Use USB-C PD to power non-USB-C devices with VFLEX - My Thoughts

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thanks to Werewolf for the free products. I was not required to write a review and did not give the company a chance to review my blog post prior to posting it. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently ran across a giveaway on Reddit ( r/UsbcHardware ) for a product called VFLEX.  For the giveaway, they were giving one of the "base" units and a DIY adapter - you just had to pay shipping which I was happy to do.  I reached out to the company and they decided to throw in some extra items.

So first, let's get to the main product.  There are two key aspects:

• VFLEX Base: A small adapter that basically negotiates the voltage you ask it to using the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) protocol.  Of course this means the power source, the VFLEX base and the power supply have to support the voltage you are requesting.
• Adapter cable: The swappable cable can support many types of barrel plugs, and they have one with +/- level terminals for DIY situations.

Nifty little storage case with 3 base units

Various barrel plugs and the DIY adapter

So how did I test it?  Here was my generic approach:

• Using an Android app, I configured the target voltage on the base unit.  It seems other options (iOS, iPadOS, MacOS and web) are supported to configure the base unit.  Most of the devices I tested used 12V, but I did test other voltages.  
• I connected the VFLEX adapter (and a USB-C power/volt meter) to the power supply to confirm the correct voltage was negotiated.
• I connected the appropriate adapter cable to the base then plugged it into the device.

Below is the list of devices I tested and any notes

• GL-iNet Marble (GL-B3000) home wireless router
• GL-iNet Flint 3 (GL-BE9300) home wireless router
• Dell Latitude 5590
• The laptop requires 19.5V. While this voltage can technically be negotiated exactly using PPS (Programmable Power Supply), my specific power source was limited to fixed voltage rails, so I configured the VFLEX for 20V. While the VFLEX negotiated 20V successfully, the laptop limited current to ~1A. This seems to be a known Dell behavior; their laptops look for a proprietary signal from the original power brick’s ID pin. Without it, the laptop throttles charging speed as a safety measure. Verdict: Not a VFLEX limitation, but a Dell quirk to keep in mind.
• Fujitsu Lifebook E546
• BMAX B1 Mini (mini pc)
• 12V DC brushless fan (old PC case fan) at 5V and 12V using the DIY adapter
• External 2.5" USB HD enclosures ( Inateck FE2007 and one other model )
• Blood pressure monitor (which was handy because the batteries were dead and I didn't have spares handy)

BMAX B1 Mini PC

GL-iNet Flint 3 router running from a battery pack

Fan connected to the DIY adapter

Ultimately, I was able to power every device I tested with no issue.  While the Dell laptop test didn't pull enough current, it seems to be due to how Dell handles their power adapters so I don't see it as a VFLEX limitation.

So bottom line, the VFLEX product is a great way to use USB-C power for devices that don't normally use USB-C power.  Why would you need this?

• Reduce the amount of power bricks you take on travel or to remote work locations
• Power devices from your car (or USB battery bank)
• Replace damaged or missing power adapters

Also based on some high level research of my own, I wanted to share some insights on voltages you can get based on the USB PD protocol (but it also depends on what the power source allows).  I just focused on voltage but you also need to consider current for high current loads (seems 3A or lower is general supported).  Consider this unofficial and do your own research to verify as needed.  Always double-check your device’s requirements before plugging it in. Sending higher voltage than a device can support can result in a very bad day!

• USB PD 1.0 supports 5V, 12V and 20V
• USB PD 2.0 supports 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V
• 12V not required but optionally supported as a fixed voltage profile
• USB PD 3.0 supports 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V
• (Optional) 12V fixed voltage profile
• (Optional) Programmable Power Supply (PPS) supports 3.3V to 21V
• USB PD 3.1 supports 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V
• (Optional) 12V fixed voltage profile
• (Optional) PPS supports 3.3V to 21V
• (Optional) Extended Power Range (EPR) adds 28V, 36V and 48V.  EPR with Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) can support a range from 15V to whatever max is supported (28V/36V/48V) based on current.

Remember, the information above is just on the protocol you will need to check the specifications of your specific source to determine what it can support.  Also, it is important to note that any device you connect will get 5V power until the correct voltage is negotiated (or it will stay at 5V) but most devices can handle undervoltage.

This is a full list of what was sent to me:

• VFLEX Starter Kit
• 9 different adapter cables with various barrel plug sizes.
• Note: On their website you can buy multiple adapters in a pack (Adapter Pack 1 and Adapter Pack 2), but most of my devices used an adapter from Pack 1.
• 3 base units
• A super handy storage case with 2 compartments so the cables fit nicely in the bottom
• DIY Adapter
• A tiny 30W single port charger
• Supports 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V with a variable PPS range of 5V to 16V
• A dual port 70W charger which was way smaller than I expected
• Supports 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V with a variable PPS range of 5V to 11V
• 10000 mAh magnetic charging bank that works great on my Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Supports 5V/9V/12V with a variable PPS range of 5V to 12V

Battery pack on my Pixel 9 Pro XL with UAG magnetic case

Bottom line: If you’re looking to declutter your "drawer of random power bricks" or want a way to power non-USB devices from a USB-C PD source, the VFLEX is an elegant solution. Whether you’re a hobbyist using the DIY terminals or a traveler trying to pack light, this belongs in your tech bag.  Grab the base + DIY adapter giveaway option (if it is available) and toss in "Adapter Pack 1" as a good start or just go all-in with the VFLEX Starter Kit.

Werewolf page: https://werewolf.us/

VFLEX Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tundralabs/vflex

VFLEX + DIY Adapter: https://werewolf.us/products/vflex-diy-adapter

RAVPower PD Pioneer 65W 4-port Desktop Charger ( model RP-PC136 ) Review

I recently purchased a RAVPower PD Pioneer 65W 4-port Desktop Charger ( model RP-PC136 ). It just came with the charger itself and the power cable (detachable) but most people will have the cables they need so the fact it doesn’t come with cables is fine.

For a size comparison, it was about the same size as two portable wall chargers that I have: a 1-port USB-C 60W charger and a 2-port USB-A/USB-C 65W charger.  The fact I am able to get 4-ports for something that is still small enough to travel with was nice.

Charger and power cable

2x USB-C and 2x USB-A

Size comparison: 2-port charger on left, this product in the middle, and 1-port charger on right

Size comparison: 1-port charger on left, this product in the middle, and 2-port charger on right

To test the charger, I used various devices and a USB-C volt/amp meter to help track what was going on.  The numbers I use are just an estimate for watts, I wasn’t focused on accuracy I just wanted a rough idea of how the charger acted with various devices.

Test scenarios and outcomes:

- Lenovo Chromebook C330 connected alone on USB-C was charging around 14.5V / 2.07A, basically 30W.

- Lenovo Chromebook Duet connected alone on USB-C was charging around 8.52V / 2.39A, basically 20W.

- Samsung S9+ connected alone on USB-A was charging around 8.9V / 1.5A, basically 14W (fast charge mode).  

- RAVPower 26800 mAh battery pack connected alone on USB-A was charging around 4.86V / 1.81A, basically 9W.

- Putting both Chromebooks on the charger dropped the Duet to 16W, and the C330 stayed at 30W which was expected based on the product info.

- Putting both Chromebooks and the S9+ all at the same time dropped both Chromebooks to 16W each (as expected based on the product info), and the S9+ was charging at around 13W.

- Putting all 4 devices (2 Chromebooks, S9+ and the battery pack) left the Chromebooks with 16W each, S9+ around 8.6W and the battery pack at 10W.

I didn’t have any devices that pulled over 30W, so I wasn’t able to really max it out but the fact it was able to charge multiple devices without issue was nice.  I did notice that the USB-A ports could charge above 5V (supporting QC) but only if you were using one of the USB-A ports.  If you used both USB-A ports, they were limited to 5V.  After the fact I looked at the product info on the RAVPower site and saw this was reflected in the information.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Compact: This wasn’t much bigger than two different wall chargers that I have, and those were just one and two port chargers (both supported USB-C PD).  This charger had 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports.

Compatibility: It was nice that the charger supported PD on the USB-C ports and QC on the USB-A ports.

Bottom line: Great 4-port desk charger that is also compact enough for travel.

MakerHawk (Keweisi) USB-C meter Review

I recently purchased a MakerHawk USB-C test meter ( back of the device says Keweisi model KWS-1802C ) for a product review. The device comes alone, no cables or anything which is fine.

I don’t know if the average user would have a need for such a device, but since I like to play around with technology and post on my blog I figured it would be a nice addition to my toolkit.  I already have a USB-A to USB-C cable with a built-in V/A display, and a USB-A to microUSB cable with built-in V/A display but I didn’t have anything for USB-C to USB-C.

The charger shows voltage, amps, time charging, watts, mAh and temperature.

To test the charger out, I tried various things:

- Tested a Choetech and Inateck USB-C PD charger against various devices ( two Chromebooks and a Samsung S9+ ).  I saw a range of voltages from 5V on the S9+ all the way to 15V from my Lenovo Chromebook C330.

- I tested a RAVPower powerbank with my Lenovo Duet.  It was interesting because I was able to have the Duet charge the powerbank, and also have the powerbank charge the Duet.  In both cases, the meter property showed the direction of flow.

- The highest voltage was when I was charging the RAVPower powerbank, it was almost 20V (about 30W) which seems to be the max charging input.

Here are some product pictures:

Some of my equipment

The MakerHawk shows the USB-C measures,
and the Choetech shows the voltage on the USB-A.

Chromebook Duet is charging the battery pack
(arrow shows current flowing out)

Battery pack is charging the Chromebook Duet
(arrow shows current flowing in)

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Easy to use: Just plug it in and use it, nothing special

Reversible: It measures flow in both directions, so you can plug the meter into your charger or the device being charged.

Budget friendly: Very inexpensive little gadget to help you with any testing you need to do.

Bottom line: Neat addition to the toolkit of anyone that is into technology.

Goodock USB-C to HDMI Adapter Review

I recently purchased a Goodock USB-C to HDMI adapter.  The package just included the adapter itself with no brand specific logo on the package or device.  The adapter has a USB-C plug/cable (for connecting to your phone), a HDMI port, a USB-A port and a USB-C port (for connecting power to the adapter which also charges the phone).

Adapter

Right to Left: USB-C Power, HDMI and USB-A

The adapter is marketed for specific devices such as the Nintendo Switch, Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus/Note 8, Macbook, ChromeBook, Dex Station.  The part that really caught my attention is the adapter was marketed as being able to put the Samsung S8/Note 8 into the DeX mode in addition to the normal screen mirroring of most HDMI adapters support.

USB-C to HDMI -> HDMI to VGA -> VGA monitor

As soon as I got the adapter, I started to play around with it.  I had a Samsung S9 Plus, a HDMI to VGA adapter, USB-C power supply and a Dell computer monitor that I used for my test setup.  Based on my initial tests here is what I noticed:

1) If you connect the adapter to the phone, but do not connect a USB-C power to the USB-C to HDMI adapter, it seems to only work in mirror mode.

2) Once you connect power to the USB-C to HDMI adapter, it goes into DeX mode.

3) If you do not connect a USB mouse, the phone screen will turn into a pad that you can use to control the mouse.  Once you connect a mouse, the screen just goes dark.  For my test setup, I used a USB keyboard (that has two built-in USB ports) and a wireless mouse (receiver plugged into the ports of the USB keyboard).

4) There were a few random disconnects but they were very quick.  I am not 100% sure I can blame it on the USB-C to HDMI adapter, since I also have a HDMI > VGA adapter in my setup, but I never had this issue using the same HDMI > VGA adapter with my Raspberry Pi so it was probably the USB-C to HDMI adapter.

The DeX mode is pretty cool.  I am not going to go into all the expected features, because you can probably find other websites / reviews with details or just read the Samsung info ( http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-dex/ ).  I will share a few high level things I noticed so far using DeX:

Some of the applications seem to open in a window that basically looks like it would on your phone, but others (such as Chrome) allow you to resize the window.  Using Chrome on DeX was very similar to using Chrome on a computer.  I also liked the fact you can have multiple windows open - for example Chrome and another application.  Using Google Play Movies, I was able to put a movie on full screen.  I did run into a few application that would not run at all, but none were apps I felt that I would have missed - and of course they are still usable on the phone when you leave DeX mode.

While you are in DeX mode, the device is still works as a phone.  I was able to receive and send text messages, and answered a test call just fine.  If most of your computer apps are web based or available in Android, I think DeX is a great way to leverage the power of your existing smartphone.  I wrote this blog post in DeX mode, and really after using it for a while you just feel like it is a normal computer.

At the end of the day, I don't know if I will find DeX mode to be useful or just a neat gimmick but either way the Goodock adapter is much cheaper than the official Samsung options and is a great way to play around with the capability.  Even if you don't like DeX mode, the adapter supports screen mirroring.

Bottom line: If you are interested in playing with DeX mode, then this Goodock adapter is a great low cost option.  Just keep in mind, you may see random disconnects.

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074ZP5Q51

Choetech USB Type-C to HDMI Cable Review (Model XCH-1201BK)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free in a giveaway. I was not required to write a review, but I chose to do so since the product aligns with my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a Choetech USB Type-C to HDMI Cable Review (model XCH-1201BK) in an online giveaway.  The company Choetech has many different adapters, so make sure you look at the various options to determine which works for your intended use.

Carrying case

Cable and open carrying case

The cable itself came in a nifty little round case that has enough space to hold another small cable or maybe a memory card making it a useful carrying case.  The cable itself has a USB-C plug on one side, and a HDMI connector on the other side.  You can read all the details on the company or Amazon page ( links at the end of this post ) but here are some key points:

- Supports 4K @ 60Hz resolution
- Support DP Alt Mode ( NOT MHL or Slimport, make sure your device is compatible )
- Does not charge your device while playing video, but Choetech does have other adapters with that option

To test the cable, I connected it to my HDMI TV and my Samsung S9 Plus.  The video immediately came up on the TV, then I proceeded to test multiple video applications:

- Google Play Movies
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Crackle
- Movies Anywhere
- Hulu
- Tubi TV
- PUGB Mobile

All the applications displayed on the TV with no problem.  I didn't get any error messages or warnings from the movie apps.  I don't remember the exact adapter, but I know that in the past I would run into issues using HDMI adapters ( MHL or Slimport I can't remember which ) because certain applications would not output video.  I think this was some sort of security related feature, so I was happy to see that this Choetech adapter worked just fine.

I plan to continue testing the adapter, including watching a full movie or multiple TV episodes to see if I run into any issues and will update my review as necessary.

Here are the main points I noticed about the adapter:

Built-in HDMI connector: You don't have to carry around a bunch of extra cables, just this one adapter that can plug into the HDMI input that most TVs / projectors have.  I do have a HDMI to VGA adapter (for a computer monitor) that had a male HDMI connector so I couldn't plug it into this cable, so depending on your scenario you may want to consider other Choetech options.

Angled connector: If you are going to use this with a smartphone, the connector will help keep the cable out of the way if you are holding the phone.  It should also help keep the plug tidy coming out of a laptop since you can run it along the side of the laptop instead of just sticking out.

Easy to use: On the Samsung S9 Plus there was no special software or configuration required, it worked as soon as I plugged it in.

Bottom line: Great USB-C to HDMI option to consider, and if this isn't exactly the right one for you Choetech has other options.

Choetech Product Page: https://www.choetech.com/product/usb-c-to-hdmi-nylon-braided-cable-4k-60hz.html
Amazon Product Page: http://a.co/4yy2Nbg

Inateck USB-C Wall Charger Review (Model UCC1004)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck USB-C wall charger ( model UCC1004 ) for a product review.  In addition to the wall charger itself, the package came with a long ( approx 6ft ) USB-C to USB-C cable.

Charger and USB-C cable

The wall charger itself was much larger than my factory Samsung S9 Plus charger.  The larger size makes sense because the Inateck charger supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) at a max of 60W for a range of voltages (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V) up to 3A.

Folding plug

For my first test, I used the charger on a 26800 mAh battery pack that was at 2 of 4 LEDs charge level.  After about 3 hours, the unit was fully charged.  Using the stock Samsung S9 Plus charger on the same battery pack was much slower.

I also tried the charger on my Samsung S9 Plus, and compared it to the factory charger.  Here are the numbers I came up with:
- Inateck charger.  Charged from 49% to 98% in 55 minutes.  Approx 53% per hour.
- Samsung S9 Plus factory charger.  Charged from 60% to 100% in 61 minutes.  Approx 39% per hour.

Based on both tests above, it seems clear that this charger can provide faster charging over factory chargers that normally come with your smartphone.

Left: Stock S9 Plus charger
Right: Inateck charger

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Travel friendly: Charger has a folding power plug, making it travel friendly.

Long cable: The charger comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable that is approx 6ft long.

Device support: Support USB PD 3.0, up to 60W so it can work in devices like laptops / tablets that require more power than a standard wall jack.

Bottom line: If you have a device that requires USB PD this is a great charger to consider, but even devices that don't require PD could potentially benefit from the charger.

Inateck Product Page: https://www.inateck.com/inateck-ucc1004-black.html
Amazon Product Page: http://a.co/b17Td7o