New pass thru but I am afraid to plug it in :(

[Zenfrogs]

OK so I just got a V4L passthru and I am too chicken to plug it into my new iMac ... I remember reading someone fried their computer with a pass thru but I can't find the thread ... I had thought I was going to use it with and adapter but it wouldn't power it. I do not understand how current works and I would have a heart attack if it killed my shiny new mac... am I being paranoid? I mean other people seem to be using them, right?


btw: dear mods ... I accidentally posted this in the ask the experts forum and realized to late that it should not go there. delete it for me? sorry to make extra work!

 

[PCoraJr]

I would not plug into your iMac if possible plug it into a powerd USB hub or better yet get a ac to USB plug.

 

[bornagainst]

I have an iMAC, and if you plug it into the back, you will be JUST fine.

Don't plug it into the keyboard USB, as its not powerful enough.

Your new iMAC is more than powerful enough to run the passthru. I have been using it on my iMAC for 8 months now.

Just unplug it when not in use, for total safety.

Think using simple logic...

You'll plug in a HONKIN HUGE printer or an workhorse external USB hard drive via USB, but not a passthru?

 

[5cardstud]

It will be better to use a usb router but I wouldn't worry for a little trial use. If you get an ac to usb with at least 2 amps rating it will work. Mine is only 1.5 amp, which is low, but it works.

 

[jasezero]

Get this: 2 amp AC to USB Adapter, ideal for Passthroughs

or this: Enercell High-Power AC Adapter : AC Adapters | RadioShack.com with the USB plug adapter: Enercell Adaptaplug for USB A : Adaptaplugs | RadioShack.com

I have the latter...works awesome...and switchable voltage!!!

 

[Zenfrogs]

Think using simple logic...

You'll plug in a HONKIN HUGE printer or an workhorse external USB hard drive via USB, but not a passthru?

hmmm...good point ... the only things I ever hook up are my ipod and my camera. Magic mouse & keyboard are wireless.... as is printer but I make my hubby connect all the big stuff to his machine so that mine is cable free. lol. it does seem logical that it would be ok now that you put it that way... haha ... thanks for putting it in perspective for me born!

I think I the guts to test it but will maybe still invest in a wall plug for daily use!

 

[PCoraJr]

Think using simple logic...

You'll plug in a HONKIN HUGE printer or an workhorse external USB hard drive via USB, but not a passthru?

Simple Logic tells me a printer is self powered and a external Harddrive can be self powered or have the needed circuitry to only draw the power needed with out putting to much of a load on the USB port.

The nature of a PT is such that it is not constantly drawing power from the USB port, it only hits the port for power when you press the button. Any computer peripheral once connected regulates the amount of power it draws and will never overload a USB port. A PT has no way of doing such.

With that said I'm sure you will be able to use you USB PT and get lucky and not cause damage, but my 20 years experience in the IT field tell me that that kind of usage will end up shortening if not frying you Logic board (Motherboard).

Why risk damaging a 1200+ dollar piece of equipment when you can just purchase a cheap 20 dollar self powerd USB hub that will do the same. Just saying......

 

[jasezero]

I have an iMAC, and if you plug it into the back, you will be JUST fine.

Don't plug it into the keyboard USB, as its not powerful enough.

Your new iMAC is more than powerful enough to run the passthru. I have been using it on my iMAC for 8 months now.

Just unplug it when not in use, for total safety.

Think using simple logic...

You'll plug in a HONKIN HUGE printer or an workhorse external USB hard drive via USB, but not a passthru?

No huge printer is powered by USB...its just a means of communication between the computer and printer. Some hard drives are powered by USB, but many require two ports. And even those are smaller, laptop sized drives that are meant to be lower power than a standard hard drive.

 

[Rosa]

I read that post about the guy frying his computer. He said his computer was ancient so that's probably why it fried. That being said, I'm not plugging stuff into my (husband's) ancient mac any time soon.

I might sacrifice my (husband's) pc though.

 

[OaklandCA]

As is discussed elsewhere on the forum --but i don't have the thread--the key is how many amps are being drawn from the computer. As i understand it they aren't really set up to pull a lot of power and the devices they communicate with are supposed to have circuitry which negotiates the power draw so as to protect the circuitry.

some passthroughs might draw too much power and damage the computer. I do sneak my charger on to the imac at work sometimes but it is clearly rated at 500mA input 150 mA out--pretty much of a trickle.

a 1.5 amp passthrough would be draw a lot more power and i don't have any specs but i think its about three times the default spec for powering a device via the computer.

use a hub or a cheapie adapter. there are plenty out there under $10. better safe than sorry.

 

[bsoplinger]

use a hub or a cheapie adapter. there are plenty out there under $10. better safe than sorry.

Many of those cheapie hubs or adapters are only 500ma output. You'll want a full amp or 1000ma to run a direct passthru. Look for a cheapie adapter that says iPhone, those should output the full 1A.

 

[curiousJan]

deleted ... redundant information/perspective

 

[jeanblackwood]

I;ve been using my passthrough everyday for weeks . Plug it in plug it in .

 

[Johner]

I purchased the 5 volt pass-through from MadVapes and have had no problems at all plugging it into both my laptop at work and at home. The thing works great and is used daily just about all day.

 

[JustOne]

So... Plug or not to plug?
Also... what do you think about plugging usb passthrough to this device:
(Broadband router with USB printer port)?

 

[bsoplinger]

So... Plug or not to plug?

Here are some facts:
1) The passthru wants between 1 and 1.25 A (amps, 1000-1250ma)
2) The official USB spec says devices may draw no more than 500ma or half an amp.
3) A cheapie 1A USB power adapter costs < $20
4) A computer costs $300+

Why risk an expensive piece of equipment by plugging in a device that is way out of spec? That said there is quite a chance it will work with your computer without doing any immediate or delayed harm. But there is also the chance it will kill the USB port or even the entire USB buss in the computer.

Just my $0.15 (adjusted for inflation) on the matter.