DVD-ROM Power issue

linkyone · 08-13-2006, 04:32 PM

I have a DVD Rom that doesnt want to spin up and operate. It is connected to a usb 2.0 hub in the dash. I am powering the hub from the psu. now the hub works fine (bluetooth, gps, keyboard) but when i plug in the DVD-rom it never really spins up all the way. it only gets so fast then stops and starts again. the dvd-rom is connected to the hub with one usb cable and the power for the drive is coming from the same wire (+5) connected to the PSU for the USB hub. i have pulled the dvd rom from the car and connected to a wall outlet (using the AC\DC converter provided) and it spins up just fine. now clearly i have a power issue (current related) but i dont know where to start. I can only guess my next move is to purchase a 12 to 5 volt regulator rated at 3 amps (same as the AC\DC converter) and try that.

The PSU (m1-atx) is rated at 10A for the 5V rail and i dont think i am over that limit. I have only a bluetooth dongle, gps, a mini keyboard, and occasionally a flash drive connected. Any suggestions?

binary.h4x · 08-13-2006, 04:50 PM

http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=10

2k1Toaster · 08-13-2006, 05:29 PM

Or just get another powered hub. USB can only provide 500mA total.

linkyone · 08-14-2006, 01:05 AM

binary - yea thats the same one i was looking at. i tried building one out of some ICs (7805 5 volt regulators) but they just got hot. ill order one today

2K1Toaster - Do you think that would work when the DVD-Rom drive needs 2.5 Amps to spin up?

2k1Toaster · 08-14-2006, 01:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by linkyone

2K1Toaster - Do you think that would work when the DVD-Rom drive needs 2.5 Amps to spin up?

What the hell kind of innefficient drive is that?! Laptop or Desktop drive?

linkyone · 08-14-2006, 02:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

What the hell kind of innefficient drive is that?! Laptop or Desktop drive?

Its a Lacie laptop DVD-DL R/RW in an external usb 2 case. Yea, i didnt think it would be this power hungry when i bought it, boy was i wrong! I just ordered the 5 volt, 3 Amp regulator, actually i bought 2, one for my hub as well. My car pc (where my 5V originates) and the hub (in the dash) are about 20 ft apart (wire length) so i think i am dropping some power across that kind of length. Ill install these regulators and see if anything improves.