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Question about car chargers

I have a few various car chargers that accept USB cables, attaching to various devices with a mini-USB connector. Each has its own output, from 500 mA to 1000 mAmps. I just purchased a new device (Callaway uPro GPS). Its car charger has an output of 500 mA.

Can I use one of the units with higher or lower output to charge the battery? Is the highest charge rate determined by the battery or the charger? It is a PITA to always try to find the original charger amongst all of the gear I carry. I would prefer some options!

Thanks Ken K

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Reply to
Ken
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Real automobile batteries need to have a charger that can deliver 10 amps or more; trying to use a USB port or equivalent for that function is not a bright thing to do...

Reply to
Robert Baer

Thanks for the reply but I must not have been clear in my post. My question revolves around small electronic equipment (bluettoth speakers, camera batteries, GPS batteries, etc.) that can be charged in a car. I have a collection of 5-6 of these varying in output from 250 mA to

1000mA and the question is whether I can use a charger of higher output to charge one of lower output (is there a maximum built into most devices to use just what is needed) or is that a dangerous process?

Thanks Ken K

Reply to
Ken

The major problems to consider are (1) is the connector compatible physically and electrically, and (2) is the voltage output of the (car plugin) adapter compatible with the device to be powered (eg: a 6V device but a 9V regulated output adapter). As long as the adapter can handle at least the load rating of the device, the above applies; if the device is specified to draw (say)

100mA, an adapter that can supply only 10mA cannot power the device and may be damaged if used in those conditions. However, if the adapter can supply (up to) 10 amps, then all is OK; the device will only draw 100mA and the adapter will run as if there was no load.
Reply to
Robert Baer

I think I am OK, then. The latest device is a GPS which has a draw for recharging the battery of 500 mA. I have 750 and 1000 mA adapters which match the voltage, so what you are saying is that the device which needs 500 mA for recharging will only draw 500 mA of either the 750 or

1000 mA chargers, as I read what you say.

Thanks for your input (no pun intended) Ken K

Reply to
Ken

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