Like most of us, I'm trying to cut back on how much I bring. The next trip will include a blackberry, palm and digital camera--all of which come with a charger.
Any recommendations for a dual voltage universal travel charger I can use with all three of the above? I'd like to hear from those with actual experience using them.
Targus makes a number of universal chargers. I won't tell you where to get one, because I got mine at CompUSA (Ops, no longer in business). I took it back the next day because it had connectors for 40 devices, but not for the devices I had. You might be luckier.
Frank,
This might not be the answer you wanted, but I suspect it might be difficult to find a Charger that operates with all of the devices you mentioned.
The Camera might be especially difficult to fit with a "universal charger" (depending on model, of course). Both of my Cameras use proprietary Li-Ion Chargers, so there's no possibility of using anything else so I have to pack these along. Fortunately, Canon provides "travel chargers" with folding pins, so these are easy to travel with.
Good luck!
Read on the back of your chargers. If they read:
Input 110V-240V.....all you need is a plug adapter for cameras, Blackberry and cam corder.
For heating devices such as a hair dryer....you can buy dual voltage...has a dial.
I know how to tell if a charger is dual voltage. I don't need this information.
I am looking for the brand names of dual voltage universal travel converters that can be used with multiple electronic devices. I am looking for the personal experiences of people on this board who have acutally used those devices . As an example, here's one I saw advertised:
Universal Hub Charger
This one isn't dual voltage, and there might not be such a thing...that's what I'm trying to find out. Does anyone make a dual voltage universal charger? If so, and you've used it, please let me know. If you know of one but haven't used it, please let me know about it.
Frank,
One product that might fit your criteria is the www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=185 (sorry, I'm not at my reqular computer so can't do the web link this time). You'll note that it "Includes a light weight travel autoswitching AC adapter (80V to 240V AC)", as well as a car kit.
I have used the previous model of this Charger for Amateur Radio batteries (the older Charger model didn't include Li-Ion battery capability, or the display on the front).
The product seemed to work well, although at times it was a bit cumbersome to match the terminals on various batteries (the terminals are adjustable for both width and height, in order to match the spacing on various batteries). There's also a thermal sensor that has to be placed on the battery when charging, in order to ensure that no overheating occurs.
Some proprietary batteries are equipped with not only the "+" and "-" terminals, but also one or more extra terminals for voltage sensing or whatever (as determined by the manufacturer). You may need to keep a small voltmeter on hand in order to determine which terminals to attach to the Charger (some batteries aren't marked).
If you'll be using this with NiMH "AA" or "AAA" batteries, you'll need to visit your local Radio Shack store to purchase appropriate battery holders.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
Sorry, I totally misunderstood your question.
That's OK JB.....it happens to the best of us.
Ken..looks interesting. What I was hoping to find was a charger with interchangeable tips but travel size. Dual voltage, of course.
It just may not exist....yet.
Frank,
Perhaps this would work? Have a look at www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=320 (sorry, can't do a direct web link tonight). It would appear to fit all the criteria you listed. However, check the Compatibility Guide carefully to determine if they have plugs for the products you'll be travelling with.
I checked the Input voltage specifications, and it appears this device is designed for "world" operation. One point though, it may require some degree of "technical expertise" to use as the output voltage must be set via a small slide switch. You would need to know the voltage specifications of all your electronic devices.
The product description seems to be quite comprehensive, so be sure to check all the pages. There are some good photos showing all the plugs, and showing the product in use powering not only a Laptop but also a Cell Phone and MP3 Player (simultaneously?).
Good luck and happy travels!
Thanks Ken....It looks good. I'm going to try to find a retailer and ask questions. Lots of questions. Since you know more about this stuff than I do, I may get back to you via PM with questions.
Frank,
I couldn't tell from your Profile which part of the "USA" you're located in, but they do have a link on the website for "resellers".
In my experience some resellers are very knowledgeable with information on the products they sell, while others don't know much at all. Hopefully you'll find a good one.
The other avenue you might try would be to formulate a list of questions in as much detail as you want, and send it directly to APC. I've always found them to be very responsive to customer (or potential customer) questions. Nothing like getting the "straight goods" from the source!
Good luck!
Thanks again.
I think I found what I wanted...made by iGo
