Question about charging phones from cig socket

[jamesgarbett]

Am I right in thinking this may be lower power than in most cars?

Sometimes I can't get my iPhone/blackberry to charge using a USB adaptor, I've tried different adaptors but it doesn't seem to make a difference

It works sometimes but not others - is it dependent on the battery charge level?

 

[Wondermike]

The socket seems to be quite deep, so it might be that you need to get it in a bit further

 

[chrisj900]

the socket should be 12v very few cars have the 6v version and that chould still be enough. i would check that the adaptor isnt limited as new phones require more power to charge. might be best getting one thats specific the phone

 

[Z4 TEX]

Push it in harder and further.

Sound advice on so many levels.

 

[Liam-O]

The z4 cigar lighter is in fact 12v whereas usbs are only 5v so no power issues

 

[cj10jeeper]

Mine charges my iPhone 4 (and previous BB's) perfectly well.
Def. a normal 12v socket

 

[jamesgarbett]

thanks all

 

[gannet]

I had no trouble charging mine - along with TomTom, iPod and other phones - all at the same time via an extension adaptor...

 

[imp75]

Have you checked to see if the socket in the car is working?

 

[a11y]

I've bought a new USB adaptor as the one I used didn't make a great connection with the car's 12v cig socket - wasn't limited to the Z4 as the adaptor didn't work correctly in my VW van or the wife's Fabia either. I'd put my money on that being the problem.

 

[thefmister]

Works great in mine. I have a dual usb adapter (with quick and normal charge) and tried charging 2 iphones at the same time and even that worked perfectly fine.

 

[jamesgarbett]

Yes the socket is working - in fact it seems to work even when the ignition is off - is this normal?

 

[ZeeFore]

Yes the socket is working - in fact it seems to work even when the ignition is off - is this normal?

Yes, that's normal.
At least, that's the way it is in mine, although I have heard that there is some variation (maybe local regs in different countries).

 

[cj10jeeper]

Then it's likely the centre point of the plug is not reaching the bottom of the socket. Some used to come with a different tip for this purpose.

If it helps vodafone sell a great little charger that fits neatly and accepts any usb lead.

 

[bcworkz]

The z4 cigar lighter is in fact 12v whereas usbs are only 5v so no power issues

Despite what portable power tool manufacturers would have you believe, voltage has little to do with power!
I know what you mean though. To be accurate, you need current and time with voltage to make power. :wink:
USB 3.0 specification says devices cannot draw more than 900mA. Available current is not the problem, making a proper connection is.
Sorry to be so pendantic, it's an affliction.

 

[cj10jeeper]

The z4 cigar lighter is in fact 12v whereas usbs are only 5v so no power issues

Despite what portable power tool manufacturers would have you believe, voltage has little to do with power!
I know what you mean though. To be accurate, you need current and time with voltage to make power. :wink:
USB 3.0 specification says devices cannot draw more than 900mA. Available current is not the problem, making a proper connection is.
Sorry to be so pendantic, it's an affliction.

Always makes me smile when I see US powerleads that look like something from the National grid to get enough amperage though at the weedy 110v compared to Europe on 220/240v

 

[bcworkz]

Always makes me smile when I see US powerleads that look like something from the National grid to get enough amperage though at the weedy 110v compared to Europe on 220/240v

No kidding! Our tea kettles take for ever just to heat a cuppa!