2.2 Display Modes
When the Tester is first connected to a PSE, it will automatically display Mode
1. Press the button on the top of the Tester to cycle through to the Display
Mode you want to view. For those Modes that cycle through readings, the
display will rotate every 4 seconds.
The digital display is two separate colors—the top row displays in red, while
the bottom row displays in blue. The only reason for this is ease of distinguish-
ing between the two rows; the colors themselves are not indicative of anything
during testing.
3. HOW TO USE YOUR USB-BUG
3.1 Types of Measurements & Warning Indicators
The USB-Bug is designed to display the current, voltage, power, or capacity
being output from the PSE’s USB-A port.
3.1.1 Current
The USB-Bug will test current from 0 to 3 Amps. If the current is over 3 Amps,
the USB-Bug will flash the decimal point quickly.
The USB-Bug uses <20 mA to power itself.
3.1.2 Voltage
The USB-Bug will test voltage from 3.2 VDC to 30 VDC. If the voltage is greater
than or equal to 5.6 VDC, the decimal point indicator on the voltage measure-
ment will flash quickly. If the voltage is less than 4.4 VDC, the decimal point
indicator on the voltage measurement will flash slowly.
3.1.3 Power
The USB-Bug will test power from 0 to 99.9W.
3.1.4 Capacity
The USB-Bug will display the Amp hours (Ah) and milliamp hours (mAh) that
have passed through the Tester. This displays as a cumulative number, and is
useful when determining how quickly/effectively a portable battery charger is
working.
After the USB-Bug is disconnected from the PSE, the USB-Bug will automat-
ically reset the Capacity reading to zero and start a new reading the next
time you plug it into a PSE. You can also long-press
the button to reset the Capacity reading to zero and
start a new reading.
Note that the Capacity readout is split between the top
row and the bottom row, with the whole numbers show-
ing on the top row, and the mAh showing on the bottom
row. You will note there is a decimal point at the right
on the top row, as well as the printout on the USB-Bug
itself.
(See image at right.)
3.2 Additional Features
The USB- Bug can be used for other things, including security while charging
your tablet or phone, or faster charging.
3.2.1 Intelligent Charging
The USB-Bug has a built-in Smart Chip that allows it to determine the safest
maximum current your PD can accept. That means the USB-Bug can charge
your phone or tablet up to 50% faster than aftermarket/generic chargers.
Note—When plugged into a USB 2.0 port, the current being provided by that
PSE is likely only 0.5A (unless it is specifically designed to be higher). Thus, if
you use the USB-Bug to charge two devices at the same time, the current will
be split to the receiving devices, and you may see a “trickle” charge (i.e., 0.25A
charging each device) that may not be optimal.
3.2.2 Data Masking
There are two USB out ports on the USB-Bug. The top port, called the Un-
masked Port (which is labeled as #1 on the diagram on obverse), allows data
to transfer while charging. The bottom port, called the Masked Port (which is
labeled as #2 on the diagram on obverse), blocks any data from being trans-
ferred. You can use the Masked Port to charge your phone or tablet without
having to worry about anyone accessing your data.
MODE 1
(Default)
Voltage, Current
MODE 2: C
Capacity
MODE 3: -P-
Power
MODE 4: CVA
Voltage, Current, then Capacity
(cycles readings)
MODE 5: PVA
Voltage, Current, then Power
(cycles readings)
MODE 6: CP
Capacity then Power
(cycles readings)
MODE 7: CPVA
Voltage, Current, then
Capacity, then Power
(cycles readings)
Voltage
Current
Amp hours
Milliamp hours
-P-
Watts (note decimal)
Voltage / “C” Ah
.
Current / Capacity mAh
Voltage / “-P-”
Current / Watts
“C” Ah / “-P-”
mAh / Watts
Voltage / “C” Ah / “-P-”
Current / mAh / Watts
ABOUT TRIPLETT
Triplett Test Equipment and Tools has been desiging specialized test equip-
ment for over 100 years.
Triplett was acquired by Jewell Instruments in 2007. Jewell Instruments is
a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced sensors,
controls, panel meters, and avionics. Jewell provides custom solutions
for the aerospace, medical, industrial, marine, telecommunications, and
railroad industries.
Jewell’s experienced engineering team works with customers and end-
users to develop top-of-the-line products that meet or exceed all customer
requirements.
The company has two manufacturing facilities—one in Manchester, New
Hampshire, and the other in Barbados, West Indies. Both facilities maintain
the most stringent manufacturing requirements. The Barbados facility also
provides the cost-competitive advantage of offshore manufacturing
Jewell is committed to continuing the legacy started by Ray L. Triplett,
producing only the highest quality, most technologically advanced, rugged,
and reliable test equipment products in the marketplace.
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