Monitor USB power - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mandor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2022, 07:21:03 am
content: Hello.Some while ago I bought 3 new monitors specifically choosing those because of USB hubs with usb ports both on the bottom and the side of the monitor. IIYAMA GB3271QSU.The thing is they work but a USB drive will not turn on on them.I suspect it's just that there is no additional power supplied for the USB hub from within monitor. Something I didn't think I would have to think about. I just assumed hubs would be powered. Otherwise, all the ports work with thumb drives, mice and such.It just seem so dumb to make such a product. Power is right there inside. Why wouldn't you make it better when you're already putting in 4 USB ports.Anyway, do you think it's possible to tap into 5V power inside and add it to the hub? I didn't open the monitors. I wanted to ask first if it's at all worth looking into? Anyone else tried something like that?Thanks!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2022, 09:07:18 pm
content: Often on cheaper monitors, power is just supplied from the USB B input connector. I assume this is what you are saying?Power is available inside, but, you need additional IC's and circuitry to use that to power USB ports, so costs a tiny bit more.The manual just says "USB HUB x4 (v.3.0 DC5V, 900mA)"I wouldn't screw around with the internals and just double sided tape a powered hub onto the back of the monitor or something.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 27, 2022, 05:55:51 am
content: Their website specifiesUSB HUB x4 (v.3.0 DC5V, 900mA)Whatever is happening, it is not because the monitor lacks any circuitry.Youareconnecting a USB cable upstream to your computer? There is a USB-B connector next to the two USB-A on the underside. This USB-B needs to go to your computer or the internal hub will have no way of working.Oh - you say theyareworking? What works in them? Are you using them with a mouse/keyboard or just to power/charge something? If just for charging, then power will be available without upstream connection, since the monitor will be providing that - but that upstream connection is essential for the data lines.

author: mandor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 07:47:29 am
content: Yeah, you're probably right. Not worth it. It's just annoying because an external HDD does not work. It doesn't spin up. While that same drive works in every other computer or laptop usb port. So now I have three monitors with 12 usb ports on my desk that sometimes work. So annoying. And yes, ports work, usb memory works, all the monitors behave the same, none of them spin up the drive. I just thought those ports would work like any other usb port on any computer.This is interesting. The monitors have usb-b 3.0 connector. I use usb cables that came with them.I plugged in a usb led light. It works. Then when I unplug the usb cable the lights turns off for a second and then turns back on.I was charging my wireless earbuds on monitor usb before. So it does supply power without usb connection to the computer.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 09:11:36 pm
content: Now that you've specifically stated the part that wasn't working:USB hard drives require a lot of power, it could take 1.5 to 2.5A to spin the platters up. 0.9A is not enough in this case.Some cheap drive caddies come with a "2 to 1" USB cable to allow more power draw from multiple ports, but I would just get a proper powered hub and double sided tape.

author: mandor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2022, 05:43:41 am
content: Yeah, a thought I was buying a propper USB hub inside those 3 monitors. That's why i chose those.No, I did not check the rated current. I'm surporised I need to.Manufacturers of monitors are kind of dicks. They have all the power they could need inside that monitor and then they make a half-ass product.I've had powered huubs in the past but they have failed. I specifically did not want to buy another one and bought a monitor with a hub...

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2022, 10:43:30 am
content: From a design perspective, the integrated USB Hubs in the monitors are there of two reasons:1) Because some devices like keyboard and mouse can be connected in there, making up for a nice and tidy desk2) because the competition offers 1), and product management decided that at least on paper they also will have to offer that