Calling all Electricity Gurus

[VaporPhreak]

Ok so if any can answer this for me I would appreciate it, as I am completely boggled. I have been using my backup PT since my JS died this weekend (see A moment of silence... part 2 thread) and while at home (via my laptop), in the car (via cigarette lighter to USB attachment), and at my local game store (via an iPhone power adapter) it allows for big billowing clouds to escape my mouth. However, at work I get VERY weak vapor! I have tried every USB port on my desktop, my coworkers desktop (for testing purposes), and my boss's desktop (again for testing). All 3 of us have differant model PC's and I can verify that all have USB 2.0 slots and my coworker has a 650Watt PSU in his. I am at a loss for an explanation. Any ideas?

 

[nubee]

Sounds like not all usb ports are created alike - seriously.

The usb spec states something like 5v @ 500mAh but I've heard and read that is all over the place.

From other adapters - wall, car, phone? I'd bet you're getting better than 500mAh and maybe even your laptop is pumping it out more.

Having said all that...My JS is still alive (sorry, I FEEL your pain) and I find my vapor at home vs. the office is much better at home?!?!?! Mental, maybe, environment, more likely.

$0.02

 

[Silence]

are you using the front USBs or the back ones?

 

[VaporPhreak]

Silence: Both on 3 different model PCs (one of which was built with server-class hardware).

 

[Silence]

The problem is that some of the usbs are powered (5v) and some are not. On my laptop I can see where there are symbols next to the usb ports. one says eSATA on is a lightning bolt and the others are blank. so the only powered usb port on my laptop is the one with the lightning bolt next to it. the 2.0 just refers to data transfer rate. this is going to vary on desktops. and you would actually have to refer to the motherboard to figure out which ones are powered or not. or try every port till you find one that works... and it is also entirely possible (just not likely) that none of the ports are powered. Often business purchase budget hardware even for the servers and when main components are downgraded you lose things like powered usb ports... Hope this helps

 

[Scottbee]

You didn't mention what kind of PT you have... Does it have in in-line battery (like many of the 510 PT's do..) or is it the type that relies on the USB for all of its power?

 

[ftbs22]

First time poster, but have been lurking for the past few days. I just ordered my wife the 510 and the PT and also purchased a surge protector equipped with USD inputs to bypass having to use the laptop at home. If reach is a concern, there are also USB extension cables that can purchased. Lastly, for the office, it may be best to just purchase a small USB to wall outlet adapter. That way you should be getting a consistently high draw whether you are using your e-cig at home or in the office.

 

[ZorbaTheGreek]

Just btw

one says eSATA on is a lightning bolt and the others are blank.

eSATA is not a USB port It's either a port you haven't used and are identifying incorrectly. Or the labeling for an eSATA port is close to one of your USB ports.

Nubee was on the right track though. 500ma is normal, but some devices will put out 1000ma for "quick charging" I'd wager this is your difference.

 

[Silence]

Just btw

eSATA is not a USB port It's either a port you haven't used and are identifying incorrectly. Or the labeling for an eSATA port is close to one of your USB ports.

Ok here's the funny part... The eSATA word is directly under the USB symbol and the USB/eSATA port is directly under the usb port. eSATA is for external sata HDD storage and is a modified usb port on my laptop. This port also doubles as a secondary usb port. Believe me I use it daily for my mp3 player, iPhone, and USB passthrough. I have also been a computer technician for 20 years.

 

[j0ker]

May sound funny..or not, I've noticed a difference in performance when the temperature around me is colder. I always thought maybe the cooler temp and drawing in that colder air prevented the atty from heating up as much. Just a theory tho.

 

[nubee]

Ok here's the funny part... The eSATA word is directly under the USB symbol and the USB/eSATA port is directly under the usb port. eSATA is for external sata HDD storage and is a modified usb port on my laptop. This port also doubles as a secondary usb port. Believe me I use it daily for my mp3 player, iPhone, and USB passthrough. I have also been a computer technician for 20 years.

Firewire? Have you plugged in a PT and tested it?

 

[Silence]

It is comparable to firewire... yes I have used my PT on it but my PT has an inline battery so I don't feel that it will make a good indicator. But as eSATA requires a power source it has to be a powered port.

 

[VaporPhreak]

Thank you all for the info. To answer the question on the type of PT, its an 801 PT with no inline battery. After doing some further testing I am able to charge my iPhone on these ports, although the charge goes MUCH slower than on my laptop or desktop at home or even the included power adapter. I guess the point is somewhat moot in that I got a Kensington Power Pack for xmas. THough it was broken when I opened it and have to return it for an exchange, I will be using the new one once it arrives. In the interim I am just going to carry my iPhone power adapter as it seems to work beautifully for this.

Silence: Congrats on making it 20 years in IT, I just hit my 10 year mark and I wish I had remained one of the civilians shouting about how the "iner'net is broke" *groan* Back to helping the hapless masses I go. Peace!

 

[Silence]

I wish I had remained one of the civilians shouting about how the "iner'net is broke" *groan* Back to helping the hapless masses I go. Peace!

WORD!

PEBKAC
PICNIC and
ID - 10 - T errors FTL!!!!

 

[Bogalu]

Thank you all for the info. To answer the question on the type of PT, its an 801 PT with no inline battery. After doing some further testing I am able to charge my iPhone on these ports, although the charge goes MUCH slower than on my laptop or desktop at home or even the included power adapter. I guess the point is somewhat moot in that I got a Kensington Power Pack for xmas. THough it was broken when I opened it and have to return it for an exchange, I will be using the new one once it arrives. In the interim I am just going to carry my iPhone power adapter as it seems to work beautifully for this.

Silence: Congrats on making it 20 years in IT, I just hit my 10 year mark and I wish I had remained one of the civilians shouting about how the "iner'net is broke" *groan* Back to helping the hapless masses I go. Peace!

Lol I feel ya, I'm entering year 6 myself. I used to find it funny watching the masses struggle with computers, now it just angers me. lol

 

[Silence]

It's not just that the masses struggle... it's that they can't find the phreakin power button... It's that the don't know the difference between the tower and the modem... It's that when I say monitor I have to follow it with the tv like thing that has all the little pictures on it... A woman actually called and said that she had little green men coming out of her monitor. It's the guy that got 7 credit cards stuck in his floppy drive cuz he thought that's how he was supposed to pay...

 

[VaporPhreak]

It's not just that the masses struggle... it's that they can't find the phreakin power button... It's that the don't know the difference between the tower and the modem... It's that when I say monitor I have to follow it with the tv like thing that has all the little pictures on it... A woman actually called and said that she had little green men coming out of her monitor. It's the guy that got 7 credit cards stuck in his floppy drive cuz he thought that's how he was supposed to pay...

Amen Brother! QFT

 

[ThaLadyD]

I have a battery pack with 2 USBs on it that allows you to choose 4.9v 5.2v 7.2v or 9v.. It's solar too, but maybe something like this would be a better option for you.



I found it on ebay.

 

[Silence]

imagine if an atty would stand up to that 9v.... my god. it's full of stars.....

 

[ThaLadyD]

I no!!