charging - Is there a USB hub that can also function as a fully powered USB charger?

11
2013-08
  • millenomi

    I have several gadgets and a nifty cord setup on my desk that ensures I don't have to connect/disconnect cables; the thing I would love to do would be to keep the gadgets connected overnight (or during the day while I'm at work) to charge regardless of whether there's a computer connected or not. This includes high-power-draw iPhones and iPads alongside lower-consuming gadgets.

    My lone powered USB hub is not enough to charge even a single iPhone without having a computer to draw power from. I know most hubs are that way. My question is: are there any hubs that can provide as much power as a connected Mac can (that is, enough to charge at least one iPhone plus another gadget)?

    I know some docking stations (e.g. the Thunderbolt version of the Apple Cinema Display) can provide enough power regardless of whether a computer is connected. I would prefer not to get an entire display just for the USB ports though. :)

    PS: To keep the cord setup as it is, I need a hub, not a charger: I want to be able to connect the computer to it and see connected devices :)

    • Answers
  • Doltknuckle

    I found this on the apple website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4049?viewlocale=en_US

    From what I can tell, your device may not be able to charge off of the 500mA that a standard USB hub can provide. USB3 hubs have a max power output of 900mA so that may work for you.

    From what the apple doc tells me, some apple USB devices are designed outside the USB specification and may not work properly with industry standard USB devices. This design decision may limit your ability to charge your device how you want on anything other than Apple devices.

  • Dave M

    Some powered hubs will provide enough to charge some devices. I have one that charges a cell phone and a headset. How much does the iPhone draw? This StarTech USB hub provides 900mA per port

  • mtone

    Is this a PC on Windows 7? If your HUB is not powered because the PC is turned off, there might be a way of putting your computer in SLEEP mode (not off, not Hibernate) while retaining USB power.

    • Go to your power options in the control panel.
    • Go in Advanced Plan Settings for your current plan.
    • Open the USB settings
    • Set USB selective suspend to Disabled.

    I have not tested it myself, but this is supposed to allow current to go through in sleep mode. One possible issue is the PC waking up due to the device usage, but there are some solutions for that including disabling BIOS wakeup settings.


    • Related Question

    adapter - Can you charge any device with Mini-B USB receptacle from any charger with Mini-B USB plug?
  • Jim

    I've got several devices with a mini-B USB receptacle - including my mobile phone/PDA and some headsets. Each came with its own AC adapter. I'm wondering if I can charge any of these devices from any charger with a mini-B USB plug - (1) AC adapter (2) car charger (3) computer USB port with A-to-mini-B cable.

    With wall warts I know you've got to match voltage, polarity, DC plug, and the charger must supply enough amps to power the device. But if the charger has a mini-B USB plug, does that take car of the voltage (+5V) and polarity?


    • Related Answers
  • Broam

    Yes it does, in terms of polarity and voltage, but not current. Some chargers short pin 5 (iirc) in order to tell the device that "hey we're breaking the USB standard here and you can draw more current."

    Motorola phones will happily send 750 mA down the line, Blackberries 800 mA (that may be reversed). Usually extra current is just extra capacity and you're fine--it won't hurt a device. Under-current, however, will most likely fail to charge. Poorly designed devices may malfunction.

    The USB 2.0 standard is for a device to draw 100 mA--and then ask for more current; most devices don't follow that part of the standard. (I have a device that does...and it has a mode that says "draw 500mA no matter what")

    USB 3.0 will increase the currents allowed to 900 mA, and allow 150mA inital draw.

  • RiddlerDev

    I have had a problem with our GPS. It and my blackberry have a mini-usb connection, yet the GPS does not work on that charger. I would have said no for sure before I saw this with my own eyes, as I would think the very nature of USB would require the same size to work the same way.

  • Ivo Flipse

    I think if it's the mini USB plug it's a standard connector and can be used on any device.

    So far my HTC Hero hasn't had any trouble with the wires I got for other devices.

  • AnonJr

    Check the Voltage/amperage:

    • If they match then there shouldn't be any reason why it wouldn't.
    • If they don't match, I wouldn't bet my equipment on it.