Passthru on an old computer?

[Mary Kay]

This is probably a really dumb question as I know less about computers then e-cigs! But I have a 2000 compaq FS750 if that helps. I would like to try a passthru but somewhere I read it would kill my computer or port..or somthing.
I have 901's right now.
So anyone one have an answer or suggestion? It's not possible right now to get a new computer.
Hey at least I am not typing on my old electric typewriter8-o

 

[laynies]

Hi Mary,

I don't have a passthru so I can't speak about it working on your computer or not. But if you are concerned you don't need to buy a new computer to use one. I think you can buy a usb hub that plugs directly into an outlet for charging usb devices.

It might be a good alternative?

 

[breakfastchef]

If you are the least bit concerned, the Kensington Portable Power Pack is a great choice for a USB pass-through. They go on sale at Best Buy for $39.95, are very compact and easily can power the pass-through without the need for a computer. There have been several threads about this device and cannot recall anyone not being totally thrilled with it. Check it out as an alternative.

 

[Vince1]

Hi Mary, like Laynies says, just get a usb charger to plug your passthrough into and it will work a lot better anyway. Then you can use it anywhere you have a wall plug. Be sure to get one that is rated at 5v 1000ma (1amp) for best performance.

Like this- $6 http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-POWER-AC-CH...ryZ48680QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Mary Kay]

This little jobbie will will work? That's amazing. I am so tired of dealing with Batteries. Oh No, now I have to find a plug...
I supose I can get this from Radio Shack or Wall-Mart.
Thank you all so very much.

 

[Mary Kay]

Turns out I have a hub! My son put it on for me, but I had no idea what it did. I don't crawl around under the desk a lot..lol
I can use that too, can't I? But the hub is plugged into the computer. so I am a bit confused. Maybe I will just go with the self contained thing after all.
I printed out all this info to give to the Radio Shack guy. Thanks, Laynies, Breakfast chef and Vince.

 

[dumwaldo]

I am currently vaping with a passthrough connected to an ancient P4 with USB 1.1 so I am going to say you will be fine.

 

[nbrice]

I believe the key is the number of amps the USB ports provides. USB specs are normally 5v and 500mAh (.5 amps). I think if you look at the specs of a 2 port hub is will say 5v and 1000mAh (1 amp). I use a USB adapter that is 2000 mAh and it works like a champ, my e-cigar (in my case) gets a little warm, but it vapes like crasy. At 500mAh's it doesn't seem to work at all.

If you have more than one port on the hub and you have other devices plugged in I think it will split the amps by the number of devices plugged in. So I advice you to only have your e-cig plugged in the the hub or multi-device USB adapter.

 

[Mary Kay]

Neal, Speak English please..LOL Nothing is plugged into the hub. I took my camera port and scanner off.
The back of the radio shack 4 port hub says 5v dc 2500 mA
It has one cord pluged into the back that conects it to the computer. I was just wondering why it didn't also have a power plug.
But then again at Home depot I pushed a button on a generator and it came to life. I told my horrified husband that I checked if it was plugged in first!

 

[nbrice]

Neal, Speak English please..LOL Nothing is plugged into the hub. I took my camera port and scanner off.
The back of the radio shack 4 port hub says 5v dc 2500 mA
It has one cord pluged into the back that conects it to the computer. I was just wondering why it didn't also have a power plug.
But then again at Home depot I pushed a button on a generator and it came to life. I told my horrified husband that I checked if it was plugged in first!

Hmmmmmmmmm, I don't understand the Home Depot thing, but I'm a firm believer "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I believe it would be better and easier for you if you had one of those power packs that plugs into the hub and not have it plugged into your computer. I, also, believe the 5v 2500mAh on the hub are the specs for the power pack that would plug into the hub power jack (assuming you have a power jack input on the hub). If you got the hub from Radio Shack they should sell the power pack.

I have a hub on the end table next to the TV so I can watch TV and vipe. Rule of thumb is to only get a hub with a power pack. I also have a car adapter with a USB plug so I can vipe while driving.

 

[Mary Kay]

Thanks NBrice..get the powerpack, got it!
The Home Depot thing..generators don't need to be plugged in, that's the point of a ginny. But if you are me..you can't resist pushing big red buttons! I didn't know it was gassed up and ready to start. We have one for hurricane season.
I am off to Radio shack with this thread. Thanks!!

 

[Mary Kay]

O.K. I recieved the 901 passthru and went to Radio Shack, they are out of a lot of stock. The guy said the shipment was very late! Where have we heard THAT before? Anyway I went to Wall-mart and found this owerline Universal adapter with USB power port.
It has a switch on it that allows you to choose volts 3to 12 with 1300 mA or USB power. I set it on 4/5 and nothing slid it to USB setting and it works!
Now I have to figure out why the light on the pass thru stays lit sometimes and why my atty is sizzling and heating up on almost every puff. That makes me nervous so I have to unscrew. Ah well, I will get used to it in time.

 

[Vince1]

Sounds like you got a sticky switch in your pass through Mary. Try blowing back into it when the light stays on. If you use it a while it may start working better. If it still stays on after you puff, blow in it, if still on, unplug it or unscrew or you will burn out your atomizer.