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Formuler Z Mini connection advice

T

TechTbhoy

Newbie
Hi folks,
My setup for the above is not convenient for reaching a wall plug, I would therefore like some advice on a cable/adaptor/hub I could obtain to allow TV USB connection. Someone suggested to try the Mission USB adapter ( for the Firestick) and use a small micro usb to USB C plug, I haven't tried this yet as not sure if it would work. Any advice much appreciated
 
Maybe you could explain this a bit more, if you need more power from the TV usb for the Z Mini, then the "Mission USB adapter" might do.
If you have a mains UK Plug for it then why not plug it into the nearest wall socket & then use a HDMI extension cable to the TV.
 
mike142 said:
Maybe you could explain this a bit more, if you need more power from the TV usb for the Z Mini, then the "Mission USB adapter" might do.
If you have a mains UK Plug for it then why not plug it into the nearest wall socket & then use a HDMI extension cable to the TV.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply, it didn’t come with a UK plug, it already has an HDMI small cable and plug attached, so I wouldn’t need an HDMI extension cable, all I’m trying to do is hide the cables behind the TV as there is no external socket near the TV and I don’t want to run long cables to it unless I can hide them somehow. I’ll have a go with the Mission and the small micro USB plug and let you know how it goes 👍
 
Hi again guys, connected as previously mentioned via Mission USB adaptor and Micro USB to USB C plug, all good so far keeping the Mini Z7 active, as with the previous set up just using usb c cable to TV USB, and when putting it in Standby mode it caused me to have to twice factory reset, as it had lost network and unpaired from remote, will continue to monitor over next few days and any issues will update the post 👍
 
Hi again guys, just another update, everything still running fine with the Z7, and the Mission Adaptor,though after previous issues with factory resetting after leaving it in Standby, I tend just to leave it switched on even after the TV is off and this has kept it stable, I know most folks would probably put it in standby but as they say if it ain’t broke no need to fix it so will leave as is and continue monitoring 👍
 
Yeah it probably does forgot about that, so all seems fine, I usually switch the tv back on from Standby and after a few seconds the HDMI port kicks in and all is good so fingers crossed it stays stable thanks 👍
 
You should go to the formuler website and point that out, may have or get a fix. Does it not have a battery that will run out quicker if left on?
 
Good suggestion I may do that but I don’t think there is a battery in it as it came with an external USB power cord minus the wall plug and although the guidance doesn’t say it is meant to work from the TV USB power it seems ok with the Mission Adaptor 👍
 
For battery I meant the USB mission adapter and it has a lithium irreplacable so if left on it charges but that depends if your tv usb emits power when off. See what forum says.

That usb thingy is specifically for fire tv.
 
Ah right I get you now, yeah good points, well I know there is a small label on the Mission that advises you to charge it from external USB for 10 minutes before first use, not sure if my TV emits power to USB when on Standby (it’s a Hisense), but what I may do every now and again is disconnect the devices and charge the Mission externally and hopefully that keeps it ticking over.
I don’t think there is any harm in keeping it permanently connected otherwise Amazon would have some info built into their user guide, as folk will have it always connected in the same way to Firesticks apart form the small USB Micro to USB C plug
 
This is what I found with a Google AI search
“It is ok to keep your Firestick powered on using the Mission USB adaptor connected to the TV, and it will not drain the adaptor's battery
because the adapter's internal battery is charged while the Firestick is in use, not depleted. The Mission adapter is designed to store power and provide a consistent and sufficient power supply to prevent the Firestick from overheating or resetting due to insufficient power from the TV's USB port. ”

Thing is I know the Formuler Mini is different from the Firestick, but it still uses the same 5V 1A power so even though it may not be officially meant to be used with TV USB only, Ibreckon using the Mission would do no harm in the absence of a Formuler version, I also know folk who use the Mini plugged straight to TV USB from the device via the USB C cable and they have advised me it works fine.
 
I’ve contacted Formuler for clarification on this issue and whether there is likely to be some adaptor developed for use with the Formuler similar to the mission adaptor 👍
 
Also regarding power going to the TV USB ports, I believe it still does when TV on standby, so I may be better powering off completely when turning off to prevent the Mission battery draining
 
TechTbhoy said:
Also regarding power going to the TV USB ports, I believe it still does when TV on standby, so I may be better powering off completely when turning off to prevent the Mission battery draining
Click to expand...
According to the following info I found online I reckon I should be ok even if the TV is left on Standby
“Leaving your Hisense TV on standby will not cause the Mission USB Adaptor's internal lithium battery to drain; in fact, the adapter is designed to trickle charge its battery when the TV's USB port is active.

Here's a breakdown of why:
  • Mission Adaptor Functionality: The Mission USB Power Cable contains a special circuit with an internal battery that stores excess power from the TV's USB port while in use and releases it when the connected device (like a streaming stick) demands more power than the port can supply. It is always trickle-charging its internal battery whenever it receives power.
  • TV Standby Power: When the Hisense TV is in standby, its USB ports typically do not supply continuous power or only do so for a brief period (e.g., a few minutes) before shutting off to meet power efficiency standards. Some models may sporadically activate the ports for background tasks, but they are not a constant power source.
  • No Drain Mechanism: The adaptor has no mechanism to draw power from its own internal battery when the TV's USB port is completely off (which is the state it generally reaches in standby mode). The battery is used to provide a power "boost" when the TV is on and the connected device's power demands peak, ensuring stable operation.
Therefore, leaving the TV in standby simply means the Mission USB Adaptor will not receive any power from the TV's USB port, and thus cannot charge its battery. It will not drain its battery; it just won't be actively maintaining its charge level.
 
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