Charge your mobile phone while cycling - is that possible?
In order to be able to charge your cell phone on the bike, for example to use it as a navigation device for the next bike tour, you need a USB port on the bike. This can be supplied with power directly via the dynamo: a charge controller is connected between the dynamo and the cell phone that converts the current appropriately. We'll show you how it's done.
Connect the mobile phone charger to the dynamo - there are these models
- The "USB - Werk AC" by "Busch und Müller" is very small and can therefore be easily attached to a bike. Suitable storage and cable systems are also available here, with which you can connect several consumers.
- The "Dynamo Harvester" with built-in battery and plenty of accessories offers more comfort here. It optimizes the hub dynamo so that its performance is used optimally. The Dynamo Harvester also has Bluetooth. With the associated "Be on Bike" app, you also receive data on current altitude, incline, calories burned and much more.
- The simplest is the "Kemo bicycle dynamo charge controller", which is simply switched between the dynamo and the bicycle lamp. The disadvantage is that you can only either charge the cell phone or have light.
How to connect the charge controller
- First attach the charge controller to your bike. Depending on the model, the device is either attached to the frame of your bike with clamps or cable ties.
- Now you have to connect the charge controller to the dynamo. Chargers like the "Dynamo Harvester" have a plug that fits exactly on the connection of most hub dynamos.
- Finally, you should attach all cables to the frame of your bike so that they cannot get into the bike anywhere. It is best to use cable ties for this. For more expensive charge controllers, the appropriate fastening material is included in the delivery.
If you are unsure about connecting the charge controller to your dynamo, you should seek help from a qualified bicycle mechanic. If you also want to build a new bicycle lamp on your bike, the chip bicycle lamp test will help you.