Anyone know of a 12V USB powered hub for sale?

RobotWorkshop

I've looked at many, many different USB powered hubs and it seems that just about all of them have a 5V power adapter. I'd like to find a good 7-port USB 2.0 hub that would come with a 12V DC adapter. As far as I can tell most of them use a regulated 5V supply externally and don't have any voltage regulators inside.

Saw one on ebay cheap that was advertised as having a 12V adapter and bought one but of course it actually came with a 5V adapter.....

If I don't find one soon I'll just build my own 12V to 5V power adapter for it but I'd rather spend time working on other parts of the project.

Robert

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

Something like this maybe? http://www.digi.com/products/usb/hubport#overview
Here's another: http://www.amazon.com/Kanex-7-Port-SuperSpeed-USB-USB3HUB7/dp/B0051U1YAO

-Phil

RobotWorkshop

Hello Phil,

I think one of those hubs from digi that is meant for mobile use in a car or truck may be perfect. I'm sure I saw that Kanex 7-port over at Microcenter and the one I saw there had a 5V adapter in the box.

Come to think of it I can probably search for ones meant for Marine use since most of those would be DC powered too.

Thanks for the links.

Robert

tonyp12

http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-4U2ML&cats=104&catid=104%2C653%2C210%2C212
http://store.mp3car.com/DC_Powered_4_Port_USB_Hub_CNX_P5USB_12v_and_24v_p/adt-015.htm

Cluso99

What about a cigarette power plug with USB socket, designed for powering 5V USB style devices. Then you could use a readily available hub with it.

RobotWorkshop

I ended up ordering a nice 5V DC/DC converter module that I will end up installing in the robot to power the USB HUB.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/SDM30-12S5/?qs=Kilg6zGgH%2faFng9qKnsCZQ%3d%3d

It seems that most of the USB hubs work with 5V and I have a couple of those hubs that I can use. By using a 12V to 5V DC/DC converter I can use just about any of the hubs out there.

I'll definitely keep the automotive type hubs from Digi and the ones through MP3 car in mind for future project.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Robert

erco

You'll get much cleaner power out of that mouser module, Robert. I've cracked open a few cheapie 12V USB "hubs" like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-Auto-Car-Charger-Adapter-w-2-USB-Hub-Ports-/300460419562?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item45f4d629ea

Most of them are just a generic 7805 regulator inside, poorly or non-heatsinked, with 2 filter caps. Barely in spec since a 7805 is rated at 1 amp, and this particular adapter has 2 USB ports, ports typically rated 500 mA. Simple, cheap and crappy at the same time, without compromising any of the inherent shortcomings of those features.

Actually, that built-in red LED indicator might just push us over the 1.0 A current rating...

RobotWorkshop

I hope so. The module is rated at 5A so it will have plenty of extra capacity. Since it is a switching supply is should be pretty efficient as well. This is just going to be used for the USB hub and all the devices attached to it.

Robert

erco

I'm guessing one of these IOgear wireless USB hubs that allows wireless communication to the robot?

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?128721-Wirelessly-program-a-Basic-Stamp-DONE

RobotWorkshop

That may have a 12V adapter. Perhaps someone that has one of these can confirm it. I noticed that Parallax has one of them on sale so I am going to pick one up for another project.

This wouldn't work on the robot I am building now since the laptop is on board inside. A good option for some other robots.

erco

I just checked my IOgear hub, and it also uses a 5V adapter.

Skoorb

B&B Electronics has DC powered hubs. I've used these for instrumentation projects. Love the Company for their customer support.

http://www.bb-elec.com/product_family.asp?FamilyId=298&Trail=46&TrailType=Main

RobotWorkshop

Great link on the industrial hubs.

I should have my 12V to 5V DC/DC converter by this weekend and will let everyone know how it works out.