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    Attaching peripherals

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Dr.T., Sep 25, 2010.

  1. Dr.T.

    Dr.T. Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi!

    I have now performed a clean Windows XP Pro re-install for a Toughbook CF-Y4 (c. 2006).

    As of now, the only external devices connected to the 2 USP ports in the computer are a printer (Brother MFC-7340) and a mouse (Logitec USB). The printer is self-powered and included a driver/software CD, which I installed.

    I would like to disconnect the mouse, connect a USB hub (Targus) to the freed USB port, and connect the following devices to the USB hub: (1) a mouse (Logitech PS/2), (2) an external keyboard (Logitec), (3) an external drive (WD Elements 500GB), and (4) a cooling device (Antec). The hub and the external drive are self-powered. The hub has 2 high power ports. There were no drivers or software CDs for any of these devices.

    Do I perform these tasks while the computer is on or off? Any helpful hints?

    Thank you.

    Dr. T.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    Dr.T., Sep 25, 2010
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  2. interestingfellow

    interestingfellow Notebook Deity

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    I don't know the official answer, USB is supposed to be hot plug (power on or off), but it won't hurt anything to hook it all up when the power is off.

    I like to plug the power into the powered devices before I plug in the usb portion to the receiving device.

    Is the power supplie(s) for the hub usb powered, or ac adapter powered. You might not have enough power if the hub is not powered by an external power source (ac adapter(s)).

    imho

    I'm not responsible if you toast anything, btw
     
    interestingfellow, Sep 25, 2010
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  3. Dr.T.

    Dr.T. Notebook Enthusiast

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    Interesting Fellow,

    Thank you.

    The powered USB hub is A/C powered and it has 2 "high power" ports. I am planning to use one of these ports for the cooling device, which has a fan and, thus, might require more power than the power supplied by a "standard" USP port.

    I'll use the "standard" USB ports for the external drive, which is A/C powered, for the external keyboard, and for the mouse.

    Dr. T.
     
    Dr.T., Sep 25, 2010
    #3
  4. mnementh

    mnementh Crusty Ol' TinkerDwagon

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    As long as you plug the power pack into the USB hub BEFORE you plug it into the USB port on your laptop, you will be fine. That functionality is part of the design specification for USB 1.1 through USB 3.0; it HAS to meet that spec.

    mnem
    Bowling for popsicles.
     
    mnementh, Sep 26, 2010
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  5. Dr.T.

    Dr.T. Notebook Enthusiast

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    Mnem,

    Thank you.

    Dr. T.
     
    Dr.T., Sep 26, 2010
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