It's one of those warnings I see time and time again: "Don't use your passthrough with your computer--you could fry the motherboard." Just wondering if anyone has actually done this or if it's just one of those things people repeat.
Who here has fried their motherboard with a passthrough?
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Uh-oh...hadn't heard that. I have mine hooked up to the computer....oh, maybe three weeks now and use it constantly. Haven't fried anything.
desertlover
desertlover
I cant see how you can voltage limiters and amp regulators wouldnt allow it, But i could be wrong
I've used my 5V 808d1 PT and my eGo PT plugged into my computer's USB port almost exclusively for a few months now and no problems. Then again, maybe it takes time and I'm just asking for problems. Guess I'll find out. I do have a AC adapter on the floor beside me I have been trying to use more since I read the warning a few weeks ago.
I been using usb for about a yr. now with no problems, I did find that a razr phone charger works with my inferno (same as ego and such). I have a surge protection I plug it into next to the computer.
I've heard it and repeat because even though I've never fried a motherboard using a PT, I did once burn one out hooking up a home-built periph (it was working fine until all four motors ran at once, drawing about 1200mA). An IC on the MB released its magic blue smoke. I never looked at what it was because I had a stack of those old motherboards, and it was far easier to just use a new one rather than try to fix it.
When an appropriate wall wart is less than $10 and I couldn't replace my primary computer for less than $1,000, I don't take the chance and advise others not to risk it.
Just to add a word -- those PTs that have an inline battery are perfectly safe. They're only drawing current to recharge the battery.
When an appropriate wall wart is less than $10 and I couldn't replace my primary computer for less than $1,000, I don't take the chance and advise others not to risk it.
Just to add a word -- those PTs that have an inline battery are perfectly safe. They're only drawing current to recharge the battery.
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I once blew up a 510 battery that I put in a USB charger which was attached to my computer. That charger was not meant for that type of battery. Before it blew up, my computer switched off. Glad I was working with it at that moment, else it could have been worse. Looked down at the computer, saw smoke coming from the battery. Took it out immediately, and it exploded in my hand. Still have the burn marks in my desk and carpet to prove it. Computer still works fine though. So does that USB port.
It's exactly like FanWriter said. His example is perfect.
Now take a 5v direct PT e-cig (no battery). We know that 5 volts with a 3.0 ohm atty draws (desires) 1.66666 amps per ohms law. With his example, he blew a port with 1.2 amps.
Ports vary. Boards vary. Standards change (USB 3.0 in particular). But why risk it?
Just remember "A NO-BATTERY PT = NO COMPUTER USB" ! (and gee golly wiz, it even rhymes!)
EDIT: This doesn't count things like electrical shorts and mechanical failures of some sort. We're talking over-amping here.
Now take a 5v direct PT e-cig (no battery). We know that 5 volts with a 3.0 ohm atty draws (desires) 1.66666 amps per ohms law. With his example, he blew a port with 1.2 amps.
Ports vary. Boards vary. Standards change (USB 3.0 in particular). But why risk it?
Just remember "A NO-BATTERY PT = NO COMPUTER USB" ! (and gee golly wiz, it even rhymes!)
EDIT: This doesn't count things like electrical shorts and mechanical failures of some sort. We're talking over-amping here.
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It is true that some High current USB devices like heated mice, heated wrist rests, and usb pass through's can overtime damage the mother board (typically I see that its the capacitors that blow). But most of the times I have seen that sort of failure it was because of lower grade components in motherboards for the "budget conscious" other wise known as mass marketed PC's. So, I would strongly suggest everyone just buy a powered usb hub. Not all usb hubs will allow a high current usage device however, and it may take some trial and error. Although I have a high end motherboard and a more than adequate power supply I still choose to run my USB Pass through (no battery so its vaping at 5.2V) through a powered hub and use a CyberPower CPH420P which comes with a power supply without problems. But I haven't yet found a USB extension cable that will work with a pass through.
I also have a usb power port hooked into the storage compartment of my recliner it took a little redneck ingenuity to wire that up. Some juice, and a refilling syringe (510 Tanks) fit right with the Pass through. So now when I come home... I charge battery's that are depleted (still using 510s but thinking of going Tank) and am now all USB Pass through at home.
I also have a usb power port hooked into the storage compartment of my recliner it took a little redneck ingenuity to wire that up. Some juice, and a refilling syringe (510 Tanks) fit right with the Pass through. So now when I come home... I charge battery's that are depleted (still using 510s but thinking of going Tank) and am now all USB Pass through at home.
I used to plug into my PC but it kept wanting to install a software driver for my PT. 
Bought a 5V 3A LCD power supply, put a USB connector on, no worries, and
there isn't an atty or carto made that will draw 3A without a short somewhere.
Bought a 5V 3A LCD power supply, put a USB connector on, no worries, and
there isn't an atty or carto made that will draw 3A without a short somewhere.
Sorry, it doesn't qualify as redneck ingenuity unless the recliner is on the front porch.
However, you do get the AWARD FOR ULTIMATE VAPE CHAIR SETUP. Ask the admins about prizes......
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