Only ones that simulate different protocols to discover what the charger can do are much use. USB charging has so many protocols. USB-C made it worse.
Finding out what a gadget can do is harder due to poor maker documentation. It's common to find that micro-USB and USB-C gadgets only fast charge with particular chargers. There is even a spec that uses a USB-A plug (4 wire, not 9 wire USB 3.x) for a cable to USB-C device that can do more than 5V or more than 1A.
If you're not being too purist and just want to see the charging voltage and current for a phone etc. , then they are very useful.
(12-06-2025, 10:02 AM)Nick Wrote: [ -> ]If you're not being too purist and just want to see the charging voltage and current for a phone etc. , then they are very useful.
Or you can cut a spare cable and use your DMM for that! :D
Of course you could. However these are very convenient, some will report on PD usage and report on power used, plot current draw etc.
I have a couple around for microUSB and USB C
As said some to PD (power delivery, i.e. more volts/current) diagnosis/display, others not. I just see the volts and current and can work that bit out. I use mine to check on charging, lots of things have a dodgy charge level (often just a LED) to indicate "full".
Thanks for the replies. Perdio made a buying point for me as sometimes charging stops, before the device indicates it is charged.
Any recommendations on which one to add to the toolbox?
Gary