SA12 Power optinos - $8 power supply, USB-C Power options, USB-C PD docks

gregoryx
gregoryx Member Posts: 23 Troubleshooter

The SA12 thread on TablePCReview is littered with discussions of power options. So... I hoped to bring to a post here for the stuff that I've personally tried and works or doesn't work. Please add to this if you have other experiences. 

Initially, the word was that USB-C power wasn't an option. So I tried a couple of power supplies as alternatives to the Acer stock one.
* This Asus did not work right: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C792TNM
* This cheap-o works great for three months now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FTZ96P0
$8!!! I bought another one. It even has cable-winding legs and can be corded or direct-plug.

When thinking USB-C power wasn't an option, I tried a couple "portable USB-C docks" (now being called other things) and - since I didn't think I could use USB-C power, ended up keeping this one - works well with my 2160x1440 monitor in 60Hz mode: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G3JX74W ($80!)

Since hearing that the Macbook USB-C charger works, I've been trying to go down that road.
* as others noted, the RAVpower didn't work: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IF4L1Q4
* the Apple works great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VU2Z3J0 ($50)
* the Dell works great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FI7W7QO ($36)

I'm now also trying to find a good portable "dock" or "adapter" that has Power-Delivery (Apple calls it "USB-C pass-through" I think) that works.
* the first one I tried had a loose-ish cable and HDMI didn't work right https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KYVKFDQ/ ($39)

I've ordered another ($28) and have a few more "on deck" that I'll keep trying until I get a small one that works. The above unit has ethernet, but the others I'm seeing so far don't.

Next project will be to revisit the external battery unit as a USB-C power supply for the SA12. Based on what I've seen with the power supplies, these aren't quite ready for prime-time yet.