Purchased the PortaPow Dual USB Power Monitor to test a portable solar panel and some cables that we recently purchased. The first picture shows how the unit was received in a plastic bag. Second picture shows the instruction sheet that is folded and enclosed in the bag. The unit was well packed in a padded shipping envelope and arrived in good shape.
The unit worked great and made verifying the output of the 2 USB ports on the solar panel a snap. The third picture shows the device display that was taken indoors and it clearly shows the back lighting in operation. Had concerns about how the display would be in the bright sunshine. The display, even in bright sunshine, was easy to read. The last picture shows the display in bright sunshine. The protective plastic film is still on the display. The instructions tell you to remove it. I wanted to test the unit first so left the protective film on during these pictures. The display is crisp and clean once the film is removed.
The unit displays basic voltage, current and a cumulative value that equates to mAh for evaluating battery pack charge capacity. That's all that was needed for the testing we did. The device specifications state there are nine memory positions to store the mAh readings. This could be useful for anyone who wants to track or compare differences between chargers and devices. The instruction sheet clearly states that the backlight will turn off automatically after 5 minutes to save power. This gives a more accurate mAh reading. Simply push the button on the device and the display will turn on again.
Did not test the device readings against any laboratory test equipment to verify accuracy of the readings. Our main use is a quick test reading that does not require high accuracy. See no reason to doubt the accuracy claims from the manufacturer. It was very easy to determine the voltage drop of some new "heavy duty" USB cables. We simply swapped individual cables between a fixed charger, the PortaPow and a battery under charge and noted the readings. A very simple test, but we were pleasantly surprised to see how the larger AWG wire used for the USB power leads in the new cables really made if difference in the charging current.
The PortaPow has two USB test ports;USB1 and USB2
USB1 -- is charge only and blocks all data transfer. This allows you to charge your device from any USB socket without risk of data hacking. The data blocking prevents downloading or reading anything stored on your device through the USB port. This is especially important when you are using any USB port that is shared publicly.
USB2 -- passes both data and charge.
The unit size was easy to hold when making cable changes during our tests and the light weight (.8 oz) makes it a very portable device. The cost was low enough that we have one in our home computer shop and carry another one for use in the RV when setting up our portable solar panel.
This product was not provided as a sample for this review, so none of these comments are influenced in any way by the seller.
UPDATE - added a couple of pictures to better show the size of the unit. Also added statement about backlight operation of the display.
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Product Description
PortaPow Triple USB Power Monitor with SmartCharge
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Clear ScreenShows voltage (V) current (A) and total current (mAh) on a large bright backlit screen which can be turned to face you regardless of how the USB socket you plug into is oriented. |
Three Output ChoicesThree output sockets: USB-A power+data, and data-blocking USB-A and USB-C sockets so you can charge safely from public USB sockets which may otherwise be infected with malware. Built in SmartCharge chip will optimise charging speed based on your device which can double charging speed in some cases. |
Twin PowerThe two data blocking sockets can be used at the same time, so if your USB socket has enough power you can charge two devices at the same time. Only 5V charging is suppoted from these sockets. The USB-A sync socket supports higher charging speeds such as Qualcomm Quick Charge. |
Memory StoreUse the button to switch between 9 memory positions, storing the total current output in each. |
Reviews with images
Easy to Use Portable Tester
Purchased the PortaPow Dual USB Power Monitor to test a portable solar panel and some cables that we recently purchased. The first picture shows how the unit was received in a plastic bag. Second picture shows the instruction sheet that is folded and enclosed in the bag. The unit was well packed in a padded shipping envelope and arrived in good shape.The unit worked great and made verifying the output of the 2 USB ports on the solar panel a snap. The third picture shows the device display that was taken indoors and it clearly shows the back lighting in operation. Had concerns about how the display would be in the bright sunshine. The display, even in bright sunshine, was easy to read. The last picture shows the display in bright sunshine. The protective plastic film is still on the display. The instructions tell you to remove it. I wanted to test the unit first so left the protective film on during these pictures. The display is crisp and clean once the film is removed.The unit displays basic voltage, current and a cumulative value that equates to mAh for evaluating battery pack charge capacity. That's all that was needed for the testing we did. The device specifications state there are nine memory positions to store the mAh readings. This could be useful for anyone who wants to track or compare differences between chargers and devices. The instruction sheet clearly states that the backlight will turn off automatically after 5 minutes to save power. This gives a more accurate mAh reading. Simply push the button on the device and the display will turn on again.Did not test the device readings against any laboratory test equipment to verify accuracy of the readings. Our main use is a quick test reading that does not require high accuracy. See no reason to doubt the accuracy claims from the manufacturer. It was very easy to determine the voltage drop of some new "heavy duty" USB cables. We simply swapped individual cables between a fixed charger, the PortaPow and a battery under charge and noted the readings. A very simple test, but we were pleasantly surprised to see how the larger AWG wire used for the USB power leads in the new cables really made if difference in the charging current.The PortaPow has two USB test ports;USB1 and USB2USB1 -- is charge only and blocks all data transfer. This allows you to charge your device from any USB socket without risk of data hacking. The data blocking prevents downloading or reading anything stored on your device through the USB port. This is especially important when you are using any USB port that is shared publicly.USB2 -- passes both data and charge.The unit size was easy to hold when making cable changes during our tests and the light weight (.8 oz) makes it a very portable device. The cost was low enough that we have one in our home computer shop and carry another one for use in the RV when setting up our portable solar panel.This product was not provided as a sample for this review, so none of these comments are influenced in any way by the seller.UPDATE - added a couple of pictures to better show the size of the unit. Also added statement about backlight operation of the display.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2016
Purchased the PortaPow Dual USB Power Monitor to test a portable solar panel and some cables that we recently purchased. The first picture shows how the unit was received in a plastic bag. Second picture shows the instruction sheet that is folded and enclosed in the bag. The unit was well packed in a padded shipping envelope and arrived in good shape.
The unit worked great and made verifying the output of the 2 USB ports on the solar panel a snap. The third picture shows the device display that was taken indoors and it clearly shows the back lighting in operation. Had concerns about how the display would be in the bright sunshine. The display, even in bright sunshine, was easy to read. The last picture shows the display in bright sunshine. The protective plastic film is still on the display. The instructions tell you to remove it. I wanted to test the unit first so left the protective film on during these pictures. The display is crisp and clean once the film is removed.
The unit displays basic voltage, current and a cumulative value that equates to mAh for evaluating battery pack charge capacity. That's all that was needed for the testing we did. The device specifications state there are nine memory positions to store the mAh readings. This could be useful for anyone who wants to track or compare differences between chargers and devices. The instruction sheet clearly states that the backlight will turn off automatically after 5 minutes to save power. This gives a more accurate mAh reading. Simply push the button on the device and the display will turn on again.
Did not test the device readings against any laboratory test equipment to verify accuracy of the readings. Our main use is a quick test reading that does not require high accuracy. See no reason to doubt the accuracy claims from the manufacturer. It was very easy to determine the voltage drop of some new "heavy duty" USB cables. We simply swapped individual cables between a fixed charger, the PortaPow and a battery under charge and noted the readings. A very simple test, but we were pleasantly surprised to see how the larger AWG wire used for the USB power leads in the new cables really made if difference in the charging current.
The PortaPow has two USB test ports;USB1 and USB2
USB1 -- is charge only and blocks all data transfer. This allows you to charge your device from any USB socket without risk of data hacking. The data blocking prevents downloading or reading anything stored on your device through the USB port. This is especially important when you are using any USB port that is shared publicly.
USB2 -- passes both data and charge.
The unit size was easy to hold when making cable changes during our tests and the light weight (.8 oz) makes it a very portable device. The cost was low enough that we have one in our home computer shop and carry another one for use in the RV when setting up our portable solar panel.
This product was not provided as a sample for this review, so none of these comments are influenced in any way by the seller.
UPDATE - added a couple of pictures to better show the size of the unit. Also added statement about backlight operation of the display.
The unit worked great and made verifying the output of the 2 USB ports on the solar panel a snap. The third picture shows the device display that was taken indoors and it clearly shows the back lighting in operation. Had concerns about how the display would be in the bright sunshine. The display, even in bright sunshine, was easy to read. The last picture shows the display in bright sunshine. The protective plastic film is still on the display. The instructions tell you to remove it. I wanted to test the unit first so left the protective film on during these pictures. The display is crisp and clean once the film is removed.
The unit displays basic voltage, current and a cumulative value that equates to mAh for evaluating battery pack charge capacity. That's all that was needed for the testing we did. The device specifications state there are nine memory positions to store the mAh readings. This could be useful for anyone who wants to track or compare differences between chargers and devices. The instruction sheet clearly states that the backlight will turn off automatically after 5 minutes to save power. This gives a more accurate mAh reading. Simply push the button on the device and the display will turn on again.
Did not test the device readings against any laboratory test equipment to verify accuracy of the readings. Our main use is a quick test reading that does not require high accuracy. See no reason to doubt the accuracy claims from the manufacturer. It was very easy to determine the voltage drop of some new "heavy duty" USB cables. We simply swapped individual cables between a fixed charger, the PortaPow and a battery under charge and noted the readings. A very simple test, but we were pleasantly surprised to see how the larger AWG wire used for the USB power leads in the new cables really made if difference in the charging current.
The PortaPow has two USB test ports;USB1 and USB2
USB1 -- is charge only and blocks all data transfer. This allows you to charge your device from any USB socket without risk of data hacking. The data blocking prevents downloading or reading anything stored on your device through the USB port. This is especially important when you are using any USB port that is shared publicly.
USB2 -- passes both data and charge.
The unit size was easy to hold when making cable changes during our tests and the light weight (.8 oz) makes it a very portable device. The cost was low enough that we have one in our home computer shop and carry another one for use in the RV when setting up our portable solar panel.
This product was not provided as a sample for this review, so none of these comments are influenced in any way by the seller.
UPDATE - added a couple of pictures to better show the size of the unit. Also added statement about backlight operation of the display.
Images in this review
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Top reviews from other countries
PinHead
USB Power Monitor V3: gadget utile, ma non solo
Reviewed in Italy on June 3, 2018
PinHead
Reviewed in Italy on June 3, 2018
USB Power Monitor si collega tramite una presa USB standard.
In alternativa è disponibile una presa micro-USB. In questo caso è necessario un cavo non incluso nella confezione.
USB Power Monitor dispone di due porte in uscita, permettendo di ricaricare due dispositivi contemporaneamente.
La porta USB1 inoltre eroga solo corrente, bloccando la connessione dati. Questa funzione è molto utile quando si vuole connettere un dispositivo da una sorgente di ricarica non sicura.
La fattura del prodotto è in generale buona.
Lo schermo molto luminoso e facilmente leggibile.
Il giudizio complessivo è quindi buono anche in relazione al prezzo.
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ISTRUZIONI
Il misuratore è in grado di mostrare la tensione e la corrente in uscita da qualsiasi presa USB o cavo micro USB. Il dispositivo mostra anche la corrente totale che è stata trasferita, misurata in mAh. Se la corrente totale complessiva supera i 1000 mA, il misuratore visualizzerà 1000 mAh.
Lo schermo è coperto da un foglio di plastica per proteggerlo durante la produzione. È difficile da vedere, ma se il foglio ha graffi è possibile rimuoverlo sbucciandolo dal bordo dello schermo con un’unghia.
La retroilluminazione si spegne automaticamente dopo 5 minuti per risparmiare energia e dare una maggiore precisione mAh leggendo. Premere il pulsante per riaccenderlo quando si ha necessità di leggere.
Collegare il misuratore di alimentazione alla presa USB del caricabatteria che si desidera monitorare o inserire un cavo micro-USB nella presa sul misuratore. Lo schermo mostrerà la tensione 'senza carico' e non mostrerà una lettura corrente fino a quando un dispositivo non sarà collegato ad esso.
Quando sarà collegato un dispositivo alla presa USB, il misuratore mostrerà la corrente, la tensione in uscita e la corrente totale che ha attraversato il misuratore in mAh.
Presa USB1
La presa USB1 utilizza la tecnologia SmartCharge di PortaPow. Questo sistema blocca il trasferimento dei dati, impedendo qualsiasi rischio di virus / hacking durante la ricarica da una presa USB sconosciuta. Può rilevare se un dispositivo Apple, Samsung o un altro dispositivo Android è connesso e scegliere la migliore velocità di ricarica di conseguenza. Molti caricatori USB moderni dispongono di questa funzionalità. È quindi utile per quei dispositivi che non lo hanno, come prese USB su computer / televisori / console di gioco.
Può aumentare la velocità di ricarica fino a 3 volte in alcuni casi.
Presa USB2
È una normale presa Data + Sync. Supporta il trasferimento dati USB 2.0 e la carica rapida Qualcomm 1.0, 2.0 o 3.0. Entrambe le prese possono essere utilizzate contemporaneamente se la fonte di alimentazione è 5 V e la corrente totale
non supera 4 A. Il trasferimento dei dati funziona solo se USB1 non viene utilizzato contemporaneamente e solo se il tester è collegato direttamente alla presa USB del PC.
Posizioni di memoria
Ci sono 9 posizioni di memoria che possono essere utilizzate per memorizzare il valore mAh. La posizione corrente è indicata dal numero in basso a destra del display. I dati saranno archiviati automaticamente nella memoria anche se il misuratore viene scollegato da una fonte di alimentazione.
Per visualizzare i dati nella posizione di memoria successiva, premere il pulsante una volta per ciascuna posizione. Dopo 5 secondi, lo schermo tornerà alla posizione corrente.
Per passare alla posizione di memoria successiva, tocca due volte il pulsante.
Per azzerare la posizione corrente della memoria, tenere premuto il pulsante per 2-3 secondi.
Note
- Se la tensione supera i 10 V, la tensione verrà visualizzata con una cifra decimale.
- Se la tensione è superiore a 15 V o inferiore a 4.6 V, il display della tensione lampeggia e il cicalino emette un segnale acustico ogni 5 secondi per indicare che il misuratore è vicino ai suoi limiti.
- Il misuratore supporta correnti superiori a 3.5 A per brevi periodi, ma non dovrebbe essere utilizzato a un valore così elevato di corrente per un lungo periodo.
- Se la tensione è superiore a 20 V o la corrente è superiore a 4 A, il misuratore si spegne. Scollegate la sorgente, scollegate il carico e ricollegare il misuratore, assicurandosi che il limite non venga superato.
Images in this review
Amazon Customer
Nifty little gadget that blocks data and shows charging voltage and current
Reviewed in Singapore on January 13, 2023
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in Singapore on January 13, 2023
Images in this review
