Xcellon PDG-5200L 200W Charger
5-Port GaN Expedition Charger with Power Meters
Specs Performance Recommendations
Xcellon PDG-5200L 200W 5-Port GaN USB Charger (200 W total output, 19.6 oz./554g, $150). bigger. I got mine at B&H.
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Introduction top
Specs Performance Recommendations
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I saw this charger browsing at B&H and knew I had to have it. It replaces the bag of chargers I used to have to carry on photo trips and it also has meters so I know exactly which devices are charging and how fast.
Knowing the voltage, current and power at each output is immensely helpful in the field and in the studio because it confirms that my items are charging as expected. It also gives me visibility into how far charged they are, as devices draw less power as they near the ends of their charge.
The display is always ON so I never have to pick up a phone or wake up an iPad just to see how far it's charged.
We all have different needs. For me having three USB-C PD outputs and two USB-A outputs is perfect. I use them:
USB-C 1 (up to 100W): MacBook Pro.
USB-C 2 (up to 100W): iPad Pro.
USB-C 3 (up to 100W): Canon, Nikon, OM, Sony, Fuji or other main camera.
USB-A 1 (up to 22½ W): iPhone 14 Pro Max.
USB-A 2 (up to 22½ W): Apple Watch ULTRA.
This charger is about the size you'd expect for its 200 Watt rating:
Xcellon PDG-5200L 200W 5-Port GaN USB Charger. bigger. I got mine at B&H.
Good top
Specs Performance Recommendations
Lots of power and outputs.
Accurate meters, one for each output.
Bad top
Specs Performance Recommendations
The AC cord has no lock, so always check that it's snugly inserted in its socket and the display is lit, otherwise it won't charge.
Missing top
Specs Performance Recommendations
The included cord is 3 feet (90 cm) long, designed for use on a motel night stand or desk without having too much cord clogging up your work area. If you need a longer cord, bring an extension cord.
Specifications top
Specs Performance Recommendations
Gallium Nitride (GaN) circuitry.
19.555 oz. (554.4 g) actual measured weight, sans cord (rated 19 oz./539g).
4.7 × 3.4 × 1.5 inches.
119.6 × 86.8 × 38.8 millimeters.
Shipping weight: 28.1 oz (796 g).
Box dimensions: 6.7 × 6.5 × 3.5 inches (170 × 165 × 89 millimeters).
Box, Xcellon PDG-5200L 200W 5-Port GaN USB Charger. bigger. I got mine at B&H.
Box, Xcellon PDG-5200L 200W 5-Port GaN USB Charger. bigger. I got mine at B&H.
What's included with the Xcellon PDG-5200L 200W 5-Port GaN USB Charger. bigger. I got mine at B&H.
Performance top
Specs Performance Recommendations
As you see at Specifications, while each USB-C port can put out up to 100 W and each USB-A port can put out up to 22½ W, you can't draw more than 200 W total at any one time.
The Specifications show how much you can get in various situations.
In practice, it's never an issue as my MacBook Pro never draws more than 60 W and usually draws more like 15 W. Likewise my 12.9" iPad Pro draws no more than 36 W, my iPhone 14 Pro Max draws no more than 25 W and cameras don't draw more than about 15 W.
Even if one device wanted to hog a lot of power, when it's done charging the power management system should adjust itself so the other devices again can draw a lot of power. In practice I've never drawn anywhere near the limits this charger can provide.
I LOVE the power meters because it lets me see how everything is doing. If for some reason something isn't charging well, I can see that and do something about it before I go to sleep, so tomorrow morning everything is fully charged and ready to rock.
The meters read to 0.1 V, 0.1 A and to the nearest Watt.
It's as efficient as other chargers. I measure 250 mW power draw while idle, and measured 22 W of power draw while providing 18 W of output.
Recommendations top
Specs Performance Recommendations
We all have different needs while on safari or other photo outing, and I find this charger is ideal for charging everything I take on my expeditions.
The power ratings are maximums. The system only applies as much power as any connected device needs. I can charge my Apple Watch from the 100 W (rated) USB-C PD output just fine if I want to, and the meters confirm that all is well.
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