Computer damage from 5v passthru ?

[kharrizma]

Heard mention of using some kind of adapter for USB passthru because a computer USB port cannot deal with the 5v. Can't you just plug it directly into your USB ? If an adapter IS needed, where to get one ? Really don't want to inadvertently 'fry' my computer. Maybe I'm being overly cautious - I haven't even rec'd my V2 yet. Expect it in the mail tomarrow.

Thanks (everybody) for being so patient with 'newbs' like me !

 

[Nomoreash]

The adapter is a ac/usb adapter, it bypasses the computer completely and plugs into any ac outlet. I actually prefer those anyway as you can use them anywhere there's an outlet and don't need the computer. madvapes as well as other places carry them, brb with a link.

Here ya go, you can find them other places to, be sure to look for 5v output with at least 2 amps output.

2 amp AC to USB Adapter, ideal for Passthroughs

 

[dormouse]

Don't plug a PT into computer USB. Computer USB is only specced to provide 500mA - enough to charge a battery, not enough to run a PT. And don't use an AC to USB designed for battery charging because those also usually only provide 500mA. buy a 2amp (2000mA) AC to USB for the passthrough.

And I also recommend you not pay V2's silly prices for spare parts. KR808D-1 battery at LiteCigUSA.net is $10 etc.

 

[kharrizma]

Just checked out Madvapes link you sent. Says at the bottom that they don't seem to be compatable with V4L products. Just my luck, sheesh ! The kit I ordered comes with a 'USB passthru. Can I just plug it into my USB on my computer or am I taking a risk in doing so ?

 

[kharrizma]

Oh, don't worry dormouse ! You set me in the totally right direction on batts. I bought my initial kit on V4L and will look elsewhere for any other accessories I need. Now, to find a a 2amp AC to USB ..........

 

[tmcase]

Just checked out Madvapes link you sent. Says at the bottom that they don't seem to be compatable with V4L products. Just my luck, sheesh ! The kit I ordered comes with a 'USB passthru. Can I just plug it into my USB on my computer or am I taking a risk in doing so ?

You can do it and it will probably work but you WILL be risking your computer. It's your choice. I say it's better to be safe than sorry. You can probably pick up a USB wall adapter at Radio Shack or Wal-Mart if you don't want to wait for the mailman. But remember it's got to be 2 amps.

 

[2cents]

Here's a 5 volt 2 amp usb to ac adapter from walmart. Click Here

 

[normuser]

Like dormouse said the original usb spec says 500ma at 5.25v.
In practice nothing complies fully with the spec. the connections are all good up to ~1.5a.
MOST implementations will give you ~1a safely and wont let you pull any more. (a lot of pocket hard drives pull ~1a)
SOME use the power signal from the controller to switch power on from the main 5v line and so will let you pull as much as you want (until the connectors melt).
AFEW use power out pins from cheapo controllers directly with no fault protection (this means fried controller if you try to put a big load on the port).
Also just because the spec says 5.25v doesn't mean that is what you'll get. usb port voltage varies from ~4v to ~6v.

Soo the big question becomes what is the resistance of the cart?
ie 5.25Volts at the port/3.5Ohms cart=1.5Amps.

anything more than ~1a is a no-go for me unless using one of those usb power cords with multiple plugs on the computer side.

Thanks,
normuser

 

[dspin]

This is the one I bought when I used a V4L passthrough.

Here's a 5 volt 2 amp usb to ac adapter from walmart. Click Here

 

[AttyPops]

Anyone know what is so "special/unique" about a V4L 5 v PT that it won't work with a standard 2.0 amp wall wart?

 

[markfm]

Nothing special -- I used V4L PT on the Walmart IQ dual 2A power supply just fine, for many months.

 

[blue8091]

Hey realize I'm a newbie and all - but I have a pass thru - and no way was I plugging it into comp instinctively. I had a usb hub with six slots (not that you'd need that many) and I just plugged the hub into a wall outlet and I plug my charging devices and my passthrough on it. Really convenient - it just sits on my desk! Having no issues with the pass thru - it works awesomely! Just thought I would share!

 

[AttyPops]

Hey realize I'm a newbie and all - but I have a pass thru - and no way was I plugging it into comp instinctively. I had a usb hub with six slots (not that you'd need that many) and I just plugged the hub into a wall outlet and I plug my charging devices and my passthrough on it. Really convenient - it just sits on my desk! Having no issues with the pass thru - it works awesomely! Just thought I would share!

Depends on if it's 5 v (no battery) or inline-battery standard voltage PT. Also, many hubs can supply the amps.

Good thinking tho

 

[blue8091]

Depends on if it's 5 v (no battery) or inline-battery standard voltage PT. Also, many hubs can supply the amps.

Good thinking tho

Ahhh - mine is no batt!

 

[classwife]

Personally, I would just rather not risk my computer...