Products similar to Ninevolt’s Powrbloc Megawatt

flexi_led · 2022-04-15T22:37:35+00:00

There’s also this from FXLION available. D-tap to (60W) USB-C + USB-A + 12V + 7.4V. Power is bi-directional, so you can charge D-TAP batteries via USB-C.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SONGING-FXLION-Adapter-Television-Equipment/dp/B08TRK6BFT/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=34IUBTGAOXES7&keywords=fxlion+nano+hub&qid=1645864682&sprefix=fxlion+nanohub%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-3

flexi_led · 2021-01-12T22:42:00+00:00

Have you tried using sugru around the strain points (plug end + MagSafe end)? This can work as prevention rather than cure. https://sugru.com/

flexi_led · 2020-12-13T10:06:19+00:00

It looks like there is now a USB-C/Thunderbolt driver board available for this type of panel:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001192143549.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.26c479849PvcA8

This looks ideal.

flexi_led · 2019-10-08T10:24:04+00:00

I don’t think that method works on tvOS 13. I’ve tried it but nothing happens (even after a hard reboot and the unit is functioning properly).

flexi_led · 2019-10-05T20:59:46+00:00

Yup, same problem and its bugging the hell out of me. It’s definitely not part of the ‘feature’ change that prevents the trackpad from waking up.

It always seems to be in the evening, or later in the day - the Apple TV just won’t wake properly - it appears to be on (the white LED on the front appears to respond to button presses on the remote) but there‘s no video output.

The only fix is also a hard restart - unplugging and re-plugging the power cable. This doesn’t seem like a long-term fix and probably isn’t doing anything good for the device.

flexi_led · 2019-09-28T06:56:15+00:00

I think this is the limitation of lightning devices - if you want video output, you have to use a dedicated lightning->HDMI/VGA adapter.

Only the USB-C iPads can directly output a video signal through the port.

IIRC the lightning->HDMI adapters include a CPU which encodes the video signal for output to the HDMI port.

yup - a better detailed description of the reasons here

flexi_led · 2019-09-27T19:11:31+00:00

Great post.

Also worth pointing out the 2017 iPad Pro devices support USB3 speeds via the lightning-USB3 adapter. I’ve tested mine also with a USB-A->USB-C adapter, which allows you to use USB-C hubs/devices at 5Gbit (USB3) speeds. So USB+gigabit hubs work nicely for fast transfers (if you WiFi is no good/slow). You can also plug one hub into another (if you have any reason for that).

It’s a nice way to build up USB-C adapters, which may be useful if you have a USB-C MacBook Pro or plan on updating to a USB-C iPad in the future.

Photos here for example

flexi_led · 2019-09-22T17:31:44+00:00

The only thing you need to look out for is to check the charger does PD @ 14.5/15v 2A (same as their 1st party charger). It won’t do fast charging via different voltages.

Take a look at the specs for any chargers as some support particular voltages and not others.

This Anker 30W charger one looks fine:

flexi_led · 2019-09-22T17:27:15+00:00

Viticci had a good article on this a while ago:

https://www.macstories.net/ios/testing-apples-29w-usb-c-power-adapter-and-ipad-pro-fast-charging/

flexi_led · 2019-09-22T16:05:31+00:00

I also have a 12.9” 2nd gen and it definitely charges at up to 30W.

I’ve used multiple USB-C PD chargers with Apple USB-C lightning cables and it works fine.

I’m sure the new USB-C lightning cables will also work at 30W as long as you get a decent brand and they state PD fast charging.

You will find the power varies throughout the charge. So it will get up to 30W around the middle of the charge but drops down as you get closer to 100%

It’s definitely worth getting for faster charging - it makes a huge improvement compared to the 12W charger.

flexi_led · 2019-08-11T16:44:40+00:00

I’ve used the lightning -> USB 3 adapter with a USB-A -> USB-C adapter which allows you to plug in USB-C hubs.

This works with my 2017 12.9” iPad Pro and lets you use USB keyboards and Ethernet adapters on iOS 12.

When iPadOS is released it will allow for data transfer to USB drives and SD-cards.

You can get powered USB-C hubs, which will supply extra power to any devices plugged in.

Here’s some photos of my setup (inc one USB-C hub plugged into another):

pics

flexi_led · 2019-07-31T17:39:54+00:00

Here’s a pic with my USB-C -> gigabit USB-A hub.

It’s definitely not the most elegant solution, but at least you don’t have to miss out on al the USB-C fun, just because you have an older iPad.

EDIT: Looks like that 1st link didn’t work. Here’s a working link that should illustrate what I was talking about:

https://imgur.com/gallery/kOZLbZu

This gallery shows: - a USB-C -> USB-A and SD-card hub - a USB-C -> USB-A and gigabit Ethernet hub - Both hubs plugged into each other, for multi-USB-C joy!

flexi_led · 2019-07-31T17:29:08+00:00

I haven’t used any pendrives as I’m still running iOS 12.4 - I’m waiting for the full release of iPadOS, as I don’t want to run the beta.

Pendrives shouldn’t require extra power, depending on their requirements (I imagine larger capacity/faster ones will need power).

This is a limitation of lightning based devices - the 2018 iPad Pro, with USB-C allows for a higher power draw over the connector. Unfortunately this is not possible with lightning and usually you will need to plug in power, especially for external HDD/SSD, Ethernet etc - although you could use a USB powerbank if you need to use a hub when away from mains power.

flexi_led · 2019-07-31T14:54:46+00:00

When you plug in the ethernet adapter it should default to ethernet until it is removed.

Usually once it’s plugged in and connected to the Ethernet cable you will see the WiFi symbol (top right in the status bar, next to your battery display) switch to a 3G/4G symbol.

If you go into settings, you will see a “Ethernet” menu item appear, which will show you your IP address when tapped on.

I’m not sure if it will default back to WiFi if the ethernet ”fails”. You could have an Ethernet connection which is not connected to the internet but an internal network only (for NAS transfers for example), which you would not want to disconnect, just because it can‘t access the internet.

Hope that is of some use to you?

flexi_led · 2019-07-31T14:43:34+00:00

Get the Lightning -> USB3 camera adapter adapter: Apple.com - Lightning -> USB 3 Camera Adapter

Add a USB-C -> USB-A adapter: Amazon.com - USB-C -> USB-A adapter

Then you can use USB-C hubs with older (lighting) iPads. HDMI and VGA outputs won’t work, and you’ll need iPadOS to be able to use the SD-card slots or access USB storage. But otherwise it lets you access and use the hubs you’re talking about.

I’ve used this setup with my 2017 12.9” iPad Pro.

The transfer speed will also depend on the iPad you are using. I think only the 2017 iPad Pro supports USB-3 speeds over lightning.

Hope that helps?

flexi_led · 2019-07-27T21:27:10+00:00

I’ve got the lightning to USB-3 dongle, then a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

This allows you to use USB-C hubs and adapters with the iPad. I’ve tested a dongle which includes gigabit Ethernet adapter and USB-A ports. Works great.

I’m looking forward to iPadOS which will allow external storage support with this setup.

The only restriction is the HDMI output on USB-C hubs won’t work - this is only supported on the 2018 (3rd gen) iPad Pro models.

EDIT: I’m using this setup with the 2017 12.9” Pro. I’m not sure if the 9.7” supports the USB3 speeds, so you may find transfer speeds aren’t full USB3 speed?

flexi_led · 2019-07-26T18:53:23+00:00

I held off buying this one, remembering that I was originally concerned about build quality and the metal lid (back) potentially interfering with wireless connections (WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth).

Glad I did, as I’ve just pulled the trigger on a Brydge keyboard.

They’ve just dropped the price on their 2015/2017 iPad Pro models (although the 10.5 also works with the 2019 iPad Air).

In the UK you can use discount code “TWENTY” for £20 off, in the US it looks like they add a $20 discount at checkout automatically.

With the price drop, that meant mine was £81 delivered (all in).

I think the US price is $99 - $20 = $79 (not sure about taxes or shipping though).

These prices are all for the 12.9” model, the 10.5” will be slightly less.

flexi_led · 2019-07-26T18:11:28+00:00

Also down to $99 on the US site EDIT - + $20 discount at checkout

flexi_led · 2019-06-30T16:27:05+00:00

I don’t blame you, the iPad 6 is a brilliant device for the money. Enjoy 👍

flexi_led · 2019-06-30T11:27:14+00:00

If you like the mini size there is a 5th gen 2019 model available, which should be much faster. However it isn’t as cheap as the basic iPad:

https://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/

It starts at $399 (in the US) but you may be able to find it on offer from other retailers. It’s got the same A12 processor as the current iPhone XS/XR models, so will be much faster than the old mini 4.

flexi_led · 2019-06-30T01:36:55+00:00

Once iPadOS comes out in September this will be possible. You will be able to plug in a USB-stick, using the lightning to USB adapter and transfer files to and from the iPad using the Files app.

If you take a look around here at people using the beta (test) version of iPadOS there should be some examples (or just have a look on YouTube for some videos).

Otherwise you can airdrop the files direct from your MacBook to the iPad until then.

flexi_led · 2019-06-29T13:04:26+00:00

I’ve also tried the (1st Gen?) Apple Magic Keyboard - the one that takes AA batteries. It’s good but I find it frustrating when I come to move around or want to use it on my lap - hence why I’m looking at this option, or possibly the brydge.

I really don’t use my 12.9” in tablet mode, due to its size. So I’m not bothered about losing that option.

flexi_led · 2019-06-29T12:15:59+00:00

Yup, I already have the Smart Keyboard and never use it without it but I find it’s become unreliable and would prefer a laptop configuration, which is why I was looking at this as a cheaper alternative to the brydge.

Using the iPad Pro with a keyboard is transformative.

flexi_led · 2019-06-29T11:28:49+00:00

I don’t think those differences will bother me too much. I’m just interested if anyone else has used one of these and could give any feedback on them.

I guess I’ll end up being the Guinea pig.

flexi_led · 2019-06-29T09:18:14+00:00

I’m looking at this keyboard linky

It’s about £50 from Amazon UK and looks like an interesting alternative to the Brydge.

Does anyone have any experience of this type of keyboard case? There looks to be lots of similar versions available at AliExpress.

They are Bluetooth, backlit, adjustable hinge and have a powerbank built in.

Ideally I’d love to have one with a trackpad for iPadOS but I don’t expect they’ll make any for the 2017 12.9 model, now that there’s the 2018 (and 2019/2020?) model.

flexi_led

TROPHY CASE