Keynote USA Key Takeaways
- The ChargerLab Power-Z C240 power meter is available for $30.
- There are no buttons or dials to learn how to use and its plug-and-play functionality couldn’t be easier to use.
- The screen is a bit small and there are no advanced features.
USB testers are incredibly useful tools. These small dongles plug in line with a cable to evaluate USB ports and charger outputs, offering valuable information about a device’s functionality (or lack thereof).
I use them frequently for various purposes, such as checking if a charger or cable is working, checking if a device is charging, monitoring how much power a device consumes, and even determining the total power capacity of a battery.
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Given their usefulness, I always have some of these testers on hand. Maybe that’s why I’m often asked, “What’s a good, affordable, easy-to-use USB tester?”
My top recommendation is the ChargerLab Power-Z C240. It is a great option for those who are new to using these tools or for anyone looking for a reliable tester without having to spend a lot of money.
ChargerLab Power-Z C240 technical specifications
- Show: 1.14-inch 135 x 240 pixel IPS color display
- Ports: USB-C (USB-A compatible with converter)
- Maximum power: 240W
- Voltage: 0 – 50V
- Current: 0 – 6A
- Other features: D+, D-, DC voltages, Wh reading, run timer
- Bidirectional: Yeah
Many USB testers can be quite cumbersome, overloaded with buttons and dials that make them complex to use. A good example is the FNIRSI FNB58, a feature-rich meter that unfortunately comes with a steep learning curve.
By contrast, the Power-Z C240 is surprisingly straightforward. You simply plug it in and it starts immediately, displaying all the necessary data on its color screen.
Although the screen is smaller, it is sharp, bright, and colorful, making information easy to read and understand. This easy-to-use design makes the C240 a great choice for those who need a functional USB tester without the complexity.
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A pro tip to consider: If you find it difficult to read the screen, use your phone to take a photo or video of it.
This meter also supports up to 240W of power transfer, meaning it’s future-proofed as faster chargers continue to hit the market.
Keynote USA News
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