Can't charge my iphone in my car.. ARGH!

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gogokr431

77 posts

Master Geek

#107167 8-Aug-2012 11:08

I have bought two USB-car chargers so far to charge my iphone in my car but none of them works!!!

First one was looks like this,

I bought a belkin iphone accessory pack, and it came with it.
When I use this charger, my iphone would say it's charging- battery icon popping up. But then about 30seconds later it would turn on the light on by itself indicating that it has been disconnected. 30 seconds later, it's charging.. repeat..

The accessory pack was really cheap and I thought I have received a faulty one..

So I bought this last night!

I plugged my iPhone cable to the USB slot and nothing happens...
Nothing at all. No response from the iphone.

When I inserted my old charger to one of the three slots, it had the same result as just plugging it in to the ciggarate slot directly.. So maybe the USB slot is just faulty??

I can't believe I have to buy a third charger to plug it into the second charger I bought..

WTF is this!?! am I doing something wrong?

can you not charge an iphone 4S with 5v 500ma ??

trig42

5811 posts

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#669522 8-Aug-2012 11:17

Have you tried using a different USB to Dock connector cable? Maybe the one that came with the Belkin Kit was faulty.

I bought a Cig Lighter to USB socket doodad and a USB to Apple Dock Connector cable from the $2 shop (or similar) - about $10 all up, and it works fine. I do notice that the Cig Lighter to USB thing does get hot, but the cig lighter socket is used to hotter things than that.

gogokr431

77 posts

Master Geek

#669526 8-Aug-2012 11:20

trig42: Have you tried using a different USB to Dock connector cable?

Hey there, thanks for the reply, I tried it with other iPhones and other cables.. Same problem.

Do you know how much output your charger has??

trig42

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#669535 8-Aug-2012 11:30

I think it is 500mA. Will check when next in my car though.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#669540 8-Aug-2012 11:40

We use JACKSON USB Car Chargers at work for iPhones, iPads, Androids etc with no hassles....

Input 12-24VDC cigarette lighter plug
Output 1x 5VDC at 750mA USB outlet

Sure its not your cigarette socket thats at fault...

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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gogokr431

77 posts

Master Geek

#669545 8-Aug-2012 11:43

Sure its not your cigarette socket thats at fault...

... i hope not.

i better checkout my fiance's car after work :(

BlakJak

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#669550 8-Aug-2012 11:55

I have an actual car charger floating around which always worked fine. I never really considered 'USB-for-power' ports to be particularly reliable anyway....

No signature to see here, move along...

hairy1

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#669564 8-Aug-2012 12:32

Get one of these from DealExtreme:

http://dx.com/p/car-cigarette-powered-dual-usb-charging-adapter-charger-for-ipad-iphone-3g-4-psp-cell-phone-black-101870?item=1

I have a couple and they work well with my Androids. The key thing is to make sure they are 1 Amp chargers. I have a 500mA one and it doesn't work.

Cheers, Matt.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

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Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

hairy1

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#669565 8-Aug-2012 12:33

This is the other one I have:

http://dx.com/p/stylish-car-charging-adapter-usb-cable-set-for-iphone-3g-3gs-4-ipod-black-12-v-57120?rt=1&p=2&m=3&r=2&k=1&t=1&s=101870&u=57120

Both work equally as well.

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ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#669566 8-Aug-2012 12:35

for iPhone charging 3G and up at the fastest speed...

1. Make sure it's 1Amp
2. crack it open and short together the two data terminals (the middle ones)
3. Profit!

This makes it look like a fast-charging port.

scuwp

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#669572 8-Aug-2012 12:38

I have both versions similar to what you have shown and have no issues.

My money is on something dodgy with the car socket and/or car power supply. Some of those cigarette lighter sockets can be a bit sensitive IME. Slightest bump and they will disconnect.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

gogokr431

77 posts

Master Geek

#669589 8-Aug-2012 13:08

okay, just checked with my workmate's car during lunch time and same result..

so it IS the charger that's not working..

any thoughts?

i mean, did anyone actually successfully charge their iphone 4s with a 5v 500ma charger?

ubergeeknz

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#669591 8-Aug-2012 13:14

i mean, did anyone actually successfully charge their iphone 4s with a 5v 500ma charger?

You should be able to with the right resistor network:

http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/icharge.html

But it will take a long time and much mucking about. Better to get a 1A charger.

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#670204 9-Aug-2012 17:50

See if you can find a car charger for the Samsung tablets, they're 2A output.

May still need the fast-charge mod though.

@KnightNZ