I use the VMSpc setup with an Acer laptop which wirelessly displays the VMSpc screen on an iPad using VNC software. At first, I set it up completely wireless. I soon learned that the iPad's battery drained quickly with all of the VMS screen activity so I retained the wireless data connection but plugged the iPad into a 120v source. Since doing so the iPad has twice displayed the "low battery" dialog. The first time I thought it had become unplugged but today I checked it and it was properly connected to the 120v outlet. I also checked the charger and it is putting out .17a and 10.7w which is about right. So it looks like the little charger just can't keep up with the constant VMS screen activity.
I think the reason I finally noticed this is I started out with less than 100% charge and consequently reached the low batt level more quickly. I suppose you could charge at a higher rate but I'll have to look into that before trying it. Guess I could do a direct cable connection which might help.
jor
Your display looks good. I use a lighter plug charger with 2.1 amps out on the main USB for the iPad with a 700ma out on the other USB just below for other stuff. My Galaxy Tab S will also go down pretty quickly if using a GPS app with the screen brightness turned up unless it has 2.1 amp going in.
Pierce
Yes noticed the same thing. You can discharge an iPad faster than the charger inputs power.
Apple is up to 12 watts charging. Need to pick one up.
Hi Jor,
The charger that comes with an iPad uses about 10 -12 watts of 120v and charges at 5.1v, 2.1 amps. It should be enough to keep up with what ever your ipad is doing which is like streaming a video. But screen refreshes are much slower. Your charger might be underperforming its rated output.
My 7" Samsung tablet displays my VMSpc wireless display for about 3 hrs before it starts begging for power. Plugged in, it will run all day and be fully charged to boot. I got a 12v two port USB charging port that looks like a 12v outlet. I put it in the dash and it seems to work fine. It is 2.1 amps, enough to charge two phones but not an iPad and an iPhone at the same time as fast as they would normally get charged.
If you can reduce brightness a bit on your iPad it will reduce power consumption. Also in Settings under WIFI turn off the ask to join networks. This reduced the hunting for networks that the ipad does. Also if bluetooth is on turn it off.
Here is an Apple link on this topic. There are some fast chargers out there but a fast charger and a fast discharge rate might be problematic. Try to reduce demand on the battery.
Everything you wanted to know about charging yo... | Apple Support Communities (https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3511)
Apple - Batteries - Maximizing Performance (http://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/)
Roger
Apple increased the charge rate on the latest chargers from ten to twelve watts.
Bob,
Apple says the iPad chargers consume 12 watts at 120 volts. The output is 5.1 volts @ 2.1 amps which equals 10.7 watts of charging. Never 100% efficient.
Roger
Thanks for the info. My point was his current charger is probably less output.
The Apple 12 watt chargers have been available for a few years, since the iPad Air. There are chargers out there that have higher output, some up to 2.4 amps at 5.1 volts per port. Some say they are 40 watts but read the fine print and that is total for all ports. And the 2.4 amp chargers usually don't list any of the iPads before iPad Airs or iPhones prior to the iPhone 5.
If you have an older iPad the newer Apple charger might be OK. I would be careful with anything higher powered than that. If your iPad is in the sun or working hard and is warm it won't charge as fast.
Adjusting setting to reduce power requirements is a good first step.
Jor ... Maybe you should change the thread title to "VMSpc display on an Ipad" or something like that. VMSpc does not run on an iPad and folks might think that is what this thread is about.
Pic of my 7" display. My total fuel is wonky, working with Art to fix it.
Roger