I’ve have had one as well, yet after reading of this important post/measurement: External battery charger for Librem5, I changed my mind instantly.
And because of this very favorable reaction from @guru I needed to build myself some external holder (redesign external battery charger): Battery for Librem 5.
I use this combo rarely, very rarely.
Because charging the battery inside the phone is sufficient for you?
Or for other reasons than that?
Both, thanks for asking! Let me somehow put things together on why I’m not using external battery charger or using it rarely (and therefore not swapping batteries).
Similarly I’m usually leave my phone connected, even overnight, even when battery at 100% (red LED light off), to two 8000mAh power banks (using just black USB-A port) or to one 18000mAh power bank (using just outer USB-A port, it charges back to its full capacity much quicker). Doing so while, for example, by going out for some walk I can rely on my phone even if I stay out for longer than intended.
Also and sure that I’m disconnecting my Librem 5 regularly down to 50% of inserted battery capacity (either at home or not), but my main reason why mostly leaving phone connected to power bank is to have more peace for myself while not focused anymore not to overlook when it will turn off by itself (empty battery related, which isn’t healthy battery stage for it anyway).
Also, with my current thoughts (trying to be short), I might use car charger to recharge one of my USB-DCP protocol supportive power banks (carefully selected from my side to be used with Librem 5) yet not to charge my Librem 5 directly with any car charger (when some hours spending there), especially if some car charger do not negotiate USB-DCP charging protocol with the Librem 5 at all.
And whatever way I choose to recharge my Librem 5 this is most important, here related, note (that I should not forget to link):
I believe GNOME Web is working again with the latest system updates. I haven’t experienced any websites crashing so far.
It true, Epiphany it not crashing… it has new top webengine version.
I just checked my charger: Output: DC 4.2V = 800mA. Yes its slow, but I end up with a battery fully charged to 4.24V.
As long as measured voltage (right after charging with some external/universal battery charger) is way belong 4.35V (that should be equal or very close to 4.20V) your Modem card should survive without any damage to it, and proceed to work as expected, as untouched from the fully charged High Voltage battery (LiHv), the one (BPP-L503) that Librem 5 uses to power this Linux phone when inserted into it.
I’ve learned what very important to be understood, and therefore thankful, from this post:
800mA is just about right as 500mA would be very slow (and probably unreliable as well). Thanks for this feedback!
EDIT:
This charging station (holder with pogo pins) should give you some idea on how external charging device for Librem 5 battery should function: “The traditional third-party charging station depends on current detection to judge the charging status. They usually have a red and a green light to show the power info, which is doubtful. Because when the controller is completely out of power, the current will be very low, the traditional charging station can’t detect it.”
Above actually means (to me at least) that you need (ensure this every time) to take out Librem 5 battery from external battery charger right after it reaches 4.20V (as usually green LED light on) on it. Just while this external battery charger will continue to charge BPP-L503 battery above 4.20V. Meaning taking out battery on time will help there (meaning as well that BPP-L503 battery charged inside of Librem 5 phone never gets into such issue, never gets charged above 4.20V).