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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: stigzler on January 27, 2014, 05:25:15 pm

Title: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on January 27, 2014, 05:25:15 pm
Hi folks. My cab has a power strip. The pc is on the switch socket, so when it turns on, anything plugged into the other sockets turn on too. In my case, thats the audio power and another psu powering lights and other bells.

Problem is, when the IRbar of the aimtrak is plugged into the pc via usb and I turn the pc off, the other sockets dont get turned off. Im assuming that the Irbar draws too much current and makes the piwer strip think tge pc is still on. Deffo the irbar, as when unplug this, all is well.

Checked with cam in ir transmitters still on when pc off.

So tried to find way to switch off the usb power when pc off. Went into power scheme and disabled the usb power option. No joy. Also cant find anything in my bios to disable usb power.

One of those irtitating small issues that really SHOULD have a simple solution but cant find!

On windows 8.
Mobo is in sig.

Thanks
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: PL1 on January 27, 2014, 05:34:29 pm
Is this a Smart Strip brand strip with an adjustment screw, or a different brand without one?


Scott
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: BobA on January 27, 2014, 05:44:03 pm
Alot of USB ports are powered when the PC is off to allow them to turn on your PC.   Check settings in BIOS to see if you can turn them off when PC is powered down if not just buy a $3 USB power adapter that plugs into the wall and plug it into your power strip not the USB.
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on January 27, 2014, 05:54:21 pm
No screw, PL, although follow your reasoning.

Well, that makes sense Bob! Doh! Im guessing any usb charhing adaptor will do? Never really undrrstood whether they all output the same current. Im guessing the all send 5v?

Rediculous! How did I miss that!
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: BobA on January 27, 2014, 06:28:51 pm
Check the spec on the package but they are supposed to output 5V at 500ma but some are a little short on the 500ma but should not be a problem for the LED lightbar,
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on January 28, 2014, 04:02:15 pm
Thinking about this today... dont think I can just plug the aimtrak ir bar into a usb charger plug because looks like theres more than two wires which plug into the bar. I think theres auto adjustmrnt of the ir gain. So back to squuare one. How do I turn off the power to usb ports when my pc is powered down?
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: hsr on January 28, 2014, 05:51:48 pm
Download this: http://download1.gigabyte.us/Files/Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-ex58-ds4_e.pdf (http://download1.gigabyte.us/Files/Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-ex58-ds4_e.pdf) and go to page 56.  I'm on an Asus MB and when I put my PC in standby, it goes to sleep where the USB's have no power.  I can only wake it with the power switch.  I have options for PS2 keyboard, lan, etc (you do to) but, but have them all disabled.
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on January 28, 2014, 06:14:25 pm
Thanks hsr. Which particular setting are you meaning? Tried both acpi suspend types no joy. Attached my settings...

Cheers

Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: hsr on January 28, 2014, 06:24:36 pm
The S1 and S3.  I was guessing it was S3.  Do either put your CPU and power supply fans to rest?  If wired USB optical mouse, does the LED shut off in either setting?
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: hsr on January 28, 2014, 06:27:30 pm
Can you modify the "keyboard power on password" that is currently set to enter?
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on January 29, 2014, 02:31:16 am
Thanks hsr.
Cpu and psu fans off on both settings.dont have wired mouse. Prob still remains of power being sent to usb on both settings.

Cant change kb por on pw because pwr on by keyboard is disabled so shouldnt effect anything.

Thanks for your efforts though.
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on January 30, 2014, 02:21:56 am
Ah well. Guess no one knows.   :(
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: stigzler on February 05, 2014, 04:54:06 pm
Still stuck - any other ideas?
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: DeLuSioNal29 on February 05, 2014, 06:40:41 pm
Have you tried enabling these?  Maybe if you enable them the motherboard won't "autodetect" the USB device that's plugged in.  (And will turn off if powered off.)

"USB Keyboard Function"
Allows USB keyboard to be used in MS-DOS. (Default: Disabled)
USB Keyboard Function [Disabled]

"USB Mouse Function"
Allows USB mouse to be used in MS-DOS. (Default: Disabled)
USB Mouse Function [Disabled]

DeLuSioNaL29
Title: Re: power strip, usb power and aimtrak IRbar
Post by: ZeroPoint on February 05, 2014, 07:47:08 pm
Some motherboards have jumpers for selecting between +5V STB (standby) and just +5V on USB ports. If so, try to set the jumpers to +5V. Refer to your MB manual.

The IR-bar is just LEDs and use only two wires +5V and GND with no gain-adjustment. So there should be no problem using a USB charger with it. On the other hand, the LEDs should only be powered when using the guns. IR-leds use a lot more power than normal LEDs and burn out much faster. Another thing to remember is that even though the light is invisible, it still radiate a lot of concentrated energy. So never look directly into the LEDs up close. Your pupils will also react to this invisible light and contract. This can disturb your visibility for visible light. Other than that it is not dangerous to use.

A remote controlled power switch and a USB charger should do the trick. Or you can just cut the red wire and put in a switch.  ;)