Any Safe Type-C USB OTG Adapter?

Ughhh on 10/07/2017 - 21:28

Does anyone know or have a OTG for Type-C devices that is safe and preferably Benson approved?

I've seen heaps of cheap $1 ones on ebay and other common chinese brand names on Banggood, Zapals, but I'm not sure how safe they are. Examples of those brands are: Remax, Usams, Orico, Vention etc. I can't seem to find much reviews (Benson at least) on Type-C OTG usbs.

Note that I am looking for a Type A USB to Type C, Not Micro Usb to Type C and not Type A usb to Micro Usb - I already have one of each; I could connect the two, which I have tried and works, but it feels a little dangerous having it poke out so far, would rather cut out the middle man.

Thanks

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • mskeggs on 10/07/2017 - 21:50
    +1

    What safety issue do you mean?
    OTG will only be operating at the battery power voltage, so completely safe, or do you mean risk to the electronics or physical damage?
    I googled Benson and it seems to be a list of USB-c chargers that don't suffer voltage drop from long cables, so I'm still not sure what you are seeking, or am I misunderstanding your concerns?

    • Ughhh on 10/07/2017 - 21:53

      I've read that some Type-C cables had high risk of damaging the phone or were not delivering the speed it should be- so I guess the electronics part Im worried about.

      I'm not looking for chargers or regular cables, Im looking for 'On the Go' usbs/adapters which allow me to connect a USB flash drive to my phone directly so I can access files on the USB via my phone.

      Something like this

      • mskeggs on 10/07/2017 - 22:14
        +2

        I'll defer to an expert, but it would seem extraordinary to me if the USB-C spec could allow damage from under voltage, although low/no performance from long cables or poor connections is a possibility. But this shouldn't cause any real problem.
        Since you have a couple of adapters, have you tried them to see if they work in combination to do what you want?

        If your concern is from this article:
        https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/02/cheap-usb-c-cables-could-…

        It seems to be about mains charging cables, but it is hard to tell because the author doesn't seem sure of what they are reporting.

        So since this was interesting (OK, I will agree I need to review what I find interesting) I looked back at Benson Leung;s actual posts for the last year:
        https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/s0Inv

        His issues are all with wall chargers, there is no safety issue with OTG, it cannot harm your device if you are just hooking up an SD card or similar.
        The Benson issues seem to be about wall chargers that are underated to supply the current a modern fast charge device could demand, generating unexpected heat and possibly fire or short circuit.

        • Ughhh on 10/07/2017 - 22:27

          Yeh, I was hoping Benson had a review like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R1OEQH5IMIQSQK?ref_=glimp_1…
          but for Type-A usb instead of micro.

          I have tried the combinations and it does what I want, but it feels a little dangerous having 4.5cm minimum of stiff unbendable adapters and usb sticking out a phone. I would rather cut out the 'middle man'.

        • trongy on 11/07/2017 - 23:39

          His issues are all with wall chargers, there is no safety issue with OTG, it cannot harm your device if you are just hooking up an SD card or similar.

          Another common theme in Benson's reviews is cables that don't meet the USB 3.1 spec. USB 3.1 allows for higher currents and negotiation between the charger and device using extra pins on the USB-C connector. For cables that could be used with legacy chargers (e.g. USB-C to USB-A) the solution is to put a 56Ω resistor between the two control pins which signals the device to limit its power draw.

          For an OTG cable, this is unlikely to be an issue. I think it still could be prudent to get an OTG cable with the resistor in case someone uses it in combination with another cable and for charging.

          USB Type C and 3.1: clearing up the confusion

  • ellave on 10/07/2017 - 22:14
    +1

    I got this one from ebay - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-3-1-Type-C-USB-C-OTG-Cable-US…

    Using it just fine with my S8 & USB DAC

  • altomic on 10/07/2017 - 23:07
    +1

    I dissected a 'micro-usb to lightning' plug adapter the other day. I was curious as to if there was some "magic" in the adapter. like this one from ebay. I used it to charge a iphone 5 for a few months and it worked fine. lo and behold there was a IC chip inside. it did a great job charging (cost 27cents from aliexpress when bought in 20 pack). I'd consider it safe.

  • theHMASfriendship on 11/07/2017 - 09:01

    My maths teacher in year 9 was Mr Benson but I doubt he'd be in the cable approving business.

    He'd be in the knee-high bus driver sock business, though.

    • Ughhh on 11/07/2017 - 10:50

      Id still love to know what he thinks though, his approval would mean a lot.

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