effeciency, specific cuttoffs for nitecore F1

[littlebattery]

Hey all -

I'm interested in the nitecore F1 single xx340~xx650 li-ion charger, primarily a power bank. I have plenty of basic chargers, the F1 is interesting, obviously because it's small/portable/durable, but especially because of the ability to charge other USB devices. For my uses, though, I'm wondering about it's efficiency.**

I haven't found much on the net for detailed reviews - this is one of the more detailed, but it doesn't include any detailed testing: https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/4ridfg/review_zero_reviews_nitecore_f1_liion_and_imr/

Has anyone put this through it's paces with appropriate instruments? Specifically I'm most interested in:
- discharge efficiency (eg for charging cell phone/gps)
- charging behavior on a low-power and/or finicky micro-usb supply (eg from a small solar cell)

Any data, or alternatives appreciated!


**This will be a big improvment for backcountry activities ... right now i have to have backup power for lights, and phone/gps seperately; this would let me just bring some 18650's and use according to need

 

[littlebattery]

ok, PEBKAC ... my browser was blocking some google services needed for the built in search I disabled that, and searched again, sure enough lots of threads on the F1.

'woods walker' had a good experience, and regarding efficiency, _qualitatively_ thought that the ipad battery charge amount was "about right for a 3400"
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...ecore-F1-Flexible-Charger-Review-Field-tested!

HKJ has numbers ... I'm digging through his thread now
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?420999-Test-Review-of-Charger-NiteCore-F1

 

[littlebattery]

HKJ has numbers

looks like the F1 does 500ma discharge quite well, approaching 90% effeciency.
1000ma (which, is what my phone would charge at) is not a good, low-mid 80% efficiency, but with some problems maintaining 5v out after a time.

Also, reading the reviews i learned of the LiitoKala-Lii-100; not quite as efficient discharging, but better charging, and can handle LiFe, NiMH.

now, why do all products have to have some drawbacks!!??

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

The only thing i dont like about the F1 is when i plug in an usb light and reduce the brightness below a certain level the F1 turns the usb output off, so the ma drain has be above a certain level to keep the usb port active.

John.