Is it possible to charge a power bank from a computer? Rules and troubleshooting if charging the Power bank goes wrong

Using a mobile charger is an excellent solution for a long trip or outdoor recreation. In order for the capacity to last for a long time and to be able to constantly recharge gadgets, you need to know some of the features of charging and using an external battery. Power bank are built on the basis of Li-Ion batteries, taking into account the properties of which, you can extend the life of the equipment.

Features of Power Bank charging

1. Regardless of the charge level when purchasing, fully charge the external battery immediately. At the same time, it is better not to disconnect it from the network quickly, after reaching the 100% mark. The process when the battery is charged, but is still connected to the network for some time and is powered by a weak current, is called “trickle charging” and is considered correct.
2. To achieve maximum capacity, completely discharge and charge the battery 3-4 times. This method suitable when you begin to notice that the device begins to lose charge faster.
3. Regardless of whether you charge from the adapter from the outlet, or from USB port computer, use only original chargers, paying attention to the amperage indicated on the battery and charger: they must match. As a rule, these values ​​can be found in instructions or in product cards of online stores, for example, here http://www.moyo.ua/acsessor/acum/accu_univers/.

Correct use of devices

To extend the life of your external battery, try to always charge it to 100%. For Li-Ion batteries, the absence of memory effect is stated, but practice shows its minimal presence in phones, tablets and external chargers. Constantly completely discharging to 0% negatively affects the battery; make it a rule to connect power to the device when the level drops to 10-20%. It is recommended to perform a complete discharge once every couple of months - to reset the charge limit. For prevention, you can calibrate the battery from time to time. When you know that the battery will lie idle for the near future, it is better that it has about half a charge. Storing a charged or discharged battery will also reduce its life. Make sure that the Power bank does not overheat either in the sun or when exposed to other factors, or while lying down while charging.

In order to be able to use your favorite gadget without worrying about the lack of an outlet nearby, choose an external charger with a larger battery capacity and follow simple operating rules. This will significantly increase the quality and service life.

For those who recently purchased an external battery, we have prepared special material. Despite the fact that the principle of operation of the “bank” is quite clear, it still has its own nuances)

Let's start our conversation with the fact that an external battery is, first of all, a piece of equipment, therefore, like any other piece of equipment, it wears out over time and its service life decreases. It will not be possible to extend the life of the battery forever, because... after about 2-3 years of use, it will slowly begin to die, the process of natural loss of power will begin, this process is irreversible and inevitable for all batteries (all external batteries go to heaven, only fakes go to hell).

However, in this article we will look at several ways on how to delay the moment when you have to say “bye” to the battery and bitterly send it for recycling.

1. After purchasing an external battery, you should completely discharge it., and then charge to 100%. After the indicator shows that the power bank is fully charged, there is no need to rush to remove it from the socket; there is so-called “trickle charging” - charging with a very small current. We advise you to keep the gadget plugged in for a while or use a special measuring device that determines the input current (although there is little point in this).

You need to do this operation 3-4 times. “What is this for?” - you ask - in order for your battery to gain maximum power. It is necessary to do a sort of “break-in” of the battery. Imagine that you are woken up in the morning and asked to go for a run: it is unlikely that you will sprint right away - just like the battery needs to wake up. Also, if in the future the Power Bank begins to discharge faster than usual, it is worth repeating this cycle of 3-4 repetitions and thereby rewriting the battery statistics.

2. Charge your batteries up to 100%! Try never to stop charging prematurely - only after the battery is 100% charged. And following common sense, why would you carry an under-battery?

3. If you do not plan to use an external battery for a long time - discharge it by about half.
Storing a battery in full combat readiness (as well as a completely discharged one) is harmful to it and significantly reduces its service life.

4. Avoid overheating the PowerBank- both during charging and from external factors (heating battery, direct sunlight, etc.). If you do not neglect these tips, your Power Bank will serve you long and well.

5. This point contradicts the previous one, but nevertheless it is also very important: from time to time completely drain the battery(once every 1-3 months).

This allows you to reset the charge limits (upper and lower - calibrate the Power Bank). This way he can understand the limits of his battery.

Now we can safely say that you know all the basics of proper operation of an external battery. We hope that your external battery will serve you for a long time and will help you out in difficult situations more than once.

Today people use a lot of all kinds of mini-equipment - mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, a bunch of things without which the life of an advanced user turns into a dull existence.

The global problem is that equipment, when disconnected from the network, quickly loses energy. But we are often on the road or relaxing in nature. So that an event with a sudden discharge does not spoil the voyage, we advise you to purchase a ROM.

Why should a tourist have a portable charger?

Finding themselves far from populated areas, researchers, participants in a picnic, hike or expedition require a constant power source - an external battery. We are talking both about charging gadgets necessary for life (flashlights, navigators and communication devices), and about “revitalizing” tablets, photos or video cameras. Knowing what this popular invention is, any extreme sports enthusiast will understand how to properly use an external Power bank.

What is Power bank?

A portable charger (Power bank – in English “energy bank”) is a portable power source. Via ports different types it charges itself first, and subsequently transfers the accumulated amperes to the phone or other “pocket” equipment.

More often, a “bank” resembles an object rectangular in cross-section - either wide and flattened, or with identical cross-sectional sides. The case material is different. So is the height. The corners are always smoothed. Sometimes it's even a cylinder...

Portable power sources vary in capacity. The most capacious and powerful batteries are shaped like external hard drives.

How to choose the right external battery (power bank)?

ROM is selected based on its purpose. Most of us need an external battery (power bank) for short trips. In this case, strength is more important than capacity. Others require both of these qualities, plus increased compatibility.

Therefore, a traveler with a long-distance trip (and a bunch of portable devices in his backpack) should familiarize himself with the following section.

How to choose a good power bank? When ordering such equipment in an online store (or contacting a sales department manager), you do not need to think about appearance. It is more important to obtain information about 5 more important parameters of the device being described.

Device type

A portable charger (Power bank) has several types of ports for connecting to the network.

The most common type is the electric “plug”. This input allows connection to a traditional outlet (220V), providing the most quick way power supply

2nd class of ports – USB. It allows you to charge from your computer (but a little slower).

When looking for an answer to the question “How to choose the right power bank?” Whether or not you have a car plays a big role. Some energy storage devices are charged from the cigarette lighter (via a special adapter). In this situation you will have to wait.

As was said, more often a power bank is filled with contents through a household network - 220 V.

And yet there is alternative models that feed on the sun's rays. Such a masterpiece has the signature – solar. By and large, it is just a cunning marketing ploy.

Power bank capacity

Every portable charger has a certain capacity limit. Its capacity is measured in ampere hours (Ah) or milliampere hours (MAh).

In one session, a portable charger can accumulate from 2,000 MAh (the most common option) to 24,000 MAh (a very expensive product category).

The most useless type is solarium (it is difficult to power even a small battery from the “Russian” sun...). To attract attention, the solarium is equipped with bright loops with carabiners and even a flashlight (which “eats” the already small power reserve).

If you are puzzled about how to choose a power bank for a smartphone or navigator, look for a small unit for 2,000 - 5,000 MAh (standard size 18,650 columns, up to 1000 cycles).

Some cell phones, tablets, action cameras, as well as powerful lighting devices require at least 10,000 - 12,000 MAh of electricity, as well as several ports on the panel. Their size is already larger. Do you need to power a huge set of equipment at once? Then you need 16,000 - 24,000 MAh.

Output power

How to choose the right power bank by reading the section regarding its power? The fact is that the power of the power bank must be greater, or at least equal to the power of the device that it charges. Otherwise, the “bank” will simply begin to discharge the gadget.

The value is measured in watts (W). You need to know the parameters of your mini-equipment by heart before purchasing this or that power bank. The problem gets worse when you want to charge multiple devices at once. Make accurate calculations.

By the way, an external battery of the lithium-polymer category is more advanced compared to its lithium-ion counterpart (which heats up too quickly).

Housing material

A portable charger is protected by only two shells - plastic or metal (usually aluminum).

How to choose a good power bank based on strength, as well as resistance to moisture and various aggressive environments?

Of course, aluminum holds the blow better. However, it quickly scratches, heats up, is destroyed in severe frost, and is susceptible to some chemical attack. Plastic is safer in this regard, but its “vandal-proof” properties leave much to be desired.

In this regard, the advantage remains with expensive copies with chrome-plated cases.

Brand

When thinking about how to choose a good power bank, do some research technical information regarding its varieties. As a rule, companies that were the earliest to start producing “power piggy banks” launch products on the market that differ in energy capacity, connection method and number of ports. They are distinguished by an improved design, a number of options on the panel and the greatest compatibility with gadgets from different manufacturers.

On the contrary, little-known companies can sell you a battery that will burn out on the first trip or will not contact half of your devices. The brand matters!

For example, when thinking about how to choose a power bank for a smartphone, most of us already know that we should buy Xiaomi, TP-LINK or Coolpad products, and tourists (they need a more capacious energy source) trust HIPER “banks”, the potential of which can reach 24 000 MAh per session.

How much does a power bank cost and where can I buy it?

A portable charger with a capacity of 2,000 to 5,000 MAh can be purchased for an amount of 200 to 500 rubles.

If the external battery of the unit allows you to charge tablets, cameras and flashlights (or 2-3 iPhones at once), then it is identical to 10,000 - 12,000 MAh and will cost from 1000 to 1200 rubles.

A “generator” of 16,000 – 24,000 MAh will cost you 1,600 – 3,500 rubles. At the same time, for such a unit with an “anti-vandal” coating and many functions, you will have to pay 4,000 rubles and more.

Power cans can be purchased in many stores, but it is better to do this in specialized departments. You can use the Internet, but only if you trust the online store where you place your order.

How to properly use an external battery Power bank?

The higher the capacity level, the larger the dimensions and weight of the device should be. Here everyone must choose the optimal ratio based on their needs. Small-sized batteries with exorbitant capacity are most likely the “creation” of a little-known and unscrupulous manufacturer. Such an external battery can either slowly burn out or even (!) explode.

The source of power works differently depending on the time of year. In summer, recharging moves faster. In winter it’s the other way around. Don't expect miracles from a power bank.

Do not forget also that the efficiency of the described device is not 100%, but 80% (there is a loss of energy during transmission - the body quickly heats up). Therefore, remove the gadget from charging in time. As soon as the indicator shows “finish”, immediately disconnect the cord from the port.

It is strictly prohibited to store the power bank near open sources of fire or near anything wet. Excessive temperature, as well as excess moisture, make the device's filler (lithium ion or lithium polymer) unsuitable for use.

Connect the external battery to the network using the cord that comes with it.

Possible problems when using Power bank

It is worth emphasizing once again: the type of devices being charged, the method of their operation and the amount of time for which you move away from civilization are the main criteria when solving the problem of how to choose the right power bank. Choosing the wrong drive will lead to a number of problems. The charging process can be significantly delayed, incompatibility with some gadgets will be discovered, and the accumulated charge will be quickly consumed at the most inopportune moment.

The external battery has connectors indicating the current strength. For all types of phones and smart phones, 1A is enough. You should never connect such devices to ports designed for iPads, cameras, travel lights or tablets - the equipment will break down.

More detailed information on this topic awaits you in the article.

And at the present stage it is used everywhere. Of course, it also needs charging regularly. If you purchase a power bank, how to charge its correct and what is the charging method better - this will always be important to know.

How can you charge a power bank using different methods?

A large number of such portable devices are now being produced. To understand how to charge correctly power bank of this or that model, you need to carefully read the . Please note that different models charging with certain features and nuances.

The most popular method is charge power bank just from the network. In order to connect power bank to the network, it is possible to use telephone chargers. Considering that the average time during which the device will be fully charged is 4-5 hours, it is better to leave it online at night and turn it off in the morning.

Sometimes novice users ask, Which The best charging method is network or using USB -cord from the computer? Any direct connection to the network will help “power” your device much faster than USB -port. Although practice shows that for many, connecting a power to a computer is much faster and easier. To charge the power bank from a PC, you just need to connect the supplied cord to the computer.

As for the popular question about whether it is possible charge the device in the sun - You should not make such mistakes if your power is not equipped with a solar battery. Such devices can be found on sale, but they are not cheap and are much less common than standard models.

If you have a device such as a “cigarette lighter” in your car, it is possible to directly power your power. In this case, charging occurs when the car starts moving. By the way, there is another method that for some reason is still not very actively used.

You can quickly recharge the power bank from the mobile phone itself - models with the ability to use them as an external battery device have already appeared on sale.

Determining whether the power bank is charged

How to understand that the power bank is charged? Finding out the charging percentage when using standard power supplies is easy thanks to the divisions or numbers that show the quantitative percentage of charge. When power bank fully charged, the indicator light begins to blink, or the number 100 appears on the display (depending on the device model). On simple external batteries everything is much simpler due to the fact that there are only two indicator lights.

When the power bank is fully charged, the system will automatically disconnect it from the mains power.

Power bank charging time

How long does it take to charge a power bank? The average time is 4-5 hours. Although models have already appeared on sale that require a minimum time of 3.5 hours to fully charge. For example, power bank xiaomi pro capacity of 10,000 mAh (we'll talk about it below). It used to be that the larger the battery capacity, the slower it charges. But now new production technologies make it possible to minimize this disadvantage.

It is recommended to always charge the power to 100%, completely. When this indicator has already been reached, you should not rush to disconnect the device from the network. You need to hold it for about an hour more so that it receives the necessary drip charging using low currents. It is this that contributes to the long-term preservation and maintenance of the maximum level of power bank capacity. By the way, there is a special application on the Internet designed to track the drip charging process. It is suitable for both Android-based smartphones and Apple.

Do I need to charge a new power bank?

There are many different opinions on this matter. Some say that this is not of fundamental importance. However Manufacturers recommend charging a new power bank completely , taking into account the time allotted for “drip” nutrition chargeable low current devices.

Many online sources say that the power banks, which are now supplied with all models of power banks, do not have a “memory effect”. But practice shows that this is not always the case. If you look at it objectively, lithium batteries still have a “memory effect”. But it is less pronounced than with older batteries. Therefore, you should run the new power through several charge-discharge cycles immediately after purchase.

Do not completely and deeply discharge the power bank. : lithium ion batteries very sensitive to this. Make sure that your device is not discharged more than 10-20%.

A full charge-discharge cycle can be carried out no more than once every two to three months. This will help adjust the operation of the power bank so that the capacity of its batteries is maintained at an optimal level.

Which charger is right for you?

Both manufacturers and experts unanimously agree that for this you should always use only the charger that fits the power, matching its technical characteristics. You should not skimp on chargers and purchase temptingly cheap models that can cause the power bank to fail.

Why is the power bank not charging?

If the power bank does not charge and has stopped working, the reason may be that it is equipped with a controller that is not very high quality. There can be two options here: either the device simply “blinks” but does not work, or the power bank does not turn on - that’s all. What to do in this case and is it possible to fix the power?

If the device stops charging at all and cannot charge even if it is plugged in longer than usual, this means that the controller simply “does not see” the remaining charge level and does not start the battery “to start”. For such a controller, the energy inside the battery simply does not exist.

Therefore, for the future: never discharge “budget” Chinese devices to zero, but make sure that they have at least a minimum amount of charge left. The controller cannot detect the remaining energy level in the battery, so the power bank cannot turn on and function fully.

In this case, there is no point in keeping it on charge for a long time: the controller will still not start it without an additional stimulus. This is exactly what is most common cause why the power bank is not charging. This problem can be solved in a simple way: you need to remove the discharged battery from the device and briefly connect the power wires to the contacts. It is necessary for the battery to be charged “directly” a little. This energy is quite enough to “launch” it. And do not be afraid that this method will render the battery unusable. Practice shows that many power sources that were charged in this way did not fail and even began to work better.

If you don’t have suitable wires at hand, but have an unnecessary electronic lighter, you can borrow the wires from it after tinning them first. Then the power body is carefully disassembled with a knife, and the battery itself is removed. You don’t have to touch the board; handle it as carefully as possible so as not to damage it. Connect the wires to the contacts, and a new one can serve as a power source. AA battery, to which the wiring is actually connected.

Keep the power bank battery on such an impromptu charge for thirty minutes. After this, the controller should “see” the charge of the battery. When this happens, proceed to charge the device as usual. You can put the case back together using simple superglue.

Power bank model from Xiaomi: breakthrough in charging time

Not long ago, a new power bank from the famous Chinese company Xiaomi was released, which can be charged in no more than 3.5 hours. At the same time, its declared capacity is 10,000 mAh. This device has a universal cable with which you can properly charge not only the X itself. iaomi power bank pro, but also any other gadget suitable for it. This power supply supports fast charging function, or fast charge 2nd generation. He not only fast charges the gadget connected to it, but also charges itself. This is how the entire power bank is charged in 3.5 hours.

A universal cable with which you can charge the power bank itself, has the ability to connect to type C- port, network or computer. If you need to charge any device that has a Type C port, insert this port into USB power bank - and charge it. In case you need to charge a device with micro USB-output, but there is no cable from it, just remove the large attachment and get a micro USB-adapter. When purchasing such a power supply, we purchase a universal cable with an adapter, as well as an automatic voltage selection function.

Progress does not stand still. There are Xiaomi power banks with much larger capacities.

Thus, if you have a power bank, how to charge it is correct and how much time is needed for this becomes quite clear, and the appearance on the market of new, more “advanced” models can significantly reduce the actual charging time - if the device has significant indicators of actual capacity. In order to carry out the charging process correctly, do not forget to use the recommendations that the manufacturer always gives in the attached instructions.

Admit it, you too have had times when you wanted to pray to all known gods just so that the battery on your phone didn’t die prematurely. This is a typical situation in which almost any person finds himself in whose pocket there is mobile device. Why almost everyone? Because those who didn’t turn out also had a power bank in their bag to charge their phone.

Power bank is simply irreplaceable for those who communicate a lot on the phone

Mobile power bank - this includes players and video cameras, cameras and GPS navigators. Basically, any electronics you use. The point of operation of such a device is that you connect your gadget not to an electrical outlet, but to a power bank. It acts as a portable “socket” for your devices that need to be recharged.

This is convenient because you can recharge your device anywhere, even if there are no sources of electricity, an outlet or a suitable charger nearby. Mobility, simplicity and versatility are the main trump cards of this technology.

How to use an external battery: charging your phone

In order to use an external battery, you do not need to have any secret knowledge. Everything is as simple as two and two. All you need is a gadget that is dead, the cord that comes with it, and, in fact, the external battery itself. All parts need to be connected to each other and charging will start automatically (in most cases). But it happens that after connecting the phone does not start charging. It’s not scary and the power bank is not broken, you just need to make a couple of extra moves:

• press the On/Off button once or twice;
• hold down the On/Off button for a few seconds.

Exactly what action you need to do depends on the model of your portable battery. Usually this information is written in the device instructions.

Phone charging process

Please note that charging may not start even after the above steps if the battery has been lying for some time with the cord connected to it. And after that you decided to put your smartphone on charge. When you are not using the external battery, do not leave any devices (including wires) connected to it.

Now it will be easier to use an external battery, half the battle is done: you have connected your smartphone and charging has begun. The battery has an LED indicator that lights up after the charging process starts. It will remain on until the smartphone battery is fully charged. After this, the external battery will automatically turn off. This function is present in most high-quality models so as not to recharge the smartphone and not reduce its battery life.

How to charge the power bank itself?

Use a portable battery for mobile devices really very simple. Just as it is easy to charge smartphones or tablets with its help, the process of charging the external battery itself does not cause any difficulties. To do this, you need to take a charger from your smartphone or tablet (the external battery often does not come with any wires to reduce the cost of the equipment) and connect it to the mains.

Power bank is charged from the mains

The process indicators will be the same LED lights. Over time, they should all light up, which will indicate that the power bank is fully charged. Once charging is complete, the system automatically turns off the power to prevent overcharging (which may damage the battery or reduce its service life).

Features of operating an external battery

To use an external battery for a smartphone for a long time, you need to adhere to some rules for its operation:

• do not leave the device in the cold (low temperatures damage any batteries, including external batteries);
• For charging, use only high-quality cords (cheap accessories can cause overheating, short circuits and other breakdowns);
• use your battery regularly (and if you decide not to use it for a long time, then make sure that its charge level is not lower than 80%);
• buy high-quality power banks from leading companies (they guarantee the quality of work and last for the stated amount of time).

Buy only high-quality Power banks

Agree, using an external power bank is not difficult. You just need to remember a few rules so that the device works without interruptions for a long time(manufacturers promise up to 500 charge cycles).

Haven't bought it yet? Rules for choosing a power bank

If you have already heard a lot about the benefits of power banks, but have not yet managed to choose a model for yourself, we will help you. We recommend choosing among trusted brands, and paying attention to several important parameters:

• capacity. Everything is simple here: the higher it is, the more energy the power bank can store and, accordingly, the more charge cycles will be available;
• current strength. The charging speed depends on this indicator; it must be at least 1 ampere, otherwise it will take a very long time to charge the smartphone (for tablets the indicator should be higher - from 3 A);
• real capacity. Check the actual battery capacity and do not trust manufacturers' statements;
• self-discharge Remember that over time, the battery capacity will gradually decrease (self-discharge per year with active use can range from 5–15 to 35%);
• number of USB ports. As practice has shown, it is more convenient when the external battery has several USB inputs at once (to charge several devices at the same time or if one of the ports begins to work poorly).

Now you know how to use an external battery. Tell us in the comments if you have a battery, what brand it is and whether you like it.