[JohnS1955]

What I learned through all this is that Power Delivery (PD) through a USB-C connection is needed to provide the juice required for wireless charging. Thanks @Rat_Trap for pointing this out earlier. If you're buying a new tech motorcycle wireless charger expecting to use your convenient built-in USB-A port, you're going to be sorely disappointed. I don't think Peak Design was clear enough pointing this out in their documentation.

BUT install the right charging source, and it's a nice setup. I think the whole "wireless" hype is a misnomer. The wire has to either go into your phone (old school) or connect into the mount. For me, wireless makes more sense for home chargers, but to each his own.

 

[MotoToph]

What I learned through all this is that Power Delivery (PD) through a USB-C connection is needed to provide the juice required for wireless charging. Thanks @Rat_Trap for pointing this out earlier. If you're buying a new tech motorcycle wireless charger expecting to use your convenient built-in USB-A port, you're going to be sorely disappointed. I don't think Peak Design was clear enough pointing this out in their documentation.

BUT install the right charging source, and it's a nice setup. I think the whole "wireless" hype is a misnomer. The wire has to either go into your phone (old school) or connect into the mount. For me, wireless makes more sense for home chargers, but to each his own.

I think wireless charging is great on the bike. I've always ran into issues when charging (wired) while riding in the rain. This happened with iPhone and Samsung. My phones would always seem to get moisture in the charging port which wouldn't allow the phone to charge. Although it's been over 10 years since I've owned an iPhone. And then it wouldn't accept a charge until it was thoroughly dried which can take some time!

The charging connection is important. What you discovered holds true in my two vehicles as well. On my 2012 GT I first tried charging the phone with the DIN and found that unacceptable. In my two vehicles, the USB ports are also very slow to charge. I have Samsung's car ("cigarette port") charger. This allows for very fast 45 watt charging, which Samsung calls Super Fast Charging 2.0. I have bought Android Auto wireless adapters since the phone is no longer plugged into the car.

Back to the bike. I have been using Quad Lock's wireless charging for a couple of years and it has been great. Unlike PD, Quad Locks wireless head either comes with a USB port on one end or "bare" ends for hard wiring. PD sells this for an extra fee. I have the QL connected to the PDM 60 and the phone charges at 12.5 watts which is more than enough the keep charge. The S23 Ultra can charge up to 15 watts wireless but this can only be accomplished with Samsung branded chargers. When on the bike I have to phone limited to 85% charge to help protect the battery over the years. So it acts as a trickle charger accepting charge as needed. I use an app called Battery Guru to measure the charging wattage.

Aside from the water intrusion thing, wireless charging on the bike is super convenient for me. If I ever by a car with wireless charging I would not use it because of the slow charging speeds. When in the car I am more likely needing to charge the phone very fast before my next stop. For example, when running errands. Unless on a longer drive, I typically do not charge the phone when on 4 wheels.

 

[JohnS1955]

@MotoToph Rain is a good thing to point out. Of course, as the song says, "it never rains in Southern California". Obviously not true, but I'm usually able to time my rides to avoid moisture. In my case, I ride with a wired tank bag with the phone mounted on top, and I have a waterproof cover that protects everything. Still, I see where a wireless setup will provide more protection in most situations.

Ultimately, I was struck by how much more power the wireless setup requires. The same USB-A port that resulted in my phone's net battery loss using wireless charges my phone to 100% fairly quick when attached the old fashion way. That's even with power hungry apps running in the background.

I go back-and-forth on keeping or returning it. It works well, but I get little if any net gain switching over. I'm going to need to bury the new cables under the tank/seat to the battery to keep things tidy, and for my non-mechanical self I have other priorities right now. I still have a couple of weeks to decide.

 

[MotoToph]

@MotoToph Rain is a good thing to point out. Of course, as the song says, "it never rains in Southern California". Obviously not true, but I'm usually able to time my rides to avoid moisture. In my case, I ride with a wired tank bag with the phone mounted on top, and I have a waterproof cover that protects everything. Still, I see where a wireless setup will provide more protection in most situations.

Ultimately, I was struck by how much more power the wireless setup requires. The same USB-A port that resulted in my phone's net battery loss using wireless charges my phone to 100% fairly quick when attached the old fashion way. That's even with power hungry apps running in the background.

I go back-and-forth on keeping or returning it. It works well, but I get little if any net gain switching over. I'm going to need to bury the new cables under the tank/seat to the battery to keep things tidy, and for my non-mechanical self I have other priorities right now. I still have a couple of weeks to decide.

All very good points!

I have a bunch of camera gear from PD. There return policy is pretty good.