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Is there any simple way to check the capabilities of a cable, without using specialized equipment? For me it's always a gamble, with my devices I actually can
by andix 3y ago
Is there any simple way to check the capabilities of a cable, without using specialized equipment?
For me it's always a gamble, with my devices I actually can barely even see how fast they are charging on a specific cable/charger combo. Only by measuring charge time and then trying to calculate how many watts they delivered.
- Night_Thastus 3y agoPersonally, no. Testing equipment is the best way if you want to be sure. If you buy directly from a reputable brand, you may be able to trust what they've said a given product can do. If you buy from a reseller like Amazon, that all goes out the window and you should assume nothing.
- andix 3y agoI would be so happy if I could find a manufacturer that sells all common USB-C cables (to USB-C, lightning, micro-usb, mini-usb, ...) in good quality, with reliable specs, all common lengths and common color variations. A plus would be to even have the option to get one or both ends 90 degrees angled. Personally I prefer my charging cables to be red, really helps people not to trip over them. In other places the color preferably matches the environment.
- callalex 3y agoMonoprice mostly fits your description.
- andix 3y agoI need to check if their cables are available outside of the US. A quick search didn’t look promising.
- Night_Thastus 3y agoAnker is one I've had decent success with.
- Ajedi32 3y agoWorth noting the testing equipment for this isn't that expensive these days. You can pick up an FNB58 USB tester for $60. You really shouldn't have to though. At the very least every phone on the market ought to be able to just read the e-marker chip and tell you what each cable supports. Very annoying that they don't because the information is there and they have a way to read it, it's just not exposed to the user.
- dotancohen 3y agoWhat testing equipment is practical for the home user - $10 tops?
- Night_Thastus 3y agoIf you want a good, reliable tester, I think $10 is a bit limiting personally. You don't need to spend $100 but $10 is stretching it really thin. GIGO.
- iudqnolq 3y agoGo on AliExpress and search USB tester, buy one for $5-$15, then wait a few months. In my single personal experience I ended up with one that gives reasonable readings and seems to work just fine.
- onewheeltom 3y agoI have a gadget that maps all the wires that is helpful