Author here: it was a surprise to see this old article on HN. To reply to your comments, even if you fix the safety problems, this charger would generate really terrible power. They're using a primitive RCC circuit instead of spending a few cents on a controller IC, and they're using low-quality capacitors. I have oscilloscope traces at http://www.righto.com/2012/10/a-dozen-usb-chargers-in-lab-ap... that show the huge quality difference between a $2 charger, a good charger, and an excellent charger.
I'm familiar with fusible resistors, and this charger doesn't have one. I've also torn apart the transformers from cheap chargers and the transformers are usually unsafe due to insufficient insulation.
These cheap chargers cut corners everywhere. You're likely to have touchscreen problems while using one due to the poor power quality.
I'm familiar with fusible resistors, and this charger doesn't have one. I've also torn apart the transformers from cheap chargers and the transformers are usually unsafe due to insufficient insulation.
These cheap chargers cut corners everywhere. You're likely to have touchscreen problems while using one due to the poor power quality.