5v 1A Powerbank for led lighting

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33coupe

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#311596 30-Jan-2024 09:08

Hi all,

Sorry if this sounds like a basic question, I've searched on here and Mr Google isn't playing very nice.

Can anyone recommend a powerbank that is 5v 1A?
I've found a couple but they're $45 for small mah. If I'm spending $50 I'd like the option of charging other devices as well.

Here's why

I've recently acquired a tent that has integrated lighting, but when I used my current powerbank (old anker) it would only work for a couple of minutes before needing reconnecting again.
I've since found out that the tent lights require 5v 1A, but the powerbankn is minimum 2, not recognising enough draw and disconnecting.

I've seen new Ankers have a trickle charge for low input devices, but from what I've read this turns off after 2 hours.

Any suggestions or recommendations please?
Thanks in advance

wellygary

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#3188290 30-Jan-2024 09:30

5V 1 Amp is a pretty universal USB load that I would expect most power banks to work at...

I suspect that the tent lights may be drawing way less than that which is causing the problem... do you have anyway to actually check the load?

33coupe

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#3188292 30-Jan-2024 09:38

wellygary:
5V 1 Amp is a pretty universal USB load that I would expect most power banks to work at...

I suspect that the tent lights may be drawing way less than that which is causing the problem... do you have anyway to actually check the load?

Oh yep I didn't think of that thanks. I found the tent manual online and it only says use powerbank not exceeding 5v 1A.

Unfortunately I have no way of testing its draw though

mrdrifter

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#3188293 30-Jan-2024 09:42

I suspect what you need for the tent is a 'dumb' powerbank. Lot's of the newer ones I believe have circuits for charging handshake etc... that ensures they are running optimally, the LED lights won't be sending a handshake, so the powerbank will switch off. Most powerbanks will be 5v, the Amp rating shouldn't matter as long as it's above one as the LED's will only draw what they can use.

wellygary

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#3188295 30-Jan-2024 09:55

Make yourself a USB "Condom" and see if that works....

No, its not as bad as you think...

Get a USB A to USB A cable ( M-F) and disable the two centre pins (covering the copper strips with a bit of tape will do it)

This will only allow the power pins ( the edge ones) to connect,

It might help .. it might not...

https://www.zdnet.com/article/flying-this-weekend-this-6-usb-condom-will-protect-your-data-from-suspicious-outlets/

Such Data pin blockers are very useful if you have to plug into USB ports you are not sure about - ( on public transport etc)

33coupe

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#3188678 30-Jan-2024 23:13

Thanks everyone. So it seems like I either need a dumb powerbank, or one with a condom lol (or plug in something else tob keep it 'awake'

Dynamic

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#3188711 31-Jan-2024 08:21

I'm wondering if my inability to charge a Fitbit from a powerbank is the same issue. My wild speculation was that the Fitbit was drawing too little current and the powerbank was behaving as if the load was no longer connected.

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Jase2985

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#3188864 31-Jan-2024 15:59

Dynamic:

I'm wondering if my inability to charge a Fitbit from a powerbank is the same issue. My wild speculation was that the Fitbit was drawing too little current and the powerbank was behaving as if the load was no longer connected.

i find i have to push the button on the powerbank to show its charge status, which then starts the charging on the fitbit and it keeps charging after that.

33coupe

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#3189010 31-Jan-2024 22:50

I can confirm that the load from the tent lights is too low for the power bank and thus it disconnects.
I plugged in my phone to the other USB port on the powerbank and the tent lighting didn't disconnect.

Now I'm wondering if I should try a USB condom/data blocker, or try and find a not so smart powerbank?
Anyone have an old one collecting dust somewhere?

Bung

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#3189016 31-Jan-2024 23:35

This thread provides some background to the problem.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/powerbank-keep-alive-to-power-low-current-5v-devices.4065/

Your low current load probably has no data connection so data blocking wouldn’t achieve anything.

33coupe

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#3189128 1-Feb-2024 10:30

Bung:
This thread provides some background to the problem.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/powerbank-keep-alive-to-power-low-current-5v-devices.4065/

Your low current load probably has no data connection so data blocking wouldn’t achieve anything.

Thanks I did wonder that.
It seems like a lot of people modify or create their own power banks to solve the issue.
Not having the tools (or time to do another project) I would like to try and find an easier solution.

Just an idea, would something like this work (USB led), or will it still too be too low draw and create same problem?

https://www.temu.com/nz/mini-usb-light-led-modeling-car-atmosphere-light-neon-light-car-interior-light-car-decoration-lighting-7-light-colors-g-601099513634488.html?thumb_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.kwcdn.com%2Fproduct%2FFancyalgo%2FVirtualModelMatting%2F84f9387189d40eb9eb584b9ebff10a60.jpg%3FimageView2%2F2%2Fw%2F500%2Fq%2F60%2Fformat%2Fwebp&_web_cover=thumb_url&pic_h=800&pic_w=800&spec_gallery_id=14669674&refer_page_sn=10009&refer_source=10001&freesia_scene=2&_oak_freesia_scene=2&_oak_rec_ext_1=MTM1&_oak_gallery_order=1488220838%2C1755498622%2C1606704842%2C37928769%2C237009924&refer_page_el_sn=200049&from_rec=1&enable_cache=1&_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_sub_channel=search&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_login_type=Google&_x_ads_account=7437832623&_x_ads_set=20026273874&_x_ads_id=147932131386&_x_ads_creative_id=656053180512&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=CjwKCAiA_OetBhAtEiwAPTeQZ2NRZCayWIBQGpq6azqO8jnjICqQ5Tru2ORX7Gtwsj5TGKID9RcBARoCO34QAvD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=e&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=CjgKCAiA2eKtBhAEEigAf5UgYkA5rVM_GGOTlVBXNAg5bYuAoopsKHKu8P9xbVZPEcIkhG7AGgIqVw&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICHabp9sb4DUtewQ0l2fN8oYt&_x_ns_keyword=temu&_x_ns_targetid=kwd-4583699489&_x_ns_extensionid=&_x_sessn_id=g2t8kxxwbf&refer_page_name=search_result&refer_page_id=10009_1706723129989_3qdht6p2d4

Bung

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#3189204 1-Feb-2024 11:39

Who knows? It looks to be run on a usb charger stuck in a 12v cigarette lighter socket so wouldn’t necessarily have any consideration for powerbank use.

This looks like something that could be covered in one of the Candlepower forums.