The Speedybee Discharger is an interesting gadget that transforms LiPo or Li-ion batteries into power sources for any USB devices. While it’s called a discharger, I’d argue it’s more like a power adapter. Though it can serve as a discharger, I believe that’s not its primary intent. In this review, I’ll delve into its performance and explore potential uses.
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Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
You can purchase the Speedybee Discharger from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBH36Pn
- Speedybee: https://oscarliang.com/product-i1k0
It comes with a balance extension cable that supports up to 6S batteries.
Specifications
- Power Input Voltage Range: 3-6S
- Power Input Connector: XT60
- Output Connector: USB-C
- Supported Fast Charging Protocol: PD3.0/QC4+/PPS/AFC/FCP/SCP/PE2.0/SFCP
- Charging Power: 60W Max (3S, Max 30W; 4S, Max 40W; 6S, Max 60W)
- Dimensions: 78*45*22mm
- Weight: 56g
Error Notification (flashing screen and beeping)
- Er1 Short circuit, power off
- Er2 Overheated, power off
- Er3 Overheated
- Er4 Overvoltage, power off (>26V)
- Er5 Low power voltage,power off(<10.5V)
- Er6 Alarm for low voltage of cell (3.80V by default, support customization)
- Er7 Alarm for 0.3V voltage difference of cell
Low voltage alarm (flashing screen and beeping)
- 3S Lipo ≤11.1V
- 4S Lipo ≤14.8V
- 6S Lipo ≤22.2V
Closer Look
The Speedybee Discharger makes it possible to charge devices, including laptops and smartphones, via its USB Type-C output, from 3S to 6S LiPo or Li-ion batteries. The maximum output power depends on the input voltage, offering up to 30W for 3S, 40W for 4S, and 60W for 6S LiPo.
Its four-digit LED display showcases input/output voltage and output current, with two buttons for navigating through displayed information. It can also display a range of error notifications, with the built-in buzzer, gives users warning about low voltage and other electrical issues.
The input connector is an XT60.
It also has a balance port on the side, which monitors the voltage of individual cells. The balance port is not required for the discharger to work.
However, the recessed USB-C port is questionable as it may not accommodate some cables with larger plugs.
This discharger can charge a range of devices like action cameras and smartphones.
I even managed to charge my MacBook at 66W (20.1V x 3.28A), slightly over its maximum rated power of 60W.
Left: output voltage; Right: output current
It’s also suitable for powering tools like soldering irons.
Tear down of the device.
Voltage Reading Accuracy
I compared the voltage readings from the discharger with those from my calibrated multimeter, finding them to be closely aligned, within ±0.05V generally.
| Cell# | Discharger | DMM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.82 | 3.850 |
| 2 | 3.84 | 3.852 |
| 3 | 3.84 | 3.863 |
| 4 | 3.84 | 3.852 |
| 5 | 3.85 | 3.859 |
| 6 | 3.88 | 3.855 |
| XT60 | 23.0 | 23.15 |
How It Works
The device is straightforward: plug in the battery and the device you wish to charge, and it starts charging automatically.
When the battery voltage drops below a certain threshold, it stops charging and alerts you. Note, it doesn’t balance cells during discharge; exceeding a 0.3V difference between cells will also trigger an error and alert.
Short press the left button to cycle through the displayed values: input voltage, output voltage, and output current. Long press the left button to turn the device on or off.
Short press the right button to switch between and check the voltage of each cell. Long press the right button to set a minimum cell voltage (default is 3.80V). An alarm will sound when the voltage reaches the mini voltage, at which point output will be cut off.
Conclusion
Primarily, the Speedybee Discharger is designed for field charging of USB devices, particularly those requiring up to 60W, like laptops and tablets. While there are other products, like the Speedybee Adapter 3, which offer USB charging from a LiPo battery at 30W, this discharger fulfills its 60W promise.
You can purchase the Speedybee Discharger from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBH36Pn
- Speedybee: https://oscarliang.com/product-i1k0
However, its size is notable; it’s somewhat bulky for a 60W adapter. Despite this, its utility in providing on-the-go charging solutions may outweigh its size for many users, making it a valuable tool for those needing power in remote locations.
1 comment
Thanks for the review. There is an alternative to Speedybee Discharger, and this is SkyRC B6ACneo with 65W via USB-C. The downside, of course, is the B6ACneo is three times more expensive, but it can also charge batteries with similar dimensions.