Anker PowerDrive+ 4 Ports USB-C Review

I just got an Anker PowerDrive+ 4 Ports USB-C ( model A2240 ) and I figured I would do a quick blog review with some pictures.  I have used many multi-port adapters before, they are very useful if you have multiple devices.  These days everyone has a phone or tablet they want to charge plus other devices (like dash cams) typically use USB power.

Side view

This adapter didn't come with any cables, just the adapter itself.  It has a neat little red ring around it that glows when plugged in, this might just seem like an extra feature with no value but it is very handy to ensure you are getting power - I have had other adapters "back out" of the cigarette lighter port and you really don't notice until your phone dies.

Red ring ( the switch is from my power supply )

4 ports  (green = QC 3.0)

The adapter itself has 4 ports:

- Two USB PowerIQ ports for your USB devices
- One Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 port for faster charging on compatible devices
- One USB-C port for USB-C devices

 To test the charger out, I used my home made power supply ( old ATX computer power supply with an on/off switch and cigarette lighter port) to power it up.  I then connected two large battery packs (one USB, one USB-C) and a Samsung S7 Edge on the QC port.  After about an hour, I checked the adapter and it didn't even feel warm to the touch.  All my devices were charging just fine, and the S7 Edge was showing quick charge mode.

Charging up multiple devices
( S7 Edge not connected since I used it for the picture )

Bottom line: This seems like a solid car charger, even if you don't have a USB-C phone today you can still use the other ports and be ready when you or someone else has a USB-C device to charge.

Anker Product Page: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/PowerDrive%2B-4-Ports-USB-C/A2240011
Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charge-Charger-PowerDrive-PowerIQ/dp/B01G5B069C

NOCO Genius G750 and G1100 Charger and Maintainer

I have looked into NOCO chargers in the past but never purchased one until recently.  I recently saw some good prices ( Amazon lightning deals ) and ended up buying two units - the G750 and the G1100.

Here is a quick rundown of the features/specs (not a full list of course):

- Both units can charge 6V and 12V lead acid batteries and use a multiple step charging approach
- The G1100 can also support 12V Lithium-ion batteries
- The G750 is IP60 rated and the G1100 is IP65 rated.  So they have the same solid protection (1st digit, 6 which is basically dust tight) but different liquid protection (2nd digit).  The G750 (rating of 0) has no protection, and the G1100 (rating of 5) protects against "powerful water jets" so basically rain shouldn't be an issue but don't put it under water.
- Both units come with clamp connectors w/ integrated eyelets, and they have a range of adapter/cables that you can purchase.
- Both units come with a 5-year warranty which is impressive.  Assuming you keep the receipt and register the unit, 0-2.5 years is no charge and 2.5-5 years is 35% of MSRP.

G1100

G750

You can remove the screw and they end up being eyelets
that you can mount to your car battery terminals if you want

Cover on the connector, in case you decide to leave this connected to your car battery

If you aren't familiar with the NOCO units, read up on them they have some neat features ( battery recovery, diagnostics etc ).  Product info links: G750 and G1100

Once I got the units, I tried them on a 6V battery that I had from one of those kid ride on cars.  The G750 wouldn't even get started, so I put the original charger on it for a while.  I put the G750 on it again, and after a while it would given me an error light.  I figured maybe the G750 didn't have enough power to bring the dead battery back so I tried the G1100 and it also gave me an error indication.  Ultimately, the battery itself was just beyond repair - it had been sitting in the garage for a while and I didn't keep it charged (I should have gotten a NOCO unit a long time ago).

Trying to charge the 6V battery

I also tested the G1100 against a few car batteries.  Since these were cars that were used often/recently none of the batteries were dead or near dead, but as far as I could tell the charger was working.

Topping off a Optima car battery

Once I purchased a replacement 6V battery, I used the G750 to fully charge it.  One of the nice features about these units is that they work as battery maintainers.  You don't have to disconnect the charger just leave it plugged up - it will monitor the battery and top it off as needed.  For situations where you don't use the battery often, this is a great capability.

Charging the new 6V battery

Ultimately, I think the G750 is perfect for indoor / garage use to keep things like the kid ride on toys or other batteries charged and maintained.  However, if you plan to use it for cars that are outside of the garage I would recommend the G1100 due to the better IP65 rating.  Ultimately, I think the NOCO Genius chargers are very nice options and you just need to select the best one for your use.  Don't make my mistake and let a battery go bad before you decide to get a NOCO charger!