Thread: USB power overload message for Evo.

most commonly if your doing it from a laptop you'll need to use an externally powered USB hub or just ask a mate with a desktop computer to do it.

The last PC I built up for someone I spent the money to fit [ame="http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Mountable-Rugged-Industrial-ST7200USBM/dp/B003AVPUZG/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_y"]Amazon.com: StarTech.com Mountable Rugged Industrial 7 Port USB Hub (ST7200USBM): Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31NAf9OezEL.@@AMEPARAM@@31NAf9OezEL[/ame] and hooked it up to the permanantly powered 12v rail on the computers power supply.

From memory the one I used was rated to 1500mA on any one USB port and a total of something like 4500mA

It's not a given that laptop USB ports are too wimpy - I run mine off a MacBook Pro without any issues.

Easiest thing to do is grab an external supply.

I use the supply that came with an old ADSL modem but what you need is:

- 12V DC
- 500 ma minimum

Not 100% sure on the plug size - it's probably 2.1mm centre positive, in which case something like this would do the job:

12VDC 500mA Regulated Switchmode Plugpack - Jaycar Electronics

I'd take the nanocom along and check to see if the plug fits, just to be sure.

Originally Posted by OffTrack

It's not a given that laptop USB ports are too wimpy - I run mine off a MacBook Pro without any issues.

Not all laptops or notebooks are created equal

The value of a stand alone external hub depends on what other electronics you have...

I use mine to charge phones, PS3 controllers Nintendo (3)DS's.

you can also get a universal power supply that has an outlet for your laptop and a dedicated 5v outlet for powering up usb hubs. (Im waiting for them to put a USB hub into the power supply with a lead or wifi connection for USB from the laptop.)

Thanks so much guys!

So Offtrack you plug in your 240 / 12v plug pack, which fires the unit up, then do you turn it off before plugging in the usb cable?
I've got a 12v plugpack to run the Evo on; if not i'll just go and buy a powered usb hub.

The Nanocom upgrade documentation isn't particularly clear, and this leads to a bit of misunderstanding about what is safe and what is not.

The following section from the introduction is a point in case. It leaves the reader with the impression that connecting an external supply when the unit is hooked up by USB will render the unit inoperative, but that is NOT the case. What they are saying is that if you plug in an external supply in the middle of the firmware update process it will cause an interruption to usb communication which WILL brick the EVO.

Interruption of the USB connection by any of the following can result in an unusable unit which may then need to be returned to Blackbox Solutions for repair.

Causes of interruption:

A) Moving or removing the USB lead

B) Connection of any other power supply to the Nanocom Evolution apart from the USB lead

C) Loss of power to the laptop/PC during the upgrade process

D) Running of any other programs that can interrupt the connection to the USB port

It is entirely safe to use an external supply if it is plugged in before you start updating the firmware.

cheers
Paul