XTAR VC8S Buyer BEWARE!!

[lwknight]

No where in the sales ad or on the box does it tell you that this charger does NOT have any kind of power supply.
All you get is a USB C port to connect the supplied C to C cord.
Fortunately for me, I just happen to have a 20 watt usb C power supply which is really too small to run a 8 bay charger.
The typical 18650 cell has about 12 watt/hours capacity. Do the math. It would take an estimated 8-10 hours to charge 8 3000mha cells.
I also do have a laptop power supply that will work but that is beside the point. It still pisses me off that it was not clearly stated in big letters " WARNING you must obtain your own power supply".

 

[PaladinNO]

Which version did you buy?

Scrolling down on the sales page, looking at the different versions:

XTAR VC8S Charger - XTAR

Know Your Batteries!-Real Capacity Test, Bye Bye to Overrated Batteries-Proper Storage Voltage, Battery Life Up Up-Internal Resistance Test, Know Your

www.xtar.cc

...what does the adapter in the "set" version do then?

Both versions are depicted, and the "kit" version clearly only shows 2 USB-cables.

And it's hardly unique, as it's no better with the Nitecore UMS4.
Webpage states:

• NITECORE USM4 Charger
• USB charging cable

...except the "USB charging cable" is just a micro-USB to USB-A. Not USB-C, like I expected a modern charger to have, or a C7 to EURO-socket.
So you'll need to supply your own phone adapter or similar to actually use the UMS4. XTAR at least have pictures for clarity - Nitecore doesn't even have that.

 

[bluflaam777]

Yeah, and because they are sold globally with different electrical outlets, you'd have to get the one specific to your region.
I bought from a third party and it had an option for with or without a power supply and an option to choose which one.

 

[lwknight]

Well.. the instruction book says VC8S Type C battery charger. The box however has no indication at all.

I know it has been awhile since I bought a charger so I guess that nowdays, you are supposed to assume that unless the ad specifies that a build in power adaptor, or external transformer is included that you are not getting any kind of adaptor.

I totally never imagined that a 8-bay charger would not have a built in big honking power supply. My ignorance I guess. Live and learn seems to be the theme of the times.

One can get a Type C power adaptor on ebay pretty cheap since medium duty laptops use that but workstation laptops still use the barrel jack power supplies.

 

[bluflaam777]

Just check the amperage output. It will work with lower amperages, but it NEEDS the larger amperage power supplies to work as advertised - to get all the options.

 

[lwknight]

Just check the amperage output. It will work with lower amperages, but it NEEDS the larger amperage power supplies to work as advertised - to get all the options.

I found that the " bought separately" XTar power supply is 45 watts. The laptop supply is rated 65 watts. Without getting excessively scientific, I bet it will power the charger to full functionality.

 

[Schokokeks]

Well.. the instruction book says VC8S Type C battery charger. The box however has no indication at all.

I know it has been awhile since I bought a charger so I guess that nowdays, you are supposed to assume that unless the ad specifies that a build in power adaptor, or external transformer is included that you are not getting any kind of adaptor.

I totally never imagined that a 8-bay charger would not have a built in big honking power supply. My ignorance I guess. Live and learn seems to be the theme of the times.

One can get a Type C power adaptor on ebay pretty cheap since medium duty laptops use that but workstation laptops still use the barrel jack power supplies.

I'm with you on this.

I've noticed in the last few years that you tend to JUST get an USB cable, and it's up to you to buy the actual power adapter. For global sales, etc., I understand this, and it makes perfect sense.

What kind of annoys me is that prices never dropped the corresponding $20 for the lower wattage ones, while some of the higher wattage ones are almost $50.

It's one of those cost cutting things they do to increase margins. And, whatever. But I have, like you, noticed it's something they don't really go out of their way to inform customers of. I'd agree that at least the pictures on their site are kind of helpful, but I would also appreciate an explicit warning.

If I know I need to buy one at the same time, I am usually in a "free shipping" threshhold for buying a charger, phone, etc...so, having to then buy it after is really frustrating...and then it just sits there, waiting.


The largest charger I have is only a 4-bay, and part of that reason is that it makes it easier to just run them using spare power adapters from cell phones. Some of the higher wattage wall outlets are pretty expensive.

 

[alpg88]

Due to USB C ability to provide more than 5v, to be able to charge at max current you need xtar power adapter, it will output more than 5V. any other wall adapter most likely will not, so you will not get max current charge.

 

[orbital]

+

Get a better Type C charger, something like this::

Amazon.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15V at 3A is 45W

 

[lwknight]

Left over laptop adaptors are often free. 65 watt is pretty common.

 

[Johns957]

I bet you can find a power supply that will work for at the 5 Below store. That's where I get all that stuff.