5volt line? tap off harddrive/ PS2 /kybd?

chuckctv · 08-27-2004, 08:45 PM

Anybody know/try to tap off the PS2 port or keyboard port or even the harddrive power plug for a 5v tap to power a usbhub? Im trying to contain the entire power system to the cpu unit only... I have a micro size HP-epc unit PIII933 system all integrted.. the cdrom is of laptop size and powers off the ribbon cable plug, but it does have one harddrive power plug to power the 3.5 size harddrive, also im using a usb powered keyboard with biultin trackpoint, so im not using the ps2 port nor the keyboard port. I would like to have a 5volt tap for my usb hub, and also a tap for my external (laptop size/type) dvdrom unit which is also 5v (uses a 5v/1amp transformer), also the hub uses a 5v/2amp transformer. I dont believe the amp ratings are nessessary only higher then need as with all devices. any suggestions would be nice. BTW- the computer system was designed like a laptop it use 19v/3.1 amp transformer, which i have a 12vuniversal laptop PSU which works nicely on it.

any ideas on the possibilities?

Chuck

RS3RS · 08-28-2004, 01:46 AM

I would use the hard drive power connecter (technically called a "molex" connector). There should be 4 wires on it. One red, one yellow, and two blacks. The yellow is 12v+, the red is 5v+, and the two blacks are both grounds. Simply splice into that line, using the red as the + and one of the blacks (doesn't matter, they are both grounds) as the -.

By your post, I'm guessing you don't have a USB port, but if you do, the USB port provides 5 volts of power you might be able to tap into.

Good luck

blurp · 08-28-2004, 02:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RS3RS

By your post, I'm guessing you don't have a USB port

Quote: Originally Posted by chuckctv

Anybody know/try to tap off the PS2 port or keyboard port or even the harddrive power plug for a 5v tap to power a usbhub?

I wonder exactly why he would want to power a usb hub if he has no usb port?

By the way, this guy did exactly what you are wanting to do.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...threadid=31952

chuckctv · 08-28-2004, 06:59 AM

1st of all, I do appreciate any and all help/support/ect on my project, and even Ill off a thanks in advance ...

(2) why would I need to power a USB hub, if I didnt have a USB?

(3) I know I can getpower from the red/black(5v) of the harddrive, but my question is , has anyone done it? will it work? will it blow the board as an overload?

(4) I know I can get power from the PS2 PORT and KYBD PORT (5v), but my question is , has anyone done it? will it work? will it blow the board as an overload?

Ill make my self more specific in the future, so as to get usuable responces, not just the obviuos ones..

THANKS AGAIN in advance...

chuck

EBFoxbat · 08-28-2004, 07:56 AM

DO NOT draw power from your ps2
DO NOT draw power from onboard usb to power a hub.

Hubs can run on bus power or on external 5v. The more devices plugged into a hub the more current draw. USB nativly can't handle much current. You can overdraw the bus and KILL your motherboard by using ps2 or the usb bus.

Tap the 5v molex. It's easy and works fine. I've done it several times. Just make sure you solder/heatshring/whatever everything well as you don't want to short your PSU.

CdRsKuLL · 08-28-2004, 08:21 AM

I'm running a USB 2.0 4 port hub at the front of the car, powered via the 5v black/red lines from my opus 150w which is mounted in the boot. It works 100%

CdR

gizmomkr · 08-28-2004, 01:46 PM

I totally Agree with EBFoxBat. I used the 5v line from my ps2 for some project a couple of years back - I blew the feed on the wotherboard. the keyboard stopped working.