Power plug compatibility

[Tech Addiction]

Does anyone know the exact power requirements to charge the Tab using an automotive power outlet? I purchased a Kensington 3.1 amp power plug for using in a vehicle power outlet. It has 1 2.1 amp usb port and 1 1 amp usb port. Neither port will charge the Tab. I even tried using a charge only adapter for usb that has the data line clipped so it wont try to mount as a hard drive. No dice. The power plug I purchased says it is compatible with an iPad so I thought it would have the right amps. VZW says theirs is compatible but they never have it in stock. I really want to have a power plug that essentialy changes your power outlet into a USB port rather than buying another plug in specific charger.

 

[binaryhellstorm]

It doesn't sound like the amperage is the issue. The adapter that ships with the Tab is only rated for 2 amps. Does the Tab even recognize that it's plugged in? Does it charge if you turn it off? Have you successfully charged other devices with this adapter?

 

[Tech Addiction]

It doesn't sound like the amperage is the issue. The adapter that ships with the Tab is only rated for 2 amps. Does the Tab even recognize that it's plugged in? Does it charge if you turn it off? Have you successfully charged other devices with this adapter?

It charges my Incredible just fine. When I use the Samsung supplied usb cord with just the Kinsington power plug, it launches the Kies, media player, storage screen like when you plug it into the computer. When I use my charge only usb adapter cord it doesn't launch anything but it still shows the red x in the battery icon which means it's not charging. I've had this problem with apple chargers and trying to use them on my HTC and TP2 phones. some chargers seem to be wired differently even if the amps are right. Charge only adapters will usually allow a work around but thats not the case with this charger. The one that VZW sells says it's 2 amps as well and says it's compatable with the Tab. I just wish they would get them in stock. I will try it and see if it charges when off and report back.

Update: Yes, the Tab charges on both ports, the 1amp and the 2.1amp port when the Tab is powered off. Any other guesses as to whats missing in the specs of this power plug?

 

[oldpueblo]

Yeah I have that charger from verizon that has a USB plug built into it, and I was sad to see it doesn't charge the Tab. I did it out of curiosity though, the battery is large enough that I'd probably never run out in the field.

 

[Tech Addiction]

Yeah I have that charger from verizon that has a USB plug built into it, and I was sad to see it doesn't charge the Tab. I did it out of curiosity though, the battery is large enough that I'd probably never run out in the field.

I am referring to this one below, it is never in stock at VZW, which is why I purchased the Kensington, and they say it's compatible. Is this the one you tried from Verizon?


Set Your Location

Edit: My Car Mount from Samsung comes this Monday so I guess it's a moot point. It would still be nice to find a plug that works in case I am in a different car than the one with my car mount. I wonder what Samsung does differently with the Car Mount to make it charge on car power?

 

[oldpueblo]

This is the one I have.

Set Your Location

 

[Tech Addiction]

This is the one I have.

Set Your Location

The link would not take me directly into your selection. Can you go to the product page, right click the image and choose properties and copy the url link to the image and paste it into "Insert Image" in your post? Thanks.

 

[Tech Addiction]

I think I solved the issue with the power plug. I just got the Car Dock in today and it came with its own cable and power adapter. Obviously the supplied power adapter works but it sticks way out of the power outlet and doesn't look clean. I tried the stock charge cable with the supplied power adapter and it still charges. I then tried the car dock cable with my power adapter and it charges. I then pluged it into the 1 amp slot and it still charged. It must be something with the wiring in the stock cable compared to the Car Dock cable. Also they must have wired the power adapter that came with the dock so you can use either cable. I'm happy now. I would like to get the pin out for the stock cable and the Car Dock cable just to compare.

Edit: Guess what folks? The Tab charges off a computer port when using the Car Dock and supplied cord. Go figure.

Edit 2: I have determined that the pin out change unfortunately was made on the end that goes into the Tab preventing me from manipulating it with a USB extension cable and changing the wires on that end. Apparently there are more than just one each negative and one each positive going into the Tab 30 pin plug. Maybe someone will make one once the parts are more plentiful.

 

[Guitar4him]

I'm assuming that the car dock is designed to work in landscape mode. How does the power adapter work....does it have a right-angle plug so that it doesn't stick out (compared to the stock charging cable)? Any possibility of posting some pictures?

Ken

I think I solved the issue with the power plug. I just got the Car Dock in today and it came with its own cable and power adapter. Obviously the supplied power adapter works but it sticks way out of the power outlet and doesn't look clean. I tried the stock charge cable with the supplied power adapter and it still charges. I then tried the car dock cable with my power adapter and it charges. I then pluged it into the 1 amp slot and it still charged. It must be something with the wiring in the stock cable compared to the Car Dock cable. Also they must have wired the power adapter that came with the dock so you can use either cable. I'm happy now. I would like to get the pin out for the stock cable and the Car Dock cable just to compare.

Edit: Guess what folks? The Tab charges off a computer port when using the Car Dock and supplied cord. Go figure.

Edit 2: I have determined that the pin out change unfortunately was made on the end that goes into the Tab preventing me from manipulating it with a USB extension cable and changing the wires on that end. Apparently there are more than just one each negative and one each positive going into the Tab 30 pin plug. Maybe someone will make one once the parts are more plentiful.

 

[Tech Addiction]

Here is a picture of the mount. It has a sliding plug assembly. You snap the Tab into the cradle and then slide the plug into the receptacle to make contact. The cable that the supply has USB on one end and a right angle coaxial on the end that goes into the mount. There is only two wires inside of it, positive and negative. Also of note, putting the Tab in the mount and pluging in the power cable puts the Tab in Car mode. I don't know what that means or does yet but it's interesting. Also I did not use the supplied suction mount. The cradle is 4 point richter so I mounted it on a cell phone bracket that I installed using double sided 3m tape. It holds perfect.

 

[Guitar4him]

THANKS! That's exactly the kind of info we need here. That appears to be a well-designed car dock. I can't wait to get mine (got to get the Tab first...waiting for the WiFi-only version to come out).

Ken