No USB charge bricks needed while on shore power...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/PWR2USB/ Cool idea.... I have a few 12v ports added with dual charger jobbers. But this is cool. You can get 15a and 20a outlets too.
Forum Discussion
Call me crazy, but what I would like to see would be a device similar to a USB hub with 4+ ports on it. It would have about 10Ah of lithium-ion batteries in it, and would get power either from the 120VAC section or charge from the 12 volt side. If on the 12 volt side, the electronics would be smart enough to switch everything off if the battery voltage goes under 12.2 volts so it won't cause damage. With the inbuilt battery, there can be a circuit that can watch the 12 volt side without having a parasitic drain once it gets disconnected.
When charging, when it reaches less than 5-10% charge, the device will stop charging anything on the USB ports.
The benefit of this would be that an iPad would have 4-5 hours of charging (smaller devices pulling 500 milliamps could charge most of the day) even if there are quiet times for generators. This also will allow for more time charging if one is running off of solar and such. Plus, it also adds a buffer, should the 120VAC side is having extremely dirty power with extended sags.
Have the battery in a compartment, then its output outlet for charging on a wall. That way, it can be placed in a useful spot.
When charging, when it reaches less than 5-10% charge, the device will stop charging anything on the USB ports.
The benefit of this would be that an iPad would have 4-5 hours of charging (smaller devices pulling 500 milliamps could charge most of the day) even if there are quiet times for generators. This also will allow for more time charging if one is running off of solar and such. Plus, it also adds a buffer, should the 120VAC side is having extremely dirty power with extended sags.
Have the battery in a compartment, then its output outlet for charging on a wall. That way, it can be placed in a useful spot.
