FAQ charging

Can I charge the Android uploading device and the Contour Next Link 2.4 at the same time, with the 600 series uploader app working too?

Good question - unfortunately the answer is not simple. You may notice that many of the suggestions below are ways to work around the problem, rather than direct answers to the question.

Reliable Solutions

The following are tried and tested solutions. How suitable they are will depend on your own particular circumstances.

Using a device with a non-USB charging port

As you have probably noticed, most Android devices charge via their USB port (due to the circa 2009 European initiative to introduce a standard method and connection for charging mobile devices). Unfortunately this neat solution becomes a problem when a CNL 2.4 also needs to be connected to the Android device 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A few Android devices - often tablets - have a separate charging connection distinct from the USB port. Tablets obviously tend to be larger than phones, but this might be an option, for example if the uploader is mostly used at home or an office.

Using more than one Android device

One Android device in "live" use, the other one on charge.

For example, a daytime rig (kindergarten/school/college/work) and a nighttime rig (at home).

Using more than one battery

This may be feasible provided that it is possible to

• Open your Android device
• Remove/replace the battery
• Charge the battery separately - either using an external charger, or a second device of the same type

Using a bigger battery

'Extended' battery kits are available for some devices. e.g. a replacement back cover that accommodates a larger capacity battery.

Using wireless charging

Note:

• If your device does not have built-in support for wireless charging, any third party wireless charging kit must not connect to the Android device via the USB port (unfortunately some do)
• There are a few different wireless charging standards (e.g. Qi) so make sure your Android device and wireless charger are compatible
• The Android device must be capable of being charged rapidly enough while it is also providing power to the CNL 2.4 - so choose a charger with the highest power output

Using a laptop or PC

Note - this method is best suited for the technically minded experienced PC user.

Android is a computer operating system in the same way that Windows, Linux, and MacOS are. Obviously Android was designed for use on portable devices, however it is also possible to run Android on PC hardware.

For further information see http://www.android-x86.org/ and https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/22665/run-android-on-your-netbook-or-desktop/

Less reliable solutions

This is where things become rather less clear.

Please note / disclaimer

• The USB OTG specification defines a whole set of electrical (voltage, current, resistance, capacitance), timing and communication requirements that must be met in order for two devices to work successfully together - in this case the Android device and the CNL 2.4 Hence if third party equipment is used which does not fully comply with the USB OTG specification, then in the best case it simply "will not work", and in the worst case there is potential risk of damage to the Android device and/or the CNL 2.4.
• Unfortunately the behaviour of different Android devices varies significantly (between manufacturers, between brands, and between models) - i.e. what works perfectly well with one Android device will not necessarily work with another.
• Although some people have found success with some of the suggestions below, many have found they did not work with their particular device for various reasons.
• Hence it would be worthwhile posting a question on the Facebook support group to ask about your particular Android device.

Using a USB OTG hub

Some Micro USB OTG hubs and USB Type C OTG hubs are available which can connect to Android devices rather than a personal computer, by virtue of the size of their USB connector.

This may be a suitable solution, particularly if you are using the uploader device in a static setting (e.g. bedroom, office).

For some examples of USB OTG hubs please refer to the document 'FAQ_Nightscout for Medtronic 600 Series' on the Nightscout For Medtronic Facebook group

Using a USB OTG splitter cable or adaptor socket

Warning - this is probably the least successful option, though some people have found that certain cables or adaptors work satisfactorily. However many people have a drawer full of cables that do not work for their Android device.

Again, it would be worthwhile posting a question on the Facebook support group to ask about your particular Android device.