Can it be done? Using a USB hub with 2A PSU to charge ego/Riva and Kr808 batteries

[renstyle]

I have need to charge several batteries at one time in my home, for various family members:

2 ego/Riva chargers (420mAh draw)
3 KR808 chargers (240mAh draw)

I charge these in a single location, currently I have a plug strip with a bunch of AC-->USB adapters each with one connector to charge all of these batts. It works, but is far from an elegant solution. Due to current drain concerns I did not want to use a computer for all of these devices.

I was considering a hub similar to this one:

$15.90 - 7 Ports Powered USB Hub - USB Hubs & Switches

The biggest draw for me is the 2A PSU, which *should* mean all of these devices would charge at full power. If it cannot work at full power it won't work for my needs.

Has anybody gone this route before? I have no passthrus to add to the current draw, just charging batts. The hub would only be plugged into mains, not into a computer, just used for charging my PV batts.

 

[Randyrtx]

That should work fine for you.

The only thing I would question is the 2A rating on the PSU for the hub. Better powered hubs will usually provide 500mA per port, which in the case of a 7-port hub would require a 3.5A PSU.

 

[renstyle]

Would you happen to have any examples of higher current models? I kept wading thru 500mA, 1A, etc. 2A was the highest I was able to find.

 

[Randyrtx]

Not without googling... I haven't looked for powered hubs in a while. I'll look into it when I'm more awake

This is also quite likely a "marketing/cost" decision on the part of the manufacturer. In practical application most consumers would likely never have 7 devices hooked into the hub that would each require a full 500ma.

ETA: it can be difficult finding full specs online... I've usually resorted to physically looking at the various products at places like Frys or Office Max/Office Depot.

 

[markfm]

Something like this might do up to 6 devices at 500 mA: Callpod Chargepod 6-Port USB Portable Charger w/Dock Connector for Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad 2 - Charge up to 6 Devices! Callpod CHPA-0024 chargepod You should confirm with the manufacturer Chargepod for Cell Phones, Cameras, Bluetooth, GPS, Portable Gaming - Callpod (I don't have one)

 

[renstyle]

Something like this might do up to 6 devices at 500 mA: Callpod Chargepod 6-Port USB Portable Charger w/Dock Connector for Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad 2 - Charge up to 6 Devices! Callpod CHPA-0024 chargepod You should confirm with the manufacturer Chargepod for Cell Phones, Cameras, Bluetooth, GPS, Portable Gaming - Callpod (I don't have one)

This one looks interesting, it has mini-USB ports on the device? Wonder if the adapters are proprietary, since I'd need a mini-to-regular-USB-A-male for my PV parts to work...

 

[markfm]

Unfortunately, looks like you're right. Might be proprietary adapters, would need a bunch of USB female adapter cables.

 

[CrankyGoldfish]

I use a 4-port hub for my chargers. I'm charging 510 batts and my PCC, but it's working fine for me. I don't see why you couldn't do the same with the ones you've got listed. My hub is attached to a PowerLine 2-in-1 USB charger and I haven't had any problems with it.

Mileage may vary, but I know it works on a smaller scale.

 

[renstyle]

I use a 4-port hub for my chargers. I'm charging 510 batts and my PCC, but it's working fine for me. I don't see why you couldn't do the same with the ones you've got listed. My hub is attached to a PowerLine 2-in-1 USB charger and I haven't had any problems with it.

Mileage may vary, but I know it works on a smaller scale.

My main concern was whether the ports would support the Riva 420mAh charger at it's fully rated capacity. The 510 batts draw about the same current on their chargers as the 808s I have, so good to hear this is working in practice! I'm reviving an old tradition, planning on using a cigar box for the "battery stash", just like we used to have in my early 20s for "herbal" use. Keeps all the cords at bay!

 

[mrjaguar]

I use a staples powered hub to charge several things at once.