My passthrough makes my phone sound like static when I hit it. What the heck??

[BradSmith]

I just got in a 5 volt passthrough. I love it love it love it!!!!!!!!!!

However, my phone is a voip (voice over internet protocol). I am currently using a Magic Jack, I love it too. The problem is that when I hit my passthrough it causes static when I do. The people I talk to can hear it as well, so it's not just me.

Now it's making me wonder what else it is doing to my pc.

 

[CaptJay]

I got the usb/ac wall adapter plug (madvapes sells a decent one, not too pricey) cos I dont like to risk my pc. I dont sit n worry that the PT is gonna fry m PC port btw but its not outside the realms of possibility so I got the plug.
PT price + plug vs PC price - no contest really lol

 

[Sushikune]

Apologies to BradSmith if I'm jacking the thread, but...

CaptJay: can a 5V passthrough really put a PC at risk? I've been thinking of purchasing one and haven't come across this before.

 

[Sushikune]

Bumping this because I'm really curious if a passthrough can harm your computer.

 

[Lab]

if it shorts out yes it will hurt the comp... there might be a few pt built now with a fuse built in.. but if there is not a fuse it will short either at the motherboard or the power supply..

as far as the magic jack goes.. mine does that if certain programs are running ext..

either way.. i would highly recommend a wall to usb plug or a wall to usb hub.. better to put out the 5-20$ than have to replace a mother board or power supply

 

[chrisl317]

Bumping this because I'm really curious if a passthrough can harm your computer.

Computer repair/ IT for 17+years. I've never witnessed a "passive device" blow a port. If you're really worried, go through a powered usb hub, it doesn't need to be connected to the pc to provide power. It will have a wall plug power source. Conversely, I just use my old Motorola usb phone charger that plugs into a wall socket which does the same thing as above, provides power without the need for a computer for my Bartleby.

 

[Lab]

Apologies to BradSmith if I'm jacking the thread, but...

CaptJay: can a 5V passthrough really put a PC at risk? I've been thinking of purchasing one and haven't come across this before.

i posted above.. yes there is a risk.. but still get one you will like it.. just as stated get the wall to usb plug or a wall to usb hub..

 

[KuiHiggins]

I got the usb/ac wall adapter plug (madvapes sells a decent one, not too pricey) cos I dont like to risk my pc. I dont sit n worry that the PT is gonna fry m PC port btw but its not outside the realms of possibility so I got the plug.
PT price + plug vs PC price - no contest really lol

Too true!

 

[CaptJay]

Apologies to BradSmith if I'm jacking the thread, but...

CaptJay: can a 5V passthrough really put a PC at risk? I've been thinking of purchasing one and haven't come across this before.

Yeah theres a thread here on the forums about a guy who did exactly this to his work PC. I think its also quoted in a reply by one of the old timers in the 'ask the experts forum' too. The fact is, its RARE but the mere possibility of it is enough to give me pause, and my PC is worth a WHOLE lot more than a PT and plug combined. Losing my PT would be an inconvenience but losing my PC would be a major issue, apart from the cost, I do work on it.
For me the risk isnt worth it not when a usb/AC plug is so cheap and easily available.

 

[gashin]

Yes it is very possible! I've used a passthrough that shutdown my computeronce -worked fine with a USB adapter but never gonna use it on my computer ever gain.

Yeah theres a thread here on the forums about a guy who did exactly this to his work PC. I think its also quoted in a reply by one of the old timers in the 'ask the experts forum' too. The fact is, its RARE but the mere possibility of it is enough to give me pause, and my PC is worth a WHOLE lot more than a PT and plug combined. Losing my PT would be an inconvenience but losing my PC would be a major issue, apart from the cost, I do work on it.
For me the risk isnt worth it not when a usb/AC plug is so cheap and easily available.