FAQ: Ample: Ultraslim Powerbank with No Annoying External Cables
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

Ample has 6 cables but 9 possible combinations. How is that possible?

Each cable on the left can be paired with each cable on the right. The equation you’re looking for is 3 x 3 = 9.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

How does pass through charging work?

Ample first charges your connected devices. While doing so, the charge rate of each connected devices is monitored. When the charge rates for all connected devices slows to a “trickle” level, Ample evaluates that the device(s) are fully charged and a cutover is made to begin refuelling your powerbank. This approach maximises convenience by eliminating the need for multiple power adaptors.

Last updated: July 12, 2018 18:40

How is Ample so thin?

Ample’s USB A connectors are specially designed with a flush finish between the steel and plastic. This design feature has allowed us to design a powerbank that literally could not be any thinner. Ample was designed around the thickness of USB A port.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Is it actually convenient to charge my smartphone with Ample in my pocket?

Absolutely! It’s like slipping two phones in your pocket. We recommend keeping the charge connector at the “top” to reduce stress on the input port of your phone.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Are Ample’s cables flexible?

Very much so. Ample is designed to act as a daily use powerbank. Our rubber cables are flexible and robust, meeting the demands of daily use.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Are Ample’s cables always connected to the “output ports” of the powerbank?

Yes. Traditional USB A and USB C ports are built into the lower interior slots on the Ample powerbank.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Which phones did you use in the video/images?

We used mostly an iPhone X and a Google Pixel 2 which are both pretty regular sized smartphones. These phones have 5.85” and 5” screen sizes (respectively) and are a very similar in size and thickness to Ample.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Which of the product photos are real / rendered?

All the photo used on our campaign page are real, with the exception of the “Introducing Ample”, “6 Cables 9 Combinations”, “Product Dimension” and “Reward Level” images. All other images/GIFS are genuine photos taken of our physical prototype. If you would like to see our prototype photos, check out the prototype gallery towards the bottom of our page.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

When will safety certification be obtained?

Safety certifications must be evaluated on products that come from the mass production line. Pre-certification tests have been successfully completed and a final certification check has been accounted for in our project schedule.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Why not create Ample with a higher battery capacity?

We wanted to mirror the size and shape of your smartphone. This would not be possible with a higher capacity cell. With 5000mAh of capacity, Ample has enough battery capacity for approx two full charges of a typical smartphone (e.g. an iPhone 8 has a 1,821 mAh battery)

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Do I need to use a special power adaptor with Ample?

This is not necessary. Ample can refuel from any USB C or traditional USB A port. Naturally, the time required to change your powerbank will depend on the power of your charge ports. Ample accepts max 2.4A input.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

How is it possible that I never have to align the traditional USB A port on Ample?

Ample’s USB A cable is always inserted in the same direction with the cord facing “up”. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect USB port alignment. USB C is reversible, so this consideration is not necessary.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

What is the difference between USB A and USB C?

USB A is a traditional “fat” USB connector. USB C is the new standard which is much smaller and reversible.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Why don’t you offer free shipping?

We wish we could, but air shipping of products with lithium ion is expensive due to the additional safety procedures which are required for air freight.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Do you offer EU friendly shipping?

As an European-based organization, we recognize the benefit of EU friendly shipping. We will do our best to offer EU friendly shipping options for our European backers.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Do Ample’s cable stay securely in place when not in use?

Absolutely! The cable length is “tensioned” to lock the cable in place. It’s not possible to shake Ample’s cables out of place.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Can I buy more than 4 Ample powerbanks?

Sure. Please contact us and we’ll work with you to design a customized offer.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Can I purchase additional cables?

Of course! Just add €9 to your pledge for each additional cable required.

Ample has 6 different cable options which allows for 9 possible configurations (see the “6 cables/9 combinations” graphic for an explanation). The reward packages include 2 cables for each powerbank purchased (one for each side).

If you would like to order more cables, please add €9 to your pledge for each additional cable. If you have already made your pledge and wish to make an adjustment, please visit the project page and click the “Manage your pledge” button that appears next to your pledge amount and then select “Change your pledge” on the following page. From here, you’ll be able to adjust your pledge amount with the required amount to cover the additional cable cost.

Last updated: July 09, 2018 00:12

Does Ample’s USB C outputs support both input and output?

Ample’s side ports (USB A and USB C) support output only. The bottom USB C port supports input only. If you’ve ever used a powerbank that supports input and output from a single USB C port, you may have observed that the experience is often buggy/inconsistent when you connect different devices. We want your experience with Ample to be consistent and reliable.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Do Ample’s cables support data transmission?

Ample’s cables are optimized for charging only. We use premium grade copper wires to support high charge rates with a thin and flexible cable.

Last updated: May 23, 2018 11:45

Is Ample MFI compliant?

Our preference is to be MFI certified and use MFI compliant parts. However, Apple currently do not offer MFI certification for USB C <-> Lightning connectors. Until this policy changes, it is not possible for any third-party manufacturer to support MFI approved USB C <-> Lightning connectors. We will monitor this situation closely before making a final decision on whether to seek MFI certification. Regardless of the final outcome, we will always use the highest quality cable tips available which have been tested to work without any problems.

Last updated: May 25, 2018 03:58

Shipping Updates
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