ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 USB-C cable with power indicator. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
If you are a professional repairer, then you definitely have one or more USB multimeters in your toolbox. Because they have become indispensable.
But if you’re a hobbyist, you don’t really want to spend over $100 on a USB multimeter that does anything and everything. For most people, a basic multimeter that does the basics is all they need. And that’s what this device offers.
ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 Technical Specifications
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Length : 1.5m. -
Connectors : USB-C. -
Nominal power : up to 240W. -
E-Marker chip : Yes. -
Screen : 2.4 cm color. -
Information : voltage, current, power, temperature, current direction, energy, timer, etc. -
Accuracy : 0.002V, 0.002A.
I have lots of different USB multimeters that are packed with features, but what I like about the ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001, is its simplicity. You plug it in, the screen lights up, and you get all the vital statistics on the power going through the cable.
The ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 display shows voltage, amperage and power. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The screen even has a handy feature: an arrow indicating the direction of the current. This is an interesting asset, because it makes it possible to know who is charging what, especially when it comes to high-capacity autonomous batteries (power banks).
A small arrow on the display of the ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 indicates the direction of the current. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I also appreciate the simplicity of the starters.
There is only one button on the ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 multimeter. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
A single button located on the back of the screen allows you to switch from one screen to another (a simple press allows you to switch from the multimeter screen to the protocol detection screen, then to a blank screen and to title screen) and rotate the screen (just press the button for three seconds).
Protocol detection screen. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I tested the accuracy of the power meter against a calibrated meter, and it easily achieves rated accuracy, which is more than enough for these kinds of measurements.
It’s hard to find fault with the ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001. For €46 including postage, it’s an interesting and versatile multimeter that doubles as a 240W USB-C cable on a daily basis.
If you want a USB-C multimeter with more features, I recommend the ChargerLAB Power-Z KM003C. It will tell you everything you need to know about what happens on a USB-C cable.
Source: “ZDNet.com”