / 3.7V 37Wh
Indicator：4 LEDs

DIMENSIONS

13.85 x 7.3 x 1.5 cm
247 g
5.4 x 2.8 x 0.6 inch
8.7 oz
Material：Aluminum

What’s in the box?

Battery Pack
USB-A < => USB-C cable
User manual

Design and features

The Just Mobile Gum Slim is a 10,000 mAh battery pack that offers two USB-A jacks and a USB-C jack as output options. It can charge from all three at once, and each is metered to deliver the correct power according to the device at the other end of the charging cable. Total combined output is 18 Watts. You can also charge from the two USB-A ports while charging the unit itself through the USB-C port.

Performance

In the ten minutes, since I started this review, my iPhone 8 Plus has gone from 20% and wanting to be on Power Reserve to 34%. That’s a pretty fast recovery! I’m seeing similar speeds on other devices in other parts of their charge range. (Remember, today’s devices fast charge up to a certain level, then slow-charge or trickle charge to complete charging. The 20%-80% range is where you’ll see the fastest charging the device can handle, usually.) For such a small item (it’s about the same size but a tad heavier than the phone), it really packs a punch.

I’m also noting that the Gum Slim keeps it’s charge a long time. This was true of earlier Gum units, but I’ve noticed quite a few others that lost power when sitting idle. This speaks to the quality of materials and design.

What I Like

USB-C Charging
USB-C to USB-A cable included
18 Watts charging is amazing

What needs to be improved

I can find nothing I would improve.

Final thoughts

Battery packs are going to be with us for the foreseeable future unless we invent some type of forever battery that pulls power out of the air. Having one that is thin, powerful, and fast to recharge, as well as being flexible in use is quite a bonus. This device has taken its place in my EveryDay Carry bag.

Price $49.95
Where to buy: JustMobile’s webstore
Source The sample of this product was provided by Just Mobile.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers

Just Mobile Gum Slim power bank review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 8, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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LifeProof LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 review

REVIEW – Portable batteries/power packs are probably the type of item I have reviewed the most here on the Gadgeteer. I mean, can you really have too many of them?? This gadget category is so popular that you see them everywhere, in every shape and size. I have them everywhere myself, and I couldn’t live without them. We all use our cellphones all day long, right? And I run down batteries faster than Usain Bolt runs down finish lines. How’s that for an analogy? So what makes the LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 stand out? Let’s find out.

What is it?

A portable 20,000 mAh power pack to charge your gadgets.

Product specs from the manufacturer

Dimensions: 6.72″ x 2.96″ x .70”

Weight: 8.8 oz

Power: Dual 10,000-mAh batteries

Energy Saving: auto-stop charge technology

Quick Charge: rapid recharge saves on socket time

Survives Depth: 6.6 feet underwater for 1 hour – Charge port door must be closed

Drop Height: 4 feet

What’s in the box?

The LifeACTIV Power Pack 20, a 20-inch USB-C cable, and a small instruction booklet that anyone over 40 won’t be able to read because the text is incredibly small.

Design and function

Most portable batteries try to set themselves apart by having something that is different from other batteries in this crowded space. The LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 is first and foremost a battery for the ‘active’ person who is going to take this gadget outdoors. Hiking. Camping. Skiing. To the beach. The manufacturer bills it as water-proof, drop-proof, dust-proof, and snow-proof. You can submerge it under water, drop it in the mud or sand, even drop it from a height of 4 feet without incident.

Around the edges of the LifeACTIV you’ll find a rubberized coating to absorb the shock when you drop it. There’s a door covering the ports that is pretty sturdy and will need to be closed if you want to enjoy all that ‘proof’ I just mentioned. I did drop it from 4 feet several times and never had any issue with it not working. I did not submerge it for 1 hour (as listed above in the specs) but I did completely submerge it in water and then when I removed it from the water immediately plugged up my cellphone and it worked normally.

Under the hood, you’ll find two 10,000 mAh batteries that give you 74 watts of power for a total of 20,000 mAh. For me, that means I can charge my Samsung phone about 5 times before the battery is spent. The rapid charge feature did indeed appear to be as rapid as other rapid-charge batteries that I have, so no complaints there. The LifeACTIV also turns off automatically when your gadget has been fully charged, which is nice.

Built into the end of the LifeACTIV is a flashlight (activated by holding down the 1 button on top) that can fluctuate between a normal LED white light, a high-intensity white light, a red light, and a flashing red light. I can see how this might be very handy for those ‘active’ folks who not only need a flashlight while they are out and about, I can see how the flashing red light could come in very handy in emergency situations. But of course, using the flashlight will drain the battery. On top of the battery, you’ll find the standard 4 LED lights next to the 1 button to indicate the status of the power.

On the other end of the battery, you’ll find the small door that opens to reveal 2 ports: a USB-A and a USB-C. The USB-C port functions as both in and out charging, but the USB-A port is only used to charge your gadgets. Because it has USB-C, this battery should be popular with the crowd that has Nintendo Switchs, iPad Pros, and Macbooks. I currently don’t own any devices that use USB-C to charge, so that is the biggest downside of this battery for me right now. I can only charge 1 device at a time with the LifeACTIV. I know that will change over time because USB-C is becoming the standard, but for now, all that 20,000 mAhs of juice can only be tapped 1 device at a time for me.

Final thoughts

The LifeACTIV is ideal for those folks who are the adventurous types who need a portable battery that is rugged and tough and big enough to last for days out in the wild, but small enough to carry and stow away easily. But the price of $99 is a little on the high side, so you’ll have to see the value in having a battery that fits your lifestyle. The downside is that the number of ports is limited. So just make sure that your buddy has his own portable battery before you take off on that hiking trip.

Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Lifeproof.com
Source: The sample of this product was provided by LifeProof.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers

LifeProof LifeACTIV Power Pack 20 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm.

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The Grovemade Apple Watch Dock is tech that doesn’t look like tech

NEWS – Most charging docks available today for the Apple Watch are either too gadgety or too techy looking. The new Grovemade Apple Watch Dock is a fresh, elegant option for charging your Apple Watch. This disk-shaped charger forgoes the plastic that many chargers use for more elegant materials. The top of the dock is made of a soft and smooth natural cork. While the base is made from 1/4-inch brushed steel, giving the dock some heft, so it stays put. The design also does a great job of cleverly hiding that ugly bright white charging puck. When laid flat the Apple Watch magnetically snaps into charging position when placed on the center of the dock.

Each Grovemade dock is made one at a time by a single person who takes the product from start to finish.

The dock comes in either Light or Dark and is currently available at the introductory pricing of $50 and $60 respectively.

The black cork (Dark model) is actually hand-stained with Japanese calligraphy ink which accounts for it being $10 more in price.

For more info or to purchase the Grovemade Apple Watch Dock head over to their website.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Apple Watch, Batteries and Chargers

The Grovemade Apple Watch Dock is tech that doesn’t look like tech originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 7, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Naztech MagBuddy Wireless Chargers review

REVIEW – With Google’s Pixel line finally joining the party, most of the latest cellphones now utilize wireless charging This option can be both convenient and frustrating, but it has most certainly meant a boon for accessory makers. Dozens of new wireless charger options are now available and the list grows longer every day. Naztech is one accessory maker capitalizing on this new market with their Magbuddy Wireless Chargers. These Magbuddy chargers hold a phone in place magnetically while charging it wirelessly.

All of the Magbuddy Wireless options are priced at $59.99, which is a bit high in my opinion since there are a lot of other options out there. I reviewed the Magbuddy Wireless Vent and Desktop versions. The tech works well with both options, but the desktop version has a stability issue.

What is it?

Naztech MagBuddy Wireless Chargers allow you to wirelessly charge your phone while conveniently having it held in place by strong magnets. This is especially helpful with the car charger since you can jump in your car, pop your phone on the holder, and be on your way without fussing with cables or tricky mounting devices. The convenience isn’t as apparent to me with the desktop version I reviewed, but it’s still helpful albeit expensive. The desktop version also comes with an attachment to hold an Apple Watch, not charge the watch, just hold it.

One particular challenge with newer phones that can be mitigated with the right accessory is the lack of a headphone jack. Since wired headphones now plug into the same port as a phone’s power source, if you prefer using wired headphones while charging your phone at the same time you’re out of luck. Wireless chargers can solve this problem, and with the added benefit of magnetic mounts, these chargers become even more useful. Although, when dealing with cellphones, magnets, and power things can get tricky and design becomes a challenge. Luckily, companies like Naztech are on the case with devices like the MagBuddies.

The Magbuddy Wireless chargers work with all Qi-enabled devices or devices equipped with a Qi-Enabled receiver. The Magbuddy should be able to deliver a fast charging 10W to Qi-ready devices like some iPhones and Samsung Galaxies. All other devices, like my Google Pixel 3, will get a base 5W.

The Magbuddy Wireless chargers work by utilizing four strong magnets which cling to an included metal plate that is either placed on the outside of your phone or within a case that is no thicker than 3mm. Just above the magnets is the charging coil that transmits power to your phone.

The packaging for the Magbuddy line is pretty similar for all of the options. The product is clearly shown on the exterior along with a description of that particular Magbuddy’s specs.

I like that the front of the box opens up so you can see the actual Magbuddy unit along with the size of the metal plates for your phone. The charging unit is the same throughout the Magbuddy Wireless charger line. The only thing that differs are the mounting options, brackets, and power supplies that come with the version you purchased.

What’s in the box?

MagBuddy Vent
- 1 Magnetic Head
- 1 Vent Mount
- 2 Adhesive MagBuddy Plates
- 2 Clear Protective Stickers
- Car Charger
- USB-C Cable
- User Manual

MagBuddy Desktop
- 1 Magnetic Head
- 1 Desk Mount
- 2 Adhesive MagBuddy Plates
- 2 Clear Protective Stickers
- 1 Surface Adapter
- Wall Charger
- USB-C Cable
- Optional Apple Watch Mount
- User Manual

Design and features

The main component of the whole Magbuddy Wireless line is the charging unit or magnetic head as Naztech refers to it. This is a small little puck that holds the magnets and charging coils.

There’s a USB C port on the back of the charging unit and each Magbuddy Wireless comes with a USB C to USB A cable for power delivery.

The USB cables connect to the charging unit and then to whichever power supply your Magbuddy version uses.

The Magbuddy Wireless Vent is powered by a two port car charger.

The Magbuddy Wireless Desktop is powered by a standard USB power block.

Setup

Preparing the Magbuddy Vent and Desktop are relatively simple. Both the Desktop and Vent versions utilize a ball and socket type mounting solution.

Simply loosen the socket nut on the charging unit and pop the ball joint of the mount into place.

Both the ball and socket are made of plastic though, so do not force them too hard. Make sure the socket nut is loosened all the way before attempting to pop the ball joint in.

The Vent mount has a small clamp that has another socket nut on it to tighten the clamp on to your vent.

Both units also come with detailed instructions on how and where to place the metal plate that will hold your phone firmly to the charging unit magnets.

The metal plates conveniently have an adhesive already applied to them, which I really appreciated. Simply peel off the adhesive backing and you’re ready to mount the plate.

The Magbuddies include mounting cards to show you the ideal position for the metal plate depending on which phone you’re using. Once the metal plate is mounted, you’re ready to use your Magbuddy.

To use the Magbuddy Desktop, you must first secure it to your desktop. The bottom of the unit has a sticky-like suction cup base for this purpose.

To secure the Desktop, lift up the clamp on the base, push down hard on the unit and close the clamp.

The Desktop mount should stay in place after the clamp has closed. Although, in my testing the clamp frequently lost its suction to the table and the whole unit, phone and all, fell over. I tried it on several different surfaces all with the same result.

I feel like the overall design of the Magbuddy Desktop is to blame here. Because the arm comes up so high from the base at such a steep angle it’s inherently unstable, hence the need for the suction cup. If the arm was designed a bit differently, the suction cup might not have been necessary. Naztech must’ve realized this because they include a small round plastic sticker to adhere to the table top before mounting the suction cup base. This seems like a really inelegant solution for something that costs $59.99.

If you happen to have an Apple Watch, the Magbuddy Desktop also includes a plastic mounting arm for it.

The mounting arm attaches between the charging unit and socket nut with the use of a longer screw.

Once the arm is attached, you can hang your Apple Watch alongside your phone. The Magbuddy doesn’t charge your Apple Watch though, you still have to run a separate charging cable for that.

Performance

The Magbuddy Wireless Vent Charger worked fine for me. The mount held the unit securely to my car’s vent with minimal effort.

Every time I popped my phone on to the magnetic head it stayed firmly in place. Although I did have to move the phone around a bit to get the charger to engage. This was frustrating because my phone’s case does match the recommended thickness of less than 3mm.

I really liked that the car charger has two ports and lights up. The lights made it very easy to find in the dark.

I never got stellar charging performance from the Magbuddy, but that’s because my Pixel 3 only does fast charging with Google approved devices. The Magbuddy was able to top off my phone and keep it charged. You may get better results depending on which phone you have.

I had a similar performance experience with the Magbuddy Desktop since it’s essentially the same charging unit. I did like being able to quickly grab my phone and go, but as soon as the suction cup lost its hold I was just frustrated by the poor design and it lost its appeal.

What I like

Magnets hold device firmly in place
Charge is consistent
Well-built and engineered
Easy setup

What needs to be improved

Desktop stand unstable
Sweet spot for charger could be larger

Final thoughts

I really liked the convenience of the Magbuddy Wireless Vent Charger. The magnets always held my device firmly in place while driving and I never worried about my phone slipping off the mount. My Pixel 3 couldn’t enjoy the full 10w potential of the Magbuddy, but the unit kept my phone topped off and charged nonetheless. The Magbuddy Wireless Desktop Charger worked similarly, but the suction cup never held the unit in place for long and at such a high price, I expected more.

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Naztech and Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Naztech.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers, Car Gear, Device mount, Qi

Naztech MagBuddy Wireless Chargers review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 27, 2019 at 9:30 am.

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