Using power from hub dynamos in other ways
With the exception of a few models that can be switched off, hub dynamos generate electricity continuously. Regardless of whether the lights are switched on or not. It therefore makes sense to use this power source to operate electronic devices and, if possible, to charge them. The universal serial bus, or USB for short, is increasingly becoming the standard connection for all types of small electronics. Cameras, smartphones, tablet computers and even universal chargers can be charged or operated via USB.
The test subjects for the practical test were an Apple iPhone 4, a Falk Ibex 32, a Garmin Oregon 600 and a Pixo C-USB charger.
Most dynamos achieve a constant 3 watts at a speed of between 15 and 20 km/h. However, the 3 watts do not mark a charging limit. However, the 3 watts do not mark a charging limit; the charging process starts from approx. 2 watts. This showed that the minimum speed required to reliably operate a device was often in the range between 14 and 18 kilometres per hour. Depending on the combination of charger and device. Only those travelling at 20 km/h or faster almost always had sufficient power available.
The USB charger in the test
Busch & Müller E-Werk, www.bumm.de
Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ2 Luxos U
Busch & Müller USB factory
Kemo M172, www.kemo-electronic.de
Tout Terrain The Plug II, www.tout-terrain.de
Zzing Smartphone Edition, www.zzing.de
