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For those who didn't click through everything: This devices is an adapter that cuts the data lines for a USB connection.

Such a device will most probably restrict the device (if it properly implements charging) to a maximum charging current of 100mA. The data lines are used for identifying the maximum current allowed.




According to these guys, if the data lines are shorted according to the "dumb usb" spec, you should be able to draw whatever the port can provide: http://www.portablepowersupplies.co.uk/portapow-fast-charge-...


You can stick a resistor on the data lines to pretend to be a high-power charger.


Or implement other identification mechanisms that exist or might evolve. Yes. But in the same run, that might take too much from the port you plug it in mistakingly. If you don't trust the port, you will often not even know what it is. It's probably safe to assume it will indeed give you 500mA (when it's in the device or a powered hub). What about the 1500mA ones?

That said, if one desperately needs to charge a battery, one is likely to take even 100mA. Cutting two lines of a cable doesn't seem that hard and ugly compared to a un-encased PCB, though.


What? A patched-together table is much uglier than a bare PCB, particularly with nice layout.


Depends if your use case involves coming into contact with anything conductive.




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