Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: vader on August 17, 2004, 09:40:56 pm

Title: Had a brainstorm...
Post by: vader on August 17, 2004, 09:40:56 pm
and I use that word lightly......can I just tap into the power on the interface board on the USB Happs trackball to power the led light for the translucent ball....if I remember correctly, usb supplys 5 volts so this should work......I think

Tim

Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: paigeoliver on August 17, 2004, 09:44:19 pm
Tap into your power supply instead, as the USB bus has a limited amount of 5volt power.
Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: RayB on August 17, 2004, 10:55:39 pm
a 13v  light, tapped into your PS's 12volt line will probably be brighter than a 5v light.......

(but I'm no expert so I shouldn't be adding my 2 cents here.  ;D )
Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: Bgnome on August 17, 2004, 10:56:02 pm
its doable, but you have to worry about whether or not you will be using other usb devices.  if you hook it into a powered usb hub, you wont have to worry as much..
Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: DaveMMR on August 17, 2004, 11:12:49 pm
It's probably better to put the power supply at risk of shorting than the USB ports and the motherboard (as is my understanding).  

(I'm no expert either, just reciting what I learned from others).
Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: fredster on August 18, 2004, 12:12:17 am
Is that so you wouldn't have to run a wire except for the USB from the trackball to the PC?

Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: vader on August 18, 2004, 12:23:13 am
Exactly....that is what I wanted to accomplish.....but if it will cause problems,  I can do it the way others are suggesting.......I definitely go with a high wattage bulb if I have to run the power wire....

thanks all

Tim
Title: Re:Had a brainstorm...
Post by: chrisindfw on August 18, 2004, 08:27:47 am
I was wondering the same thing to power my 5v lcd panel...

There are two pins on the IPAC that supply power and a ground...

If you are using an IPAC, try getting power from there.