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Sat nav expert provides information
Matthias Schwindt, a graduate engineer from Unterschleißheim near Munich, is an expert in bicycle electronics and GPS devices. He has been running the blog gpsradler.de and tests all the important bike navigation products. His YouTube channel now has over 13,700 subscribers. We asked him eight questions about power supply on the road.
1. can you use any hub dynamo to power your smartphone or navigation device?
Even if the Son dynamos deliver a little more power, Shimano models, for example, also work well. The new "light dynamos" with a reduced output of 1.5 watts, which are only designed for LED lighting, and side-running dynamos are not suitable.
2. what exactly is the charging electronics needed for?
The AC voltage from the dynamo, which fluctuates wildly with speed, must be converted into USB-compatible five-volt DC voltage using electronics. The amount of current depends not only on the power of the dynamo but also on the "tricks" used in the charging electronics.
3. why do some products have a buffer battery? Why is this important?
Without a buffer, the power supply is interrupted at traffic lights or when travelling slowly uphill. The charging current also fluctuates with the speed. However, a constant charging current is particularly important for sensitive devices such as smartphones.
4. how complex is the installation and cabling?
Not complicated in principle. The cable to the electronics is clamped in parallel to the dynamo. More effort is required for elegant integration in the stem, for example. Sometimes installation by a specialist dealer is necessary.
5. one of the classics of dynamo charging electronics is the Busch und Müller USB unit. What is it recommended for?
Although it is inexpensive and easy to connect, both the power and the buffer battery are very weak. It is only recommended for economical consumers.
6 The Cycle2Charge device, which is permanently installed on the stem above the steerer tube or mounted on the handlebars, is also inexpensive.
That's right. Mounting is easy and looks good on the Ahead stem. The performance is okay and well suited for insensitive devices. The power bank is recharged for the evening during the ride.
7 The set from Cinq with the Plug 5 Pure and the Smart Power Pack is a beautifully designed but not cheap combination. What do you think of the ensemble?
I like the USB-C connection and the design. But the performance of the Plug 5 Pure and the external battery on the handlebars, which requires two cables, don't convince me. For me, the price-performance ratio is not right. The Appcon 3000 from NC-17 is the best of the electronic charging devices, with top performance and a buffer battery that really make it the first choice. Added to this are the numerous mounting options. Quick, simple and flexible in a small bag or elegant and stable in the steerer tube. However, this installation is reserved for specialist dealers. With a constant charging current of 1.1 amps and a 3,000 milliamp buffer battery, the performance is sufficient for all purposes, and as a bonus there is also a free app that can be used to display and save charging currents, battery status and riding data.
8. is the Appcon recommended for long cycle tours in remote regions?
Absolutely. It's also clever to be able to take the Appcon with you in the evening and then use it as a power bank when you're off the bike.
Further information on the products mentioned can be found at the web address www.gpsradler.de/myb0121 and on the Youtube channel GPS Radler.
