Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

1. Will the USB port on the V-Mini charge an iPhone?

2. An iPad apparently has no chance of charging from the USB port because it requries too much power. However, if an iPad is plugged in, should the LED change from green to orange?

btw/This is a matter of curiosity, as it's easy enough to use the 120v outlet with the iPad/iPhone charging adapter.

Yes it will charge an iPhone, though very slowly.

Have you considered a powered USB expander, powered by the VML 120VAC? Might get a card reader out of the deal too.

How much power does the inverter draw when it's in use? Would you use significantly less power if you use the iPhone adapter and charged the phone in 1-1.5 hours, compared to the 3 or so it would take from the USB port?

The iPhone charging indicator does not come on when I plug my iPhone into the USB port, so I have to assume that it's not charging.

Also, plugging an iPad into the USB port, according to the VML user guide, should cause the LED to turn orange. However, it stays green.

I have two VML's, and they function identically with respect to the USB port.

I would echo that experience. I have tried, via the USB outlet on the VML to charge both my iPhone 3GS and my friend's iPod Touch. Neither will charge. Yes, I tried it with both the VML both "on" and "off".

I have three VML and the behavior is the same with all of them.

It would be a neat "bonus" feature if it did charge my iPhone, but I honestly could care less. For me the VML is a game changer and I am about to order three more.

BUD in New Hampshire

My apologies, I thought it would work. I have charged an Android phone via the USB port with my Vagabond Mini. Just tried my iPhone and it does not work. Is there an easy way to test with a multimeter how much power the port is putting out? Since standard USB ports output 0.5A (same as the Vagabond Mini), and I've charged my iPhone from several different PC's and laptops it seems like the USB port on the mini should work.