I have an Anker Powercore that has enough output to charge the SD while playing, so just wondering what is the most efficient method to get the most out of both power sources for long haul flights.

  • wizzor@sopuli.xyz
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    14
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Many wrong answers here. Most devices have what’s called a power path. When a device is powered via a cable and the battery is full, the device battery is bypassed and the electronics powered via the charging port directly.

    There are always losses in both charging and discharging a battery. Discharging the power bank first and the SD battery second avoids the charging loss from the SD battery.

    You should avoid keeping either battery at sub 20% state-of-charge for long periods, if possible.

    • theCheek@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Thanks for the in depth response! So if I understand correctly, it’s better for battery health to use the bank first then the steam deck.

      However if for arguments sake I want to get the maximum amount of play time, would bank first then SD still be the right way to go? I’m asking as perhaps the steam deck uses more power when plugged in as it doesn’t believe it should be preserving charge?

      • wizzor@sopuli.xyz
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        1 year ago

        Bank first, then SD is good for both max play time and battery health, as the charging of the SD battery results in both energy loss as heat and minute degradation of the battery.

        • andrew@lemmy.stuart.fun
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          1 year ago

          Plus then you can recharge the bank, usually at much higher rate than the deck charge rate, and plug it back in before the deck dies with more than 100% of the deck’s capacity.