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I have a Qi charger and it works OK for its purpose. I thought it would be possible to install it under a table without cutting a big hole. However, my testing shows this isn't possible, at least with the model I have. It's an Insignia 15watt model. It's supposed to have 3 coils of 5 watts each. I've found that I can only lift the phone a few millimeters above the induction coils before it stops charging.

All the furniture mounted models I've seen require a huge hole for their induction coil and you set your device on that.

I was thinking of buying the raw coils with power controller, but I don't want to waste too much time with that if it isn't going to work.

Any thoughts?

I have a Qi charger and it works OK for its purpose. I thought it would be possible to install it under a table without cutting a big hole. However, my testing shows this isn't possible, at least with the model I have. It's an Insignia 15watt model. It's supposed to have 3 coils of 5 watts each. I've found that I can only lift the phone a few millimeters above the induction coils before it stops charging. All the furniture mounted models I've seen require a huge hole for their induction coil and you set your device on that. I was thinking of buying the raw coils with power controller, but I don't want to waste too much time with that if it isn't going to work. Any thoughts?

(post is archived)

[–] • 1 pt

There are strong versions you can buy that have a farther range. The problem is they get HOT and so does the phone. Look for long range wireless charger on Amazon they make desk mountable ones for cheap with no cutting.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Holesaw through plywood, thin veneer top allowing wireless charger to work, some aluminum trim round the edges to hide you cheaped out and went with plywood. I built the same wireless charging desk for my nephew.

[–] • 1 pt

I'm guessing that the magnetic field isn't very strong. I'd have to find a circuit with a much stronger field output. I don't want to build something specific for it. Perhaps if I ganged up a few charging circuits and put 12 induction coils, that could do it. Perhaps winding the coils around a ferrite core would strengthen the field. It looks like these chargers don't have a ferrite core.

[–] • 1 pt

No, they're not strong. Wireless charging is already inefficient as all get out, a little space in-between the charge coil and the receiver and it can't transfer enough power to make it worthwhile.

[–] • 2 pts

Just because it cannot be done, doesn't mean we shouldn't do it, right? Maybe a 1KW charging circuit would allow an inch gap. After all, electricity is green. You and your silly efficiency!