u/Jim1648

I am interested in learning more about travel eSIMs with Pay As You Go/Lifetime Plans that don't expire. I know about Roamless, BNESIM, and Keepgo. Are they any others that I should know about?

My wife and I both have some Milwaukee heated clothing (jackets & vests). The OEM Milwaukee M12 batteries are okay, but we are looking for power banks and cables that will work with them.

What power banks should I consider that have an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode?

I have seen that some power banks have DC5521 ports on them. Are they are better choice than USB-C in this case?

What cable(s) should I consider?

A Google search shows this AI Overview:

To use a standard USB power bank with your Milwaukee Heated Jacket, you will need a 12V step-up cable (like a USB-C/USB-A to 5.5mm barrel plug). This adapts the power bank's 5V output to the 12V your jacket requires.

Here is exactly what you need to do to make it work:

Get the Right Cable: Purchase a USB to 12V Step-Up Adapter Cable (widely available on platforms like Amazon). Ensure it supports Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 or Power Delivery (PD) so it triggers the required 12V output.

Check Your Power Bank: Use a high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh) that supports fast charging protocols.

Connect and Power: Plug the barrel-jack end of the step-up cable into the jacket’s power pocket and the USB end into your power bank.

Pro-Tips for this Setup:

Power Saving Mode: Forum users on CandlePowerForums indicate that many power banks have an "auto-shutoff" or sleep mode triggered by low-draw electronics. If your jacket turns off on its own, you may need to look for a power bank with an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode.

Milwaukee Adapters: If you want to use standard Milwaukee M12 or M18 tool batteries, you can easily use their dedicated Milwaukee M12 Power Source without needing any aftermarket USB adapters.

My wife and I both have some Milwaukee heated clothing (jackets & vests). The OEM Milwaukee M12 batteries are okay, but we are looking for power banks and cables that will work with them.

What power banks should I consider that have an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode?

I have seen that some power banks have DC5521 ports on them. Are they are better choice than USB-C in this case?

What cable(s) should I consider?

A Google search shows this AI Overview:

To use a standard USB power bank with your Milwaukee Heated Jacket, you will need a 12V step-up cable (like a USB-C/USB-A to 5.5mm barrel plug). This adapts the power bank's 5V output to the 12V your jacket requires.

Here is exactly what you need to do to make it work:

Get the Right Cable: Purchase a USB to 12V Step-Up Adapter Cable (widely available on platforms like Amazon). Ensure it supports Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 or Power Delivery (PD) so it triggers the required 12V output.

Check Your Power Bank: Use a high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh) that supports fast charging protocols.

Connect and Power: Plug the barrel-jack end of the step-up cable into the jacket’s power pocket and the USB end into your power bank.

Pro-Tips for this Setup:

Power Saving Mode: Forum users on CandlePowerForums indicate that many power banks have an "auto-shutoff" or sleep mode triggered by low-draw electronics. If your jacket turns off on its own, you may need to look for a power bank with an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode.

Milwaukee Adapters: If you want to use standard Milwaukee M12 or M18 tool batteries, you can easily use their dedicated Milwaukee M12 Power Source without needing any aftermarket USB adapters.

My wife and I both have some Milwaukee heated clothing (jackets & vests). The OEM Milwaukee M12 batteries are okay, but we are looking for power banks and cables that will work with them.

What power banks should I consider that have an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode?

I have seen that some power banks have DC5521 ports on them. Are they are better choice than USB-C in this case?

What cable(s) should I consider?

A Google search shows this AI Overview:

To use a standard USB power bank with your Milwaukee Heated Jacket, you will need a 12V step-up cable (like a USB-C/USB-A to 5.5mm barrel plug). This adapts the power bank's 5V output to the 12V your jacket requires.

Here is exactly what you need to do to make it work:

Get the Right Cable: Purchase a USB to 12V Step-Up Adapter Cable (widely available on platforms like Amazon). Ensure it supports Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 or Power Delivery (PD) so it triggers the required 12V output.

Check Your Power Bank: Use a high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh) that supports fast charging protocols.

Connect and Power: Plug the barrel-jack end of the step-up cable into the jacket’s power pocket and the USB end into your power bank.

Pro-Tips for this Setup:

Power Saving Mode: Forum users on CandlePowerForums indicate that many power banks have an "auto-shutoff" or sleep mode triggered by low-draw electronics. If your jacket turns off on its own, you may need to look for a power bank with an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode.

Milwaukee Adapters: If you want to use standard Milwaukee M12 or M18 tool batteries, you can easily use their dedicated Milwaukee M12 Power Source without needing any aftermarket USB adapters.

My wife and I both have some Milwaukee heated clothing (jackets & vests). The OEM Milwaukee M12 batteries are okay, but we are looking for power banks and cables that will work with them.

What power banks should I consider that have an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode?

I have seen that some power banks have DC5521 ports on them. Are they are better choice than USB-C in this case?

What cable(s) should I consider?

A Google search shows this AI Overview:

To use a standard USB power bank with your Milwaukee Heated Jacket, you will need a 12V step-up cable (like a USB-C/USB-A to 5.5mm barrel plug). This adapts the power bank's 5V output to the 12V your jacket requires.

Here is exactly what you need to do to make it work:

Get the Right Cable: Purchase a USB to 12V Step-Up Adapter Cable (widely available on platforms like Amazon). Ensure it supports Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 or Power Delivery (PD) so it triggers the required 12V output.

Check Your Power Bank: Use a high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh) that supports fast charging protocols.

Connect and Power: Plug the barrel-jack end of the step-up cable into the jacket’s power pocket and the USB end into your power bank.

Pro-Tips for this Setup:

Power Saving Mode: Forum users on CandlePowerForums indicate that many power banks have an "auto-shutoff" or sleep mode triggered by low-draw electronics. If your jacket turns off on its own, you may need to look for a power bank with an "always-on" trickle charge/low-power mode.

Milwaukee Adapters: If you want to use standard Milwaukee M12 or M18 tool batteries, you can easily use their dedicated Milwaukee M12 Power Source without needing any aftermarket USB adapters.

I have a Chester Cheetah device with a Quectel CAT19-RM520N-GL/Mediatek Wi-Fi 6.

If want more speed, can I swap out that module for something faster? If so, which one should I consider and is the swap out dead simple?

As posted above, I wish this group was around when I was applying and working for the State of Minnesota. It would have helped me understand things a bit more.

My story is I performed city/county work until my first retirement at the end of 2010. I retired at age 50 when the county offered a buy out. I took advantage of that and started annuity payments under MN PERA.

I worked a couple of private sector jobs until snagging a job with a second defined pension plan in about September 2011. I worked there for over 6 years and took a second retirement in 2018.

I left when I took a job at the State of Minnesota. I worked for a few different organizations that contribute to MSRS. I retired about a year and a half ago.

Many of the posts that I read here I can relate to.

While you certainly won't get rich performing most of the jobs at the State of Minnesota, there really aren't that many places that still have Defined Benefit pension plans. I thank my stars everyday that I get a monthly annuity from PERA, the Fed and MSRS. I haven't started drawing from Social Security, yet, but in about 4 years I will start drawing that. I haven't started drawing from my IRA, yet, but I am watching it grow.

As posted above, I wish this group was around when I was applying and working for the State of Minnesota. It would have helped me understand things a bit more.

My story is I performed city/county work until my first retirement at the end of 2010. I retired at age 50 when the county offered a buy out. I took advantage of that and started annuity payments under MN PERA.

I worked a couple of private sector jobs until snagging a job with a second defined pension plan in about September 2011. I worked there for over 6 years and took a second retirement in 2018.

I left when I took a job at the State of Minnesota. I worked for a few different organizations that contribute to MSRS. I retired about a year and a half ago.

Many of the posts that I read here I can relate to.

While you certainly won't get rich performing most of the jobs at the State of Minnesota, there really aren't that many places that still have Defined Benefit pension plans. I thank my stars everyday that I get a monthly annuity from PERA, the Fed and MSRS. I haven't started drawing from Social Security, yet, but in about 4 years I will start drawing that. I haven't started drawing from my IRA, yet, but I am watching it grow.

It looks like the best way to get a Google Pixel 10 with a physical SIM card slot is to buy a Canadian or International version. Where are some reputable places to buy these?

A Google search/IA states:

You can buy a Canadian Google Pixel 10 directly from the official Google Store Canada. For unlocked phones and deals, you can also shop at Best Buy Canada, Amazon Canada, or Costco Mobility. Will any of them ship to the United States?

I have two devices that have wall wart power supplies that provide 12 volts through a DC5521 connector. I would like to be able to power them from a USB-C port. What are some suitable cables for this and where can I purchase them?

For those that have T-Satellite service on a physical SIM card, if that SIM card is removed and inserted in a hotspot, what will happen?

Will it just work?

Or is it configured to not work since it doesn't allow hotspotting in a smartphone?

I currently use a Canadian Apple iPhone 15 in the United States that one physical SIM card slot.

I have Red Pocket (AT&T) currently for $30 per year on one eSIM for talk and text.

I have T-Satellite for $10 a month which gives me 50 GB of terrestrial data.] on another eSIM for data.

I know that T-Satellite can now use a physical SIM card.

I am wondering if there any advantages to switching T-Satellite to a physical SIM card.

What would happen if the T-Satellite SIM card was installed in a cellular hotspot?

Would it allow hotspotting?

I was thinking today about what combination of carriers and equipment would give the greatest connectivity in the United States. With FirstNet (AT&T) having the Sonim MegaConnect HPUE mobile hotspot, I would consider that in a pocket.

On the smartphone side, either an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel that supports dual SIM. One carrier would be Verizon and the other T-Mobile. Having an iPhone would access their satellite partner and T-Mobile with T-satellite would offer that service.

There are likely other combinations worthy of consideration, too. What would you select?

As posted above, when is the most recent time that you roamed onto another carrier in the United States? The last time I recall was when I was on T-Mobile and it roamed onto Bug Tussel Wireless near the Minnesota Wisconsin border east of Hinckley MN.

A Google search (AI Overview) says the following:

Domestic carrier roaming is virtually non-existent today, as major providers have built expansive networks or established permanent LTE/5G sharing deals.

What roaming arrangement are still in place around the United States?

Here is another Google search/AI Overview (did they get it right?)

Domestic cellular roaming agreements in the U.S. largely revolve around filling coverage gaps. Because the "Big Three" carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) now have extensive native 4G/5G networks, they rely much less on each other. Instead, they focus on specific, localized arrangements.

 

The primary domestic roaming arrangements still in place include:

 

• Regional Carrier Partnerships: Major carriers—most notably T-Mobile—maintain long-standing roaming agreements with smaller, regional telecom companies like US Cellular, Cellcom, and STRATA Networks. This allows national subscribers to maintain service in rural areas and mountainous states.

• LTEiRA (LTE in Rural America) Program: Verizon has maintained an active program partnering with dozens of small, rural wireless operators across the country. Under this arrangement, rural carriers build out and maintain 4G/LTE networks using Verizon’s spectrum, providing those rural customers with native coverage while allowing Verizon customers to roam seamlessly in those otherwise unserved regions.

• AT&T / FirstNet: AT&T acts as the primary service provider for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). As a result, they maintain roaming agreements to ensure that critical public safety communications have robust redundancy in areas where AT&T’s native footprint requires a temporary signal extension.

• MVNO Access: Many Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like US Mobile or Visible offer network-switching capabilities. These multi-network or hybrid eSIM setups act similarly to dynamic roaming arrangements, allowing users to jump between the Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks depending on which has the strongest signal.

• Canada and Mexico: Technically an international roaming agreement, most premium postpaid plans from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile include seamless "Roam Like Home" arrangements. These treat networks in Canada and Mexico as extensions of your domestic plan, generally at no extra daily cost.

 

For the most up-to-date regional partner coverage and plan inclusions, check your specific carrier's domestic coverage maps, such as the Verizon Coverage Map or T-Mobile Domestic Roaming Information.

I have Red Pocket for AT&T now for calls and texts. T-Satellite for data. If I want something on the Verizon network for data that doesn't expire, is Roamless the best choice ? Are there any others I should consider?

My wife and I are getting by pretty inexpensively right now. We both have unlocked phones. We each have the Red Pocket AT&T) $30 per year talk and text plan. We also have T-Satellite, which gives us 50 GB of terrestrial T-Mobile data. We have an RV, so we get to some remote places some times. Our hobbies are ATV/UTVing and E-Biking, which also gets us to some pretty remote locations.

I am on the fence right now if I should a Verizon MVNO as a third line as an additional back up. For the most part, I think that what we have now is pretty decent. I have used T-Satellite enough that I know its limitations. It only works with a select number of apps and it typically requires a clear view of the sky.

However, we have been ATVing and stopped at places that only had Verizon. There was no AT&T or Verizon coverage.

If I do decide to add a third line, I am focusing on MobileX and US Mobile. And, since we are typically in the same area at the same time, I might even get just one line and put it on a spare phone we have, which is a Google Pixel 6. Having the ability to hotspot from that line would be a plus, too, so my wife and I could share the data, if necessary. I might even lean towards getting it on a physical SIM card, rather than an eSIM. That way I could swap from my regular phone to the spare phone pretty easily. (Although, I haven't really moved eSIMs much yet, maybe that is simple, too.)

Anyway, based on what I have posted, should I bother with a Verizon MVNO as a backup? And, if so, should I focus in more on MobileX or US Mobile? And then which plan of theirs for our needs?