Usb pt

Status
Not open for further replies.

maf2k8

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 1, 2009
669
351
Chicago, IL
www.facebook.com
A USB PS " USB Passthru" is pretty much an ecig that is powered by a USB port, either on your PC or thru a USB power adapter that you plug into your wall or car lighter. Rather then using a rechargeable battery and having to charge it over and over, the USB powers the ecig so there is no need for a battery.

they normally have a USB cable attached and you simply plus it in to any powered usb port, then screw on your atty and cart and vape away!
 

j0ker

ECF Guru
Supporting Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 24, 2009
10,558
5,557
MS Gulf Coast
I would also suggest not plugging into a usb port on the PC. I've read mention of damaging systems, I can't say for sure this would happen but I wouldn't take a chance. I can see where it could happen though. I bought an inexpensive powered usb hub and vape from it. The worst thing that can happen is destroy the hub. Just a FYI.....
 

phillyd

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
I would also suggest not plugging into a usb port on the PC. I've read mention of damaging systems, I can't say for sure this would happen but I wouldn't take a chance. I can see where it could happen though. I bought an inexpensive powered usb hub and vape from it. The worst thing that can happen is destroy the hub. Just a FYI.....
Yikes8-o I've been using it for over 2mos. on my laptop and haven't heard that before. I haven't experienced any problems though
 

Walrus

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Mar 3, 2009
2,244
15
Baton Rouge, LA
I second not actually plugging it into your computer.

You also have to make sure that your USB is providing enough power. The source should provide at least 1A. There are a lot of them out there that only supply 500mA-800mA.

A benefit of using a PT over batteries is constant voltage. Every hit is the same... when using batteries, the voltage (therefore the hit) decreases as the batteries weaken.
 

noderat

Full Member
Verified Member
Nov 30, 2009
40
2
Boise, Idaho
Plugging directly into your USB port on your PC is not going to damage it. You're not drawing anymore than a cell phone would and how many people charge their phones though USB across the globe? It's safe and it's what it was built to do - use it. If your USB port just so happens to die with your e-cig in it trust me it's not because of the pass-though it's because it was just that USB port's time to die.
 

Walrus

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Mar 3, 2009
2,244
15
Baton Rouge, LA
Mine has an inline rechargable AA battery. Does that make a difference? I should think that it regulates the voltage somewhat.

Those with an in-line battery will run at 3.7v. The atomizer will be powered by the battery, and the battery will be recharged by the USB source.

Those without an in-line battery will run at the same as the source, typically 5v.
 

Walrus

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Mar 3, 2009
2,244
15
Baton Rouge, LA
Plugging directly into your USB port on your PC is not going to damage it. You're not drawing anymore than a cell phone would and how many people charge their phones though USB across the globe? It's safe and it's what it was built to do - use it. If your USB port just so happens to die with your e-cig in it trust me it's not because of the pass-though it's because it was just that USB port's time to die.

The danger isn't to the PT or the USB port. It's to the motherboard. If the PT shorts out, the motherboard can be toasted. It *has* happened before. Likely? No. Possible? Yes. Why take the chance?
 

the86d

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 13, 2009
1,082
8
So. California, USA
My p3 lapZ and first gen P4 lapZ here have issues with this.

The 1st gen P4 killed my 510 PT, 1st try. I didn't know at first because the battery was still powering the deal, but when it ran out I KNEW after ripping the thing apart and had a burnt chip. None of the new ones have had issues, nor the PCs I plug into at work. (I work IT... if you can't tell by the rack in my house from my avatar.)

My only worry would be computer prior to P4 second generation. (Athlon XP/P4 Second Gen HT [Hyper Threader] or above or better should be fine, as long as you didn't buy an eMachine or some pre-fab crap (Low end IBM, eMachine, HP, NetBook, etc).
 

Wireguy

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Oct 24, 2009
932
1
Birmingham Al
That seems to be the consensus.

I am using my computers usb port but I'm looking to get a stand alone hub/supply. Reason is most of these PT's are cheaply made and from reports here seem to fail regularly. A short on any power supply is a bad thing. The price of a repair is going to be more than the usb power supply/hub.

Besides you can take the hub with you. Yea I know you can take a laptop with you.
 

Walrus

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Mar 3, 2009
2,244
15
Baton Rouge, LA
Yeah... either a wall adapter, powered hub, or portable power pack like the Kensington.

When looking for one, make sure it puts out at least 1A (1000mA)

If you want a top-quality USB PT, take a look at the Puresmoker PT. It costs a LOT more than the typical one, but will probably last longer than you do. Stainless steel construction, and a good thick cable. Most of them on the market are very flimsy and break easily.
 

Pheary

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Dec 14, 2009
166
1
Great Britain
I am a PV noob, but a PC Technician by trade and I can vouch for the comments made here. Not only is it possible for high powered USB products to not work at all with specific computers, they can also blow back onto the motherboard and do severe damage.

Also many people will often use these types of high powered USB products on their laptops/notebooks etc which sometimes do not have enough power to operate the device properly which can cause very strange problems to the laptop. One instance I have seen was with one of the newer Wireless N adapters, it was using so much power through the laptop any time it was plugged in and in use the audio on the laptop began to stutter, once it was removed everything was fine.

Although using a Hub will by-pass issues like this (hubs with a mains adapter) some hubs are so badly made that they could do even more harm to your computer than the actual pass-through.

Personally I would advise people to only connect these types of things to the mains.
 

316lvm

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Nov 5, 2009
1,050
16
southern minnesota
I love my PT's - have 3 for my 901. I also don't plug into my computer. I have a 2 hub adapter - the one that's been suggested for $1.95. With the 2 hub, my husband or son can charge their Zune's and I charge my one 510 batt.

Then I have 2 single usb adapter's for my 901's. One is plugged into an outlet near the computer for my PT, so I can vape my brains out. Also, for me, it's easier and safer to unplug when I leave the computer.

The other one is plugged into an electrical cord at the kitchen table. Again, I can sit there watching the nuts ice fishing and vape my brains out.

My third PT is for when I can get a working usb power pack, then I can take it with me in the car and vape my brains out.

Did I say I loved my PT's cause I can vape my brains out?:D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread