USB pass through concerns
- Thread starter BloodWolf
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All I can say is that passthroughs have caused PC damage for a small number of users, as you've read. Many others (including me in the past) have used them plugged into PC's without problems. But there is a chance they could cause damage. I think it's likely to depend on the PC design, and how well it copes with higher current draw than the official standards allow for (only 0.5A originally). I think the passthrough's that use an in line battery (these are not a true passthrough) are less likely to cause a problem than the type that directly power the atomizer from USB. The ones that use a battery draw fairly small amounts of current, as the USB only charges the battery, with the battery powering the atty. However a true passthrough can draw over a couple of amps at 5v, depending on what atty/carto is connected.
What I'd suggest, if possible, is using an AC-USB adapter, with a 2 Amp (or more) rating. This includes things like adapters for charging iPad's or this. You could also use something like a powered USB hub, if it can provide enough current.
What I'd suggest, if possible, is using an AC-USB adapter, with a 2 Amp (or more) rating. This includes things like adapters for charging iPad's or this. You could also use something like a powered USB hub, if it can provide enough current.
Papa is correct... get the AC-USB adapter.
Any USB device can mess up a computer port... when it malfunctions. For example, frayed wires in the cord could short power->data and fry the data controller.
As mentioned above, the main concern is the high amp draw of the 5 volt "direct" (no battery) PT's that require around 2.0 amps (varies depending on atty/carto). That's too much for most USB ports. The ones with an in-line battery just trickle charge the battery and should be OK. However, why tie up a computer USB port with an e-cig? Get the AC->USB adapter IMO!
Another common issue with some PT's is the cord on the end of the e-cig.... it can develop broken wires due to strain. This is not for the mini-usb connections, but rather for the ones where the wire just comes out the end cap.... many people put a bit of tape on the end of them to provide strain releif and avoid breaking the wires by stressing past the bend radius of the wire.
If, for some reason, you can't get a AC->USB adapter.. only use the PTs with in-line batteries on your computer's USB... and check reviews for a particular make/model to see if they've had any issues.
I have a "Direct PT" and AC->USB adapter I keep around for 5 volt vaping "emergencies" when/if I ever have battery issues. This gives me a "mains power" solution if needed. I personally find the wire annoying and prefer to just keep an extra set (or three) of charged batteries around and swap them in my box mod. But that's me. For mods with changeable batteries, the battery swap takes 10 seconds and you're good to go.
Any USB device can mess up a computer port... when it malfunctions. For example, frayed wires in the cord could short power->data and fry the data controller.
As mentioned above, the main concern is the high amp draw of the 5 volt "direct" (no battery) PT's that require around 2.0 amps (varies depending on atty/carto). That's too much for most USB ports. The ones with an in-line battery just trickle charge the battery and should be OK. However, why tie up a computer USB port with an e-cig? Get the AC->USB adapter IMO!
Another common issue with some PT's is the cord on the end of the e-cig.... it can develop broken wires due to strain. This is not for the mini-usb connections, but rather for the ones where the wire just comes out the end cap.... many people put a bit of tape on the end of them to provide strain releif and avoid breaking the wires by stressing past the bend radius of the wire.
If, for some reason, you can't get a AC->USB adapter.. only use the PTs with in-line batteries on your computer's USB... and check reviews for a particular make/model to see if they've had any issues.
I have a "Direct PT" and AC->USB adapter I keep around for 5 volt vaping "emergencies" when/if I ever have battery issues. This gives me a "mains power" solution if needed. I personally find the wire annoying and prefer to just keep an extra set (or three) of charged batteries around and swap them in my box mod. But that's me. For mods with changeable batteries, the battery swap takes 10 seconds and you're good to go.
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