[Ham-Computers] RE: USB Hub $6. at Big Lots Has External Power Connector

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> The Big Lots device has a DC port but it is unmarked and nothing is mentioned on the package either. Since it is the same as the Iogear (it's labeled Travel Solutions) so it needs 5VDC at 2.6A (common cylindrical connector).


Just for clarification...it really doesn't *NEED* 2.6A.  It only needs as much power as you're going to draw.  The reason most USB power bricks bricks are rated at 2.5A is because it's a powering 4-port hub.  The USB spec states that a device is allowed to draw upto 500ma from a USB port.  So a 4 port hub requires a power source of at least 2.0A (plus overhead) if all 4 ports have devices drawing the max of 500ma each.  If you don't use a power brick, then you'll need to share the "source" USB port's 500ma across all 4 ports (plus a bit of overhead for the hub's circuitry).


73,

  - Aaron, NN6O