ExplorOz and iPhone battery use
Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 at 15:43
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Member - Vic4wd
On the weekend I drove home over a 2 hr journey, and I noticed that despite my iPhone 16E being plugged into a USB power point, the battery level was dropping to the point that it was down to 26% by the time I got home. This was a bit of a worry, as it would suggest that ExplorOz plus ApplePlay running through my phone would only be good for about a 3 hour trip.
I contacted Michelle and David about the power useage rate on my iPhone and was advised that I needed a power source called a USB PD. As luck would have it, I had one that I purchased recently from Amazon-they cost about $27.
Today after installing the USB PD socket, I connected it with a USB C to USB C cable to my iPhone , and I'm pleased to be able to report that the socket was charging my iPhone at a rate greater while I was running ExplorOz and ApplePlay. Problem solved.
Attached are photos of socket for your reference.
USB PD
Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 at 16:49
Reply By: ExplorOz - David & Michelle - Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 at 16:54
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 at 16:54
Good job Phillip - I intended to also put a helpful post in the Facebook group. Whilst we’ve been using PD chargers for a couple of years now, it seems not everyone is aware that when not on 240v, Apple devices require a more robust charge point than the older USB ports and since they are fast charging these PD ports are just better all round for Android too. We have a multi-port that plugs into our cig port in both car and camper trailer and find them very helpful for all fast charging (GoPro too).
Cheers Michelle
AnswerID:
648197
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 at 17:40
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 at 17:40
.
The "PD" in this instance refers to "Power Delivery".
Anker is a good (but not the only) manufacturer and they provide a comprehensive guide
here.
Be aware that to enjoy the benefit of PD charging it is desirable to use a PD cable with USBC-USBC connectors which has heavier conductors than the common USBC cables.
FollowupID:
929392
Reply By: Alec W1 - Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 12:21
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 12:21
can you share the link to buy USB PD on Amazon? I need it. How did you install it in the car?
AnswerID:
648202
Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 15:54
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 15:54
"Not sure why link is so long"
Probably because you did not use the "Link" button below the box you typed your message into. When inserting a link, click on it, copy and paste the heading of the item/page you wish the members to look at and paste it into "Description" box. Then copy the URL that you pasted into your reply and paste it into the "URL/Address" box and then click on the insert button. You will get something like this -
OCTODER USB C Car Charger Socket - When you do that, it gives a much neater presentation and you get less broken links when you paste them when using the "Link" insertion tool.
FollowupID:
929409
Follow Up By: Member - Vic4wd - Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 16:21
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 16:21
Thanks Peter for your advice. Always something new to learn.
FollowupID:
929410
Reply By: SCUBADOO - Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 18:02
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 at 18:02
Don't discard all of your "non" PD USB-C chargers just yet though.
I have more than a few rechargeable torches, fans, radios, clock, cupboard lights, air quality detector and weather station in our motorhome that will usually only charge with fixed 5V output USB-C units.
Without any smarts to communicate most of them won't even start charging on any of my true 30-100W PD USB chargers.
Tablets, phones. notebooks, shaver and a couple of later model torches charge and run perfectly switching between 5, 9, 12, 15 and 20V as necessary.
AnswerID:
648203