USB Hub help

**dLockers** · 07-09-2008, 04:41 AM

I have 4 usbs on my pc, and ive fitted some in the dash up front below my screen. How do I power an external hub? I've heard cut the 5v and run it to the hub, then ground the negative wire from the plug.

Then I just use it as a normal hub, correct?

Thanks

edit: will i get any problems plugging the touchscreen into said hub?

**Stealth915** · 07-09-2008, 12:29 PM

I think you have the right idea. Tap into the regulated +5V line in your M2 for the power. You could just ground the negative wire to the car chassis, but I used the ground wire from the M2.

You shouldn't have any problems plugging the touchscreen into the hub, especially if it's going to be powered. That being said, some USB devices are picky about how they're connected to the computer, so you won't know for sure until you try it out.

**dLockers** · 07-09-2008, 12:33 PM

I went out and got a $10 usb hub from my work, turns out to run my 2 usb ports with 2 memory sticks in, as well as my touchscreen, it needed no extra power.

dvd drive will be another story, lol. for an external dvd drive, do i just modify the power adapter to be a usb port? (pos/neg)?

**Stealth915** · 07-09-2008, 05:47 PM

yeah, stuff like memory sticks and touchscreens don't take a whole lot of power, so you can most likely get by without a powered hub. But stuff like optical drives or charging your phone/BT headset will definitely need an external power source.

Is your $10 hub a powered hub? As in, does it have an AC adapter that plugs into it to provide external power to it? If it does, you need to power your hub with a +5V source. I bought a barrel plug that fits into my hub's power connector and ran the +5V and ground wires from the M2-ATX to the barrel plug.

Not sure how you're implementing your DVD drive, but my slim USB external enclosure needs two USB ports to power it. If your hub is powered, you can plug both into the hub with no problems.

**nasa** · 07-09-2008, 06:05 PM

I highly suggest using firewire for your DVD drive -- It's just more reliable (at least in my experience)

**dLockers** · 07-09-2008, 06:13 PM

Ive scrapped the dvd idea, nobody I know uses cd's anymore, either ipods or other PMP's.

Thanks for the help with the +5V line guys, much appreciated.