Simple question really, I know what an active powered usb hub is and what it does, the question is does it allow then devices plugged into it to work if the hub itself is off. I don't seem to be able to find out without buying one to test so if anyones got and can try it to get the answer that would be a great help.

eg the mouse for the pc goes through the hub. The hub has no dedicated/separate power supply (ie not plugged in). Does the mouse work?

Thanks

DrG

i think you can buy both powered ....and non powered
i've only had the powered one and that wasn't all that ,sometimes devices connected had to be directly plugged into a main USB port to make the PC to pick it up again

thats only my experience with a laptop and shortage of ports,as soon as i got a desktop i added another USB card

Yes - 'non-powered' ones supply standard USB power (5V up to 500mA), anything that needs more than that you need a powered hub.

Ah - I think I see what you're actually trying to ask:

'¿Do devices plugged into a powered USB hub still work OK if the hub isn't connected to it's power supply?'

Yes, anything that needs 500mA or less will still work.

Thats the answer I was looking for, apart from the fact I was hoping that unplugging the hub from the mains would in effect disable any usb devices connected through it.

Thank you

¿Mind if I ask what context you're asking this in?

I just can't imagine what it is, that's all...

I have a token meter that cuts power after an allocated time per token, we used to use it as a reward/punishment system with the TV for the children.

I'd like to use it now for the same reason but for the children's PC. I can't imagine its would be a very good idea to just have it on the PC power supply, loss of work etc etc so I thought if the keyboard and mouse somehow had a separate power supply than the PC then by cutting that it would disable the computer.??

Love to hear of another way to use it without damaging the computer or losing unsaved work.

Dr G, just connect it to the monitor, so it shuts power to the monitor when the token runs out, that way no work would be lost you just wouldnt be able to see it.

Its fine to just disconnect power to a monitor - no damage will result

Yup - either that or use a software solution that locks the PC down after a certain length of time, and requires a password to log back in.

Vi$ta has 'Parental Controls' built in, apparently, and it does exactly what you require - have a read of this if you're running it.

Monitor simples

e2a, thanks chaps I'll get back to me smile now