Author Topic: How to test USB power output/functionality (Read 385 times)

OOZ662 · « **on:** March 06, 2005, 01:55:23 AM »

I've been losing a lot of joysticks (X45s) to shorted out buttons, and just recently this one started blinking crazily and spiking in flight. Is there a way to test USB output, like a plug in device or software?

OOZ662 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2005, 11:57:29 PM »

Bump. Also, anybody know an alternative to the onboard USB ports when they bite the turds?

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2005, 02:54:33 AM »

External powered USB Hub. Internal USB ports rely on your PS (which may or may not provide reliable and steady voltage under a load) and also rely on some sort of wiring connection to the MOBO. I've seen 2 or 3 different ways for them to be wired up.

A powered hub gets plugged in to a wall socket for juice. So it doesnt require any from the computer, and so it has a better chance of being stable.

Siaf__csf · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2005, 11:50:54 AM »

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I've been losing a lot of joysticks (X45s) to shorted out buttons, and just recently this one started blinking crazily and spiking in flight.

Off topic, but why don't you change brand already? I've used my Microsoft Precision Pro for years without a single problem. Nothing sucks more than a broken stick.

JimBear · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2005, 01:30:31 PM »

Funny you should mention an external USB hub. I had a Cougar go bad with lots of buttons frying out. Went and bought an X45 and it lasted 2 days, got another a week, on the third the folks at BB were really giving me the eye and I was getting pissed. Plugged this one into the mobo with an extender and no problemo since then. I took the usb hub over to my wifes machine and plugged her card reader into it, and turned it into a hockey puck (so i am slow, sue me) garbage time for that hub, and lesson time for me.

OOZ662 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2005, 05:01:49 PM »

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A powered hub gets plugged in to a wall socket for juice. So it doesnt require any from the computer, and so it has a better chance of being stable.

Why did I not think of that? Oi.

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Off topic, but why don't you change brand already? I've used my Microsoft Precision Pro for years without a single problem. Nothing sucks more than a broken stick.

Because I'm getting free replacements from Best Buy. Nothing beats 15 free joysticks.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 07, 2005, 05:30:48 PM »

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Originally posted by OOZ662

Because I'm getting free replacements from Best Buy. Nothing beats 15 free joysticks.

Glad it works for you. I hate the hassle of going into those stores. I'd rather spend more and get something that lasts and I never have to take back. Guess thats just me.

OOZ662 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2005, 12:16:21 AM »

Before I forget, can anyone reccomend an A/C powered hub for joysticks? I've got one here, but it has massive data loss.

The reason why I haven't switched is because I love this joystick but the problem lies in my compy. Two of my squaddies have had their X45s last in excess of a year, so it's a "unique" problem. I've given the joystick three shots at living, but this one's the last. I've been watching my computer upon boot up and the lights on the stick always flash like crazy, blinking, studdering, you name it. I know that can't be good for it.

But if I can get power from the wall, things should go fine.