Mar 20, 2019 Much as I like using old-fashioned paper maps, I must admit that simply punching an address into my phone does make things a lot quicker and easier when trying to find my way on my motorcycle.
A USB hub is really nothing more than a gizmo with extra USB ports on it. You plug the hub into your laptop’s USB port. Then you can plug anywhere from two to four to eight USB devices into the hub.
It may not seem practical, but your laptop can have up to 127 USB devices attached to it at any given time. Yes, all at once. That’s one of the keys to the USB port’s expandability.
Some devices cannot be run from hubs, such as certain high-speed hard drives. In that case, the device must be plugged directly into the computer’s USB port. Don’t fret: A warning message comes up and instructs you what to do when such a thing happens.
Keep your eye out for pass-through USB devices. This USB thingamabob sports an extra USB port somewhere on its body, so you can plug the USB device into your laptop and then plug another USB device into the first device. That way, you don’t run out of USB ports.
There are two types of hubs: powered and unpowered. The powered hub must be plugged in or derive its power from the computer. Powered hubs are necessary in order to supply more power to some USB devices.
Obviously, a USB hub is probably not something you would want to pack in your laptop’s case. The more cables the computer has, the less portable it becomes.
Note that smaller, more portable, laptop-size USB hubs are available. They’re very quaint — and more portable than the desktop, or full-size, USB hubs.
One of the best ways to add more USB ports to your laptop is to get them on a PC Card.
You may even have the wiring already installed
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As we become ever more dependent on our portable electronic devices, the problems of power are something we must constantly consider. In the past, I’ve written about how to install accessory power on your motorcycle (here) and how to make it switch on with your ignition (here). Suppose you just want a quick, non-permanent means of charging your smartphone? Well, if your have an electric vest or a trickle-charger that you use, you probably have all the wiring you need for USB power installed on your bike, already.
Most electric vests attach to your motorcycle’s electrical system via a fused cable ending in a SAE plug. So, all you really need is a small adapter to convert your bike’s 12 volt electrical system to a USB-compatible 5 V. While surfing around looking for adapters for another electrical project I’m working on, I stumbled onto a clever USB connector.
Lightningfast produces a SAE To USB Adapter that is essentially a SAE connector with a switch and a covered USB port. The entire device looks to be about 1.5-inches long. (Note: I have not personally used this device. I just found it and thought I should share it with my fellow MOrons.) Its specs, which show a 2.1 amp output, mean it will charge just about every USB-powered device you can throw at it – all the way up to a tablet. It has a weather-resistant cap to go over the USB port to keep rain out if you leave it on your bike. The on/off switch will prevent you from killing your battery if the adapter is connected to unswitched power. It even has internal polarity connection to keep it from shorting out should the SAE connector be wired with its polarity reversed.
The key to the Lightningfast USB adapter’s utility is in the almost ubiquitous SAE adapter.
Racist crackhead in hollywood gets hit by train. With a retail price of about $15, the Lightningfast SAE To USB Adapter isn’t a huge expense and could be the answer to a question you’ve been asking. Find out more at Lightningfast’s product page. If you don’t have a fused SAE connector already on your bike, start your search at your local auto parts store or here.
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Mar 20, 2019 Much as I like using old-fashioned paper maps, I must admit that simply punching an address into my phone does make things a lot quicker and easier when trying to find my way on my motorcycle.
A USB hub is really nothing more than a gizmo with extra USB ports on it. You plug the hub into your laptop’s USB port. Then you can plug anywhere from two to four to eight USB devices into the hub.
It may not seem practical, but your laptop can have up to 127 USB devices attached to it at any given time. Yes, all at once. That’s one of the keys to the USB port’s expandability.
Some devices cannot be run from hubs, such as certain high-speed hard drives. In that case, the device must be plugged directly into the computer’s USB port. Don’t fret: A warning message comes up and instructs you what to do when such a thing happens.
Keep your eye out for pass-through USB devices. This USB thingamabob sports an extra USB port somewhere on its body, so you can plug the USB device into your laptop and then plug another USB device into the first device. That way, you don’t run out of USB ports.
There are two types of hubs: powered and unpowered. The powered hub must be plugged in or derive its power from the computer. Powered hubs are necessary in order to supply more power to some USB devices.
Obviously, a USB hub is probably not something you would want to pack in your laptop’s case. The more cables the computer has, the less portable it becomes.
Note that smaller, more portable, laptop-size USB hubs are available. They’re very quaint — and more portable than the desktop, or full-size, USB hubs.
One of the best ways to add more USB ports to your laptop is to get them on a PC Card.
You may even have the wiring already installed
- Email a Friend
As we become ever more dependent on our portable electronic devices, the problems of power are something we must constantly consider. In the past, I’ve written about how to install accessory power on your motorcycle (here) and how to make it switch on with your ignition (here). Suppose you just want a quick, non-permanent means of charging your smartphone? Well, if your have an electric vest or a trickle-charger that you use, you probably have all the wiring you need for USB power installed on your bike, already.
Most electric vests attach to your motorcycle’s electrical system via a fused cable ending in a SAE plug. So, all you really need is a small adapter to convert your bike’s 12 volt electrical system to a USB-compatible 5 V. While surfing around looking for adapters for another electrical project I’m working on, I stumbled onto a clever USB connector.
Lightningfast produces a SAE To USB Adapter that is essentially a SAE connector with a switch and a covered USB port. The entire device looks to be about 1.5-inches long. (Note: I have not personally used this device. I just found it and thought I should share it with my fellow MOrons.) Its specs, which show a 2.1 amp output, mean it will charge just about every USB-powered device you can throw at it – all the way up to a tablet. It has a weather-resistant cap to go over the USB port to keep rain out if you leave it on your bike. The on/off switch will prevent you from killing your battery if the adapter is connected to unswitched power. It even has internal polarity connection to keep it from shorting out should the SAE connector be wired with its polarity reversed.
The key to the Lightningfast USB adapter’s utility is in the almost ubiquitous SAE adapter.
Racist crackhead in hollywood gets hit by train. With a retail price of about $15, the Lightningfast SAE To USB Adapter isn’t a huge expense and could be the answer to a question you’ve been asking. Find out more at Lightningfast’s product page. If you don’t have a fused SAE connector already on your bike, start your search at your local auto parts store or here.