SDS100/SDS200: Use both USB ports?

[sallen07]

My apologies if this has already been answered; I've been trying hard to keep up with all the SDS100 threads but I'm sure I could have missed it.

I know that Upman told us that the microUSB port can be used to power the SDS100, but not charge the battery. My question is, can you power it using the microUSB and still connect it to a PC using the miniUSB connector? I'm pretty certain that the authors of ARC536PRO and ProScan are working on virtual displays, but will those only work if you have a USB port on your PC that will put out 2.4 amps (or whatever the SDS100 is drawing)? Aren't PC USB ports usually limited to 1 Amp?

 

[jasonhouk]

Most newer computer USB ports supply 1A. Check with your motherboard manufacturer or PC maker.

The micro can be used to power only.

The mini powers and will charge simultaneously if enabled.

There's no issues I found plugging in both while charging or not.

Commands for ProScan I know are only passed through the mini port. I'm assuming to say the same could be said for other 3rd party software.

Total Amps pulled by the SDS while running + charging is just under 2 Amps

Houk

My apologies if this has already been answered; I've been trying hard to keep up with all the SDS100 threads but I'm sure I could have missed it.

I know that Upman told us that the microUSB port can be used to power the SDS100, but not charge the battery. My question is, can you power it using the microUSB and still connect it to a PC using the miniUSB connector? I'm pretty certain that the authors of ARC536PRO and ProScan are working on virtual displays, but will those only work if you have a USB port on your PC that will put out 2.4 amps (or whatever the SDS100 is drawing)? Aren't PC USB ports usually limited to 1 Amp?

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[cellphone]

Does it charge faster if you are plugged into both ports?

 

[jasonhouk]

Depending on the source (mAh) of power used for each port.

The SDS charges at a constant 4.2V 700mAh unit the battery reaches 4.2V then a constant 4.2V until only 100mAh drawl then shuts off the charging circuit.

The rest of the math is up to you with the supplied power. So YMMV

Houk

Does it charge faster if you are plugged into both ports?

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[sallen07]

Anyone else?

There's no issues I found plugging in both while charging or not.

Thanks for the reply. Not that I don't believe you (because I do!) but anyone else try yet? Upman, are you listening?

I know I'm being paranoid, but I'm more than a bit nervous about doing something that might fry my very expensive new toy!

 

[UPMan]

http://forums.radioreference.com/un...-port-opposite-charging-port.html#post2944902

 

[sallen07]

Thanks

Thanks UpMan. I did see when you originally posted that oone could power the SDS100 using the microUSB port (and I'd already tried that) but was looking to confirm that one could do that AND use the MiniUSB to interface with a PC at the same time.

So I tried it, and no smoke came out, so I guess it's OK!

 

[RF23]

You might monitor your USB 1 & 2 VBus voltages to see if any info can be gained that way but without knowing how they are wired internally interpreting those voltages would be tough.

I know that 1.5A is not enough to monitor & charge at the same time. I tried my Intel 1.5A fast charge port and my red charge light came on for about a minute or so then turned green and then went off. My scanning was not affected and no error messages appeared. But when I checked the battery voltage it was less than 4v so the battery did not get fully charged.

When I went to bed I turned it off and the red light came on and when I got up it was green. The battery voltage now read 4.2v which I think is fully charged.

I was only using the "charge" port for the above.

So, I have thought about what you are trying, let us know how it works out.

.

 

[sallen07]

Working fine so far

You might monitor your USB 1 & 2 VBus voltages to see if any info can be gained that way but without knowing how they are wired internally interpreting those voltages would be tough.

I might just try that in the next couple days, just out of curiosity.

So, I have thought about what you are trying, let us know how it works out.

Well I only tried t for a couple hours this afternoon but so far so good.

Like many (most? ALL???) posters on RR, I have multiple scanners. Unlike many, however, all of mine are handhelds ... but I treat most of them as if they were base or mobile units; they sit on my desk in specific locations all cabled up with power (if needed) and a USB connection to a PC for Proscan or other virtual display program.

Due to the number of scanners that I have and the scarcity of USB ports, they're all connected via powered USB hubs, but I haven't had any issue doing that with any of them. Of course I know they all draw far less power than the SDS100 does.

My plan is to do the same with the SDS100 ... set it on my desk and monitor and control it via software. I have had no issue plugging it in via USB and putting it in mass storage mode to update it. But if I put it in serial mode I get the dreaded "LOW USB BUS VOLTAGE" message, even with "charge while on" turned off.

But if I can power it via the microUSB and connect it via the miniUSB then life is good. I had a spare 2.5 amp microUSB power supply (for a Raspberry Pi 3) in a box and that should be more than adequate.

I will let y'all know if things go badly.

 

[Fireplug]

GPS Mobile

So, by the same plan, one could go mobile and power with the micro and connect a gps with the mini. Not bad.

 

[RF23]

I might just try that in the next couple days, just out of curiosity.



Well I only tried t for a couple hours this afternoon but so far so good.

Like many (most? ALL???) posters on RR, I have multiple scanners. Unlike many, however, all of mine are handhelds ... but I treat most of them as if they were base or mobile units; they sit on my desk in specific locations all cabled up with power (if needed) and a USB connection to a PC for Proscan or other virtual display program.

Due to the number of scanners that I have and the scarcity of USB ports, they're all connected via powered USB hubs, but I haven't had any issue doing that with any of them. Of course I know they all draw far less power than the SDS100 does.

My plan is to do the same with the SDS100 ... set it on my desk and monitor and control it via software. I have had no issue plugging it in via USB and putting it in mass storage mode to update it. But if I put it in serial mode I get the dreaded "LOW USB BUS VOLTAGE" message, even with "charge while on" turned off.

But if I can power it via the microUSB and connect it via the miniUSB then life is good. I had a spare 2.5 amp microUSB power supply (for a Raspberry Pi 3) in a box and that should be more than adequate.

I will let y'all know if things go badly.

Also watch out for USB cable lengths. I got the "LOW USB BUS VOLTAGE" message from a USB 3.0 900mA port because I was using an Amazon 6 ft. USB 3.0 extension cable. When I used a standard length USB 3.0 cable directly into the computer I had no more warning messages about low voltages.

 

[scosgt]

I had problems with the same cable with a PSR-800. Switched to a 3' cable of a different brand, no issues.

 

[tkenny53]

okay, the lights, my unit says it is at 3.7v, after 8 hours of direct charging, but I get no lights on charging or otherwise, where are these charging light???

 

[UPMan]

Was the scanner on? To charge while on, you need to turn on that setting. When charging, LED above display is red. When charged, it is Green.


Immediately at the end of charging, battery voltage should be very close to 4.2V but will rapidly float down to normal operating voltage (~3.7 volts).

 

[RF23]

Also, you MUST be using the USB 2 port which is labeled "Charge" to charge the battery, the other port (USB 1) cannot charge the scanner.

 

[CQ]

Tried using USB1 for serial connection and USB2 for charging but too bad it did help resolve my issue.

https://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-tech-support/372158-low-usb-bus-voltage.html#post2950947

 

[RF23]

Your results are correct.

USB1 will only power the scanner (no serial connection or charging possible) and any future use is unannounced.

USB2 can power the scanner, charge the scanner (both if activated in Menu & you have the power to do it), and serve as the only serial port on the scanner to connect to your PC (that I know of).

What I think some people are trying (I am not recommending this as I do not know if it is safe) is to use USB1 to power the scanner and USB2 to connect to their PC (& charge it they have the power to do it).

Most older USB 2.0 ports are rated at 600 mA, so 2 would only be 1.2 A. This is not enough to power and charge at the same time. As mentioned in this thread 1.5A is not enough either.

If you do a search on this site you should find some threads wilth several possible solutions not involving buying a new computer.