BCD436HP/BCD536HP: External power supply question

[raisindot]

Hi! New 436HP owner here. I've owned countless scanners over the years, and now proudly share this one with my trusty HP-1.

In spite of its plasticy build, I really like the 436HP. Seems to to bring in more signals than my HP-1, and I haven't even begun to dig into the menus.

But my question here--which a search hasn't been able to help with--is what I can use to provide AC power to this. I currently have it plugged into a USB port on my laptop, but that isn't always convenient. I did try to plug it into a USB phone charger type thing, but the scanner just turned on for a minute and then turned off, so I guess this won't work.

Can one use the USB cable with any kind of USB-based charger? Most say they're 1 or 2 amps with 5 V output. My guess is that this isn't enough? Anyone using any kind of external power supply with this? Anything that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Thank you in advance.

 

[KR3LC]

I think you should be able to get by with a 1 amp charger. Check the ratings of the one you tried to use. Maybe it is not for a phone but for an accessory and therefore rated below 1 a,

 

[UPMan]

Cheap USB chargers that do not provide adequate voltage regulation won't work. Found this out after one of our distributors bought a batch and sent some to us to analyze why they wouldn't work. Our engineer said he would never even want to plug a phone into one of them...major voltage spikes and sags.

 

[raisindot]

So, to clarify, a standard USB charging type dock with at least 1 amp should be apply to power this--if it is reliable?

 

[KR3LC]

Yes, that is my experience. Upman makes a very valid comment. If you are using a brand name product it should work well for you. I would never plug my phone or my scanner into a truck stop or convenience store charger. A $5 charger is a big risk to your device and to your safety.

 

[ur20v]

I use a Scosche 4.8A adapter in the car, and an Anker 60 watt 6 port station at the office (but only ever using 3-4 ports at the same time). Never had any power related issues with operation or charging.