Too many USB devices

**Scouse Monkey** · 02-16-2006, 10:12 PM

For the DVD - if it is slim and takes the power from the USB (5V) then yes you can splice into the USB - or it may be easier to make a new lead if the usb2-IDE adapter has the option of external power.

For the hubs just connect some power into the DC in jack - dont mess with the usb - it wont work if you switch the hub to powered mode.

And if you boot off the CF drive consider connecting it like the DVD drive.

**Scouse Monkey** · 02-16-2006, 10:13 PM

personally I would not boot off a CF drive.

**Dragonknell911** · 02-16-2006, 10:17 PM

I did'nt quite grasp what you were saying about the dvd drive. It is an external dvd usb 2.0 with external ac-dc power adapter.
Why dont you suggest booting off of a cf?

**Scouse Monkey** · 02-16-2006, 10:19 PM

if it has an external PSU then just wire up to that. less risky. Is it a 12V or 5V in? (ie full size or laptop)

As for the CF - have you disabled writing to the disk? if you havent you will easily exceed the memories write limit.

I just prefer good old HDDs connected to IDE or SATA. Dont like USB to be honest.

**Dragonknell911** · 02-16-2006, 10:22 PM

understanadable not to like cf i suppose. The drive is a slimline/slot load dvd drive. I suppose that makes it laptop. One way or another it takes 5 volts, i havent measured but the ac-dc transformer says it outputs 5 volts

**Scouse Monkey** · 02-16-2006, 10:27 PM

cool. if it has an adapter and you are running a 5V line up for the hubs then connect to that.

**grimor2000** · 02-17-2006, 07:09 AM

well, I doubt you will be using all of the devices at once at the most 2 maybe 3 at a time so I don't think using all the bandwidth will be an issue.

**DarquePervert** · 02-17-2006, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Dragonknell911

Alright I have about 13 USB Devices, which i need connected to my pc
4 – 1.1 devices
1.1 Keyboard – lighted
1.1 Videogame Joystick/controller
1.1 calculator
1.1 touchscreen

7 – 2.0 devices
2x 2.0 Webcam
2.0 DVD Burner
2.0 CF Reader
2.0 ipod
2.0 flashdrive
2.0 printer

I've read this thread and agree with the assessment of how to power them all and get you working.
hwoever, I have some questions about usefulness and practicality, as well as suggestions.

For the calculator, use Windows built-in calculator instead or a pocket clculator. Hell, you can get them free at trade shows.. That reduces one USB device. Personally, I think a USB calculator is a completely pointless device.

Isn't the CF reader the same as the flash drive? That reduces your device count by one if I'm thinking correctly this early in the morning.

You could use a PS/2 keyboard instead of USB. Another reduction.

What is the purpose of the game controller in the car? If this isn't a necessary piece, you should lose it, or at the very least leave it disconnected until it's needed (i.e. your passenger wants to play a game that needs the controller).

Why do you really need a printer in your car? If you need to print from the vehicle, you can have a wifi connection to home and a shared printer to print on. Granted, you couldn't print stuff when you're not parked at home...
I'm not saying you don't have a legitimate need. I'm just point out that it's an unusual piece to install, so I question the actual need. If it's just 'bling', I'd recommend losing it. You don't get much street cred for mobile printing.

**grimor2000** · 02-17-2006, 09:24 AM

bluetooth is your friend lol

**Dragonknell911** · 02-17-2006, 06:49 PM

Well to start;

Originally Posted by grimor2000

well, I doubt you will be using all of the devices at once at the most 2 maybe 3 at a time so I don't think using all the bandwidth will be an issue.

Earlier in the thread, i specify exactly what devices will be used at all times.

DarquePervert, I appreciate your attempt to consolidate my devices, however my listing was infact correct/accurate.

The "usb calc" is acutally a ti-89 which i use for school, and "need" to have connected.

My keyboard is a mini keyboard that is also has a backlight hence usb.

I'm considering installing the OS onto a cf rather than the hd it is currently on.

And the flashdrive is something else, a 512 flash drive that will be used to copy files easily.

The game controller has been taken apart and soldered to some buttons for volume / song shuffle.

Well the printer is actually insanely conveinent to have at my school, since my carpc is quite unfourtantely not a member of the local lan. And I spoke to the admin, and it doesnt seem likely that it will become one either. Just for clarification I have the wep key, however him and i are friends and i'm not going to put it on if he doesnt want it on there, for whatever reason.

And I agree, most of these are'nt neccesary, they're just conveinent and fun ! =)

You can also add to that list, USB bluetooth dongle