Can Any USB-C Charger be Used to Charge a V90-series Test Set?

Yes and No. The V90 handheld test platform uses smart USB-C PD chargers and cables, capable of 15V / 3A (45W). Although using a common 5V / 1A USB charger won't damage the unit, it may not charge in full or will take longer.

The official recommendation is to use the smart USB-C PD (Power Delivery) charger and cable that VeEX supplied with the product. Both the charger and cable are capable of handling up to 45W (15V @ 3A) and have the required PD communication channel.

The use of any other charger or cable will not be covered by the warranty.

However, if you forgot to pack the charger and/or cable supplied by VeEX, or misplaced them, you may check the specs printed on your trusted modern smartphone's or tablet's USB-C charger. They may have smart USB-C PD chargers. They may not specifically state "USB-C PD" compatibility, but they may list all the different voltages and currents they support.

While the use of USB-C chargers is generally considered safe, it is important to use high-quality, genuine chargers and cables. Using cheap (no brand) and unreliable chargers or cables could lead to major risks, such as overcharging, overheating, battery damage, explosion, and/or fire.

Verify that the charger supports 15V / 3A. If so, there should be a reduced risk and you could consider using them, at your own discretion, for an emergency. If the information printed on the charger is vague or confusing, don't take any chances.

USB-C cables are more difficult to identify, since they don't have PD markings to confirm whether they would allow the test set and charger to communicate their power settings and requirements. Also, the construction quality of no-brand cables is very difficult to judge.

USB-C charging works differently than traditional USB-A charging, using a different type of cable and port to transfer data and power. The charging process involves constant communication between the device and the charger, allowing the charger to adjust its output to meet the device's requirements.

Older USB-A chargers, and their USB-C converter cables, definitely don't support PD communications, so they should be avoided. They are often limited to 5V and 1A (some may go up to 3A). They won't damage the test set, since the platform itself will adjust to the available source. However, if the battery is low, it may not charge the test set while it is being used, as it keeps on discharging. It needs to be OFF to get some charge.

VeEX V90-series low battery charge statusWARNING! Using a 5V / 1A USB charger, while the battery is low and the test set is being used, may bring the battery to a deep discharge level, degrade its performance or cause permanent damage. In this condition, the battery status icon may not display an estimated Charging Time, since the adapter cannot provide enough power to charge the battery and operate the test set at the same time. Turn the test set OFF!

Chargers with 1.5A capacity may charge the test set very slowly, while the test set is in use. The Charging Time indicator will display the best-case scenario. But, in active use, it may take longer than predicted or stop charging (no estimate displayed) before reaching 100%.

If a V90-series Test Set Stops Charging Before Reaching 100%

If a different USB-C charger is used, with lower capacity specifications than the one supplied by VeEX, the charging time could take a lot longer.

For safety reasons, if the test set's Li-Ion battery pack doesn't reach 99% charge level within an expected timeframe, it will stop the charging process. In such state, the battery status icon may show that the charger is plugged-in Lightning Bolt battery charging icon, but it will no longer display a Charging Time estimate.

Related Test Solutions

V90-series Test Sets:

  • FX92 - DWDM C-band Optical Channel Checker (OCC)
  • PX90 - PON Service Installation Meter (G-PON, XGS-PON, LAN, Wi-Fi 6E)