![[MAHA] Maha Pops 4XAA Powered Powerbank $25.79 Delivered @ Buyking Korea via eBay](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/94/157094.jpg?h=04d02c0f)
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Time to use those eneloops!
This powerbank takes 4XAA (eneloops preferred) and turns it into USB power (5V 1A output).
DOES NOT COME WITH USB CHARGING CABLE
I haven't used this much, but I keep it as a spare for emergencies.
[MAHA] Maha Pops 4XAA Powered Powerbank $25.79 Delivered @ Buyking Korea via eBay
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Raspberet on 17/08/2014 - 02:25 ebay.com.au (559 clicks)
Last edited 17/08/2014 - 02:55 by 2 other users
Last edited 17/08/2014 - 02:55 by 2 other users
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Ok, it probably does regulate the output to 1000mA, but still seems too expensive to me.
there is no need to regulate the amps, any usb device will only take in as many amps as it can handle. you could have a 100000a power brick and your 2.1a fone will still only take in 2.1a max.
the voltage however is more important. 4xAA = 4.8v at full charge, less as they go flat so theres no need to worry about over voltage but i do wonder if these are designed to hold 5v the whole way through or not.
but… if you put normal non rechargable AA's in it then its 4x1.5v (not 4x1.2v) and id not like to push 6v into my 5v $800 fone and see what happens…
Apparently some tablets/smartphones can draw too much current from the USB. I read reviews on dx for a cheap 4xAA powerbank, some people say that their phone is only charging to 10-15% and the batteries get too hot..
NEGGING, because: It costs way too much, for way too little performance:
- too few mAH
- no 2.1 Amp charging rate (for "larger load" phones & tab's)
- you apparaently need a separate AA-cell charger to use this
We paid HALF as much for more -compact- 15,000 mAH rated devices, with -both- 2.1 & 1 Amp charging rates & micro-USB charging input, not to memtion a usefull LED-torch function; also charging-cable, with various device connectors, were included.
(About the ONLY feature of the offered product - which we see as being useful ONLY in dire emergence situation - when you need to charge -small- devices (not needing the faster 2.1 A rate) & you have -only- AA's available, but no AA-charger or anything else to charge your device from.
This is very improbable, in our opinion.)
I'd just thought that it'd be good to use when there aren't any convenient power supplies available, especially whilst travelling or natural disasters etc.
Which was the initial intention of the post.I do apologise if it's not really a bargain. I'm still a relatively new member to the ozbargain community :)
Good day.
i need to sleep
Wow, that is really dodgy :) Dry joint wire connections secured by tape, hacked holes in cardboard boxes, glue and tape socket mounting, terminal-touch battery switching ….
That's a whole new low class of home-made :)
What is normal price?
This price I can just buy a compete power bank
Is this your new account jv?
I've actually been wanting something like this to toss into my emergency kit alongside my bucketload of AA batteries, but one with voltage regulation and just decent quality in general. Seeing the Maha name piqued my interest but can't find this product listed on their website.
I did some research. Apparently the parent company is Danaë tech.
Why carry so much extra weight?
Most devices I see use fewer, more energy-dense LiIon (Lithium-Ion) cells (eg, 18650's, like the ones we see inside the latest PLL-based portable CW/SSB capable AM/FM/SW/AIR-band radios, eg, from Tecsun).
Try buying some of these cells pre-charged when the power goes off for a few days.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1X-LED-USB-4-AA-External-Battery-…
~$3
How any AA battery enclosure with a USB socket can be worth $25 is beyond me.
Can the batteries be recharged while in the device (as with powerbanks) ? Also, what's the mAh rating of these devices?
The mAh rating will depend on the AA batteries in the unit and how efficient the circuit is at maximize the available charge. At best you are probably looking at 1,600mA (2,000mA batteries at 80% efficiency). This is not enough to charge most phones.
In NiMH cells:
- Sanyo makes 2700 mA cells, &
- others do 2,800 mA cells.
Does anyone know what the top mA numbers for LiIon 18650 cells are, today?
@IVI:
If you are proposing to use this as an emergency backup, the last thing you want is high capacity NiMH batteries as they normally self discharge the fastest. An emergency backup would normally use Alkaline batteries.
yes and the one on Ebay doubles as an emergency torch.
One problem with this model is there is no information about the rated output.
I bought a cheap AA based charger in the past and threw it out because the charge rate was so low. Also a good charger of this type will maximize the output obtained from the AA batteries.
I found this 2 AA unit which does quote 500mA. No idea if it actually does put this out though.
I agree with you about the $25 for the unit quoted.
Without ubiquitous consumer info, some makers persist in selling under-rated crap to folks who see, eg, a "500 mA" rating as "lots" …ie, -until- they try to depend on them.
I have that one from ebay, not happy because four envelop can only charged my mobile for a short time. Buy proper power banks like xiaomi
Most people don't want this sort of device to replace a power bank. They want it as an emergency charger to put with first aid kit which may not be used for years at a time.
seems very expensive for what it does
This would be better if anyone wants a AA power packs that regulates voltage
http://www.harveynorman.com.au/verbatim-aa-power-pack.htmlI have 1 and there is a LED which lets you know if the voltage outputted is unsuitable
Thanks for linking that - looks like the same product rebranded, so we finally have reviews.
After looking into these products yesterday, I've been leaning toward the Duracell CEF23AU based on "NLee the Engineer's" review. Seems it's only available from eBay from a US seller, for about $36 delivered (oddly, it's the Australian version). Quite a bit more discussion about this charger here.
From the reviews it looks like that Verbatim power bank works well only with rechargeable batteries. Which kind of ruins the whole idea of the "emergency charger that uses normal batteries from the nearest shop"..
Jaycar sells a simple 4 cell holder (4 x AA) with a USB connector for $6.95. But note that the voltage is straight from the batteries and is unregulated.
It doesn't come with batteries, it doesn't charge batteries. The description doesn't even say that it regulates the output. So this is basically a battery holder with USB output.
Similar devices cost $4-5 on ebay and dx.
Edit: Ok, it probably does regulate the output to 1000mA, but still seems too expensive to me.