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Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2016 12:57 am
by nutterwithbutter
just wanted to ask a question:

Is it possible to mod a cable that goes from multiple USB ports from my computer to a 12V DC 1.25

I know USB is 5V max output - what if i use 3 of my USB ports? Is it possible to create a custom cable that does this?

thanks!

Re: Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 1:31 pm
by ObtuseMoose
No. All the USB ports on one computer are ultimately powered by one 5 volt power supply. You would need independent, isolated power supplies for each port to do what you're suggesting.

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Moose

Re: Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:51 pm
by Stromkraft
nutterwithbutter wrote:
Is it possible to mod a cable that goes from multiple USB ports from my computer to a 12V DC 1.25
Why would you want this if I may ask?

Re: Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:46 am
by fishmonkey
ObtuseMoose wrote:No. All the USB ports on one computer are ultimately powered by one 5 volt power supply. You would need independent, isolated power supplies for each port to do what you're suggesting.

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Moose
that's not necessarily true. most computers have multiple internal USB hubs. USB Y-cables that combine the power output of two USB ports are not uncommon, however this is to boost the amperage, not the voltage.
Stromkraft wrote: Why would you want this if I may ask?
presumably to get full display and pad brightness without a mains adapter...

Re: Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 6:28 pm
by Stromkraft
fishmonkey wrote:
Stromkraft wrote: Why would you want this if I may ask?
presumably to get full display and pad brightness without a mains adapter...
Sounds interesting.

Re: Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 11:46 pm
by nutterwithbutter
yep - it was to ditch the mains adapter but still have full display brightness

back to the drawing board!

Re: Hardware hack - USB powered push from multiple USB ports

Posted: Sun May 01, 2016 10:38 am
by fishmonkey
you could use a small 12 V lithium power brick...