Dynamo-to-USB Device Chargers

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Alan

Oh, and add this cool USB charger gizmo to the generator system so you can power up all the e-goodies you can tote along: zzing.de.

That quote links to an old thread on a different topic, and meanwhile Zzing seems to have fizzled out. The Lighting Your Bicycle thread has discussion about dynamos (generators) in regard to lights. So, about device chargers in particular...

A thread over on CGOAB reminded me of Zzing with pics and discussion of a more recent device charger called E-WERKS by Busch & Müller. Nice looking unit, adjustable volt and amp output, comes with a selection of adapter cables and seems to be well-made like all B&M stuff. Peter White carries it and CGOAB reviews are favorable. They're not cheap, though, and more for an optional battery to further stablize the power output during stops and high-speed runs.

There is also CGOAB discussion of the Kemo M172 power converter for a much lower price. Reviews of it are rather poor, requiring tinkering to get only marginal success of charging some devices. One guy went so far as to build his own power adaptor and provided a parts list and written description of the design, but no schematic (which I'd need, for sure).

Other choices? Any middle ground on the quality/price spectrum? Seems like a market niche to be filled for all the bicyclists using smart phones, GPS, cameras, etc.

PS (6 March) - Found another one, the Dahon BioLogic ReeCharge. Like the E-Werk it has an optional battery pack. Pricewise it's between the E-Werks and the Kemo, but its battery is the biggest part of the price, unlike the E-Werk. I haven't seen any user reports, yet.