PT's safe for desktops?
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I tired using my 5V PT on my desktop, which resulted in my computer giving me a blue screen and then shutting down. My computer is a custom built gaming rig, so it certainly isn't lacking for power. My advice is to purchase a wall adapter like this one and use it on a surge protector.
I would not risk it.
I bought a 2amp from newegg.
My walmart didn't have a 2amp.
I bought a 2amp from newegg.
My walmart didn't have a 2amp.
Mine toasted a couple of USB ports. Weird thing is they still transfer data, just won't power a pt anymore.
Yep, a $10 wall wart is much easier to replace than a $500 computer.
Just make sure it is 2 amps or more. ( 2000 mAh's or more )
Mad Vapes has them.
Just make sure it is 2 amps or more. ( 2000 mAh's or more )
Mad Vapes has them.
The only ones I know of that can be used on a computer is one with an inline battery and an eGo. I still wouldn't recommend doing it. I would rather plug into the wall then have to replace my computer.
A 3.7v PT with a inline battery is ok to use with a computer, desktop or laptop. What's really happening there is the computer is charging the inline battery and you're vaping from the battery.
A 5v PT requires a larger amperage draw that most usb ports aren't designed for, it may work and it may not and it may fry your USB port or MB or it may not, at any rate it's highly recommended to get an 5v adapter capable of 2 amps or more. Madvapes carries them as well as other places.
IMO I'd get a adapter either way, they're cheap and allow you to use the pass through anywhere there is a ac outlet, you won't be tied to a computer. Plus if something does go wrong it's a cheap adapter that may go with it rather than your computer.
A 5v PT requires a larger amperage draw that most usb ports aren't designed for, it may work and it may not and it may fry your USB port or MB or it may not, at any rate it's highly recommended to get an 5v adapter capable of 2 amps or more. Madvapes carries them as well as other places.
IMO I'd get a adapter either way, they're cheap and allow you to use the pass through anywhere there is a ac outlet, you won't be tied to a computer. Plus if something does go wrong it's a cheap adapter that may go with it rather than your computer.
From the listing it looks like that one is .5 amps output. At least 2 amp output is needed with a 5v pass through.
Yeah, I had to edit that one out when I was looking at the details if the charger. My mistake.
While committing a blogrant of Useful Tips for my fellow Aged, Infirm, Halt, Lame and Sedated, as we struggle with this puzzling question, it was that very wise and Scientifically proven theorem that inspired me to compose the following helpful and poetic mnemonic device:
Plug It All Into The Wall
Thank you all so much. I will be plugging my PT into the wall exclusively. I did not read the fine print when the PT arrived, so I can't say if they warned against using it on your computer, but they should put it in bold red like lolady did in their directions somewhere to not power them off any computer.
I used a PT on desk top for 2 years w/o issue. I charged many batts in wall socket w/o burning down the house.
I have wised up and now plug PT in wall and charge batts in a pan.
I have wised up and now plug PT in wall and charge batts in a pan.
I would think that if PT developers didn't want users to plug them into their PCs, they would not attach them to USB wires.
PT mnf's want you to buy their product. Does that mean it is safe for all computers? Not necessarily.
Could you use a PT on your computer and never have a problem? Quite possibly.
Does it make sense to do so when a wall adapter is so cheap? IMO absolutely not.
Negative, there are two types of USB ports defined by the 3.0 USB spec, one is a data port rated for 900mA and the other is a charging port rated for 1500mA (1.5A). Computer USB ports are not charging ports. Makers can design their PT devices to draw more current than a computer can provide with the caveat a charging port is required. Also, older computers with USB 2.0 ports have a lower 500mA limit and USB 2.0 does not define a charging port.
The advice generally given in this thread (use a wall wart or powered USB hub) is sound for any passthru. Even if it's a battery PT that draws less current (as opposed to battery-less that draws more), it could develop a fault that may fry a computer USB port. Some computers have smart USB ports that will shut down and put up a warning if there's too much current demand. Some will just shut down the port with no indication. Some will just keep trying to satisfy the demand until the motherboard fries.
It's just not worth using your computer as an expensive power supply when you can buy a wall wart or USB hub for under $10.
They are really two completely different devices (5v direct PTs vs 3.7v inline battery PTs).
People use USB ports for all sorts of things. And those "things" can all malfunction. Coffee warmers, fans, gizmos. The cautions above are prudent... use a wall wart.
If you're using a 3.7 volt PT with a battery... just get a wall wart on your next order of hardware/juice so you don't have to pay extra shipping. You don't have to run out today and buy a wall wart in a panic. It frees up a port too, and lets you vape without your computer... like by the sofa.
If you're using a 5v PT... no battery. Even for USB 3.0, get a wall wart!
People use USB ports for all sorts of things. And those "things" can all malfunction. Coffee warmers, fans, gizmos. The cautions above are prudent... use a wall wart.
If you're using a 3.7 volt PT with a battery... just get a wall wart on your next order of hardware/juice so you don't have to pay extra shipping. You don't have to run out today and buy a wall wart in a panic. It frees up a port too, and lets you vape without your computer... like by the sofa.
If you're using a 5v PT... no battery. Even for USB 3.0, get a wall wart!
This is a Good Thread.
I was aware that many USB ports in the front of a computer are mearly Hubbed ports off of the Mother Board. Hence they many not provide adequate power to charge or use a Pass Thru. That is why it was allways suggested that users use ports Directly attached to the MB. ie: The USB ports in the Back of the computer.
I wasn't aware that people have had serious computer problems.
All of the battery powered 3.7V passthrus I've seen have low enough draw even for USB 2.0 data ports, but can still have problems getting the full current they need with laptops and older desktops. The main issue there is risk of a fault that could result in high current demand, not a likely thing, but still possible. As AttyPops pointed out, that could happen with any USB powerd device. It's the 5V PT direct devices that can cause problems for a computer right away. The battery passthrus are typically under 500mA. 5V battery-less passthrus can easily draw 2000mA or 2A.
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