High Current USB

jayhawkclint · 04-20-2008, 02:35 AM

I would like to put a WD Passport in my glovebox that I can easily bring into the house or work when I do file maintenance. It is drawing over 500ma and giving me a blinking error light and not powering up. (WD lists 1A draw on their spec sheet.) It works fine on my other computers. What is a simple, inexpensive way for me to add a safe +5v 1A USB port off my 12vdc BATT that can boost the power? Was thinking something like a diode or regulator, but not sure if they would be safe enough for the HDD.

2k1Toaster · 04-20-2008, 02:52 AM

if your PSU has 1A @ 5v available, the easiest is to splice the wire from the HD, so it disconnects the power and route the 5v line direct from the PSU.

jayhawkclint · 04-20-2008, 03:00 AM

Not really an option at this time. Really hoping to run something off the dash +12vdc.

2k1Toaster · 04-20-2008, 03:09 AM

Then there are simple things like http://store.mp3car.com/Point_Of_Loa...plies_s/10.htm

the DCL11

Furian · 04-22-2008, 06:56 PM

USB ports on occasion will chop off power if above 500ma is being drawn, to get around this, there are cables made A to MiniB which have a passthrough usb attached to the cable to draw power through another port without blocking it. Dunno if you have a port to spare but it may be worth a shot. Wouldn't know where to get one tho... On the other hand there is the POL (point of load) route as mentioned by Toaster which converts the 12v to 5v which you just splice into your usb.

My opinion, get a powered hub which doesn't limit the load, or a not so fancy enclosure.