Using the USB port on your computer to charge your player’s batteries is not always practical. What if you do not have a computer available at the time or if you do not want to power up a computer just for charging? Or what if you are travelling?

Chargers for iPODs and MP3 players are available but they are expensive and you need separate models for charging at home and in the car. SILICON CHIP’s new charger can be used virtually anywhere.

While we call the unit a charger, it really is nothing more than a 5V supply that has a USB outlet. The actual charging circuit is incorporated within the iPOD or MP3 player itself, which only requires a 5V supply.

As well as charging, this supply can run USB-powered accessories such as reading lights, fans and chargers, particularly for mobile phones.

The supply is housed in a small plastic case with a DC input socket at one end and a USB type "A" outlet at the other end, for connecting to an iPOD or MP3 player when charging. A LED shows when power is available at the USB socket.

Maximum current output is 660mA, more than adequate to run any USB-powered accessory. (The specification for the computer USB 2.0 port requires the USB port to deliver up to 500mA at an output voltage between 5.25V and 4.375V).

Specifications Output voltage 5V Output current 660mA maximum for 5V out Input voltage range 9.5V to 15V DC Input current requirement 500mA for 9V in, 350mA for >12V input Input current with output shorted 120mA at 9V in, 80mA at 15V in Output ripple 14mV (from no load to 660mA) Load regulation 25mV (from no load to 660mA) Line regulation 20mV change at full load from 9 to 18V input No load input current 20mA