USB tester?

[Radio Fixer]

Here is an example:   YOJOCK USB Tester Meter Digital USB C Power Meter Voltmeter, 2-in-1 Multimeter Voltage and Current Tester, PD Battery Power Bank Capacity Ammeter with Type C Connector : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

There are many at various prices and display types. Anyone got one?

Are they helpful?

Cant think why I would need one !

Gary

[Mike Watterson]

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.

[Nick]

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.

[Mike Watterson]

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

[Nick]

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

[PerdioPal]

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".

[Radio Fixer]

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

[Brunel]

https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/usb-cables-...22052.html

[PerdioPal]

The Ruideng ones* are popular and very good, some have bluetooth for fun too. The cable type as per the previous post are limited but still useful.

* https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008062454905.html

mod edit: Fix URL

[Radio Fixer]

thanks Gary