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MWSF 2010 Odds and Ends: Gloves, Xserve Rack, Speaker Helmet, USB Power

Just thought I'd point out, there are more uses for USB charging sockets. Most mobile phones and digital camera manufacturers have signed up to use mini and micro USB sockets in all of their small devices. Apple are one of these, so expect a micro USB socket on the new iPhone.

In Europe we are trying to phase out chargers, why every device has a different charger is silly and isn't very green.

As for cable length, just buy a USB extender. I have a 2m and 3m extender, cost around £2-3 ($3-4).

I'm guessing the U Socket gives out more than 500mA. The USB device has to tell the charger what current it requires, hence why the iPhone 3G doesn't work on all USB chargers as they do not have the chip inside. USB3 spec also allows for 900mA.
 
The two places in the house where I have electrical sockets that are mid-wall (off the floor) are the kitchen and the bathroom. Code dictates (I think) that these locations require GFIC outlets (with the reset button in the middle) due to the fact that electricity and water don't mix. I'm assuming there is no GFIC version of this USB outlet. Too bad. I'm sure it would not fit into a single-gang box if it was GFIC.

-Brad
 
doctor-don said:
Are your outlets upside down? The ground plug should be on the bottom.:D
Click to expand...

No... I'm talking about the "hole" for the ground pin. The ground terminal hole is "D" shaped. Typically the flat part of the D is oriented furthest from the hot/neutral terminals (which depicts a frowning/surprised/jaw-drop face). In this case, on the picture in the original post, the flat part of the D appears to be rotated 180 degrees so it's adjacent to the hot/neutral terminals; looking more like a smiling :)D) face.
 
USB Chargers

The wall USB thing is just too scary in my opinion. If you know anything about the power that comes thru your wall outlets, you will understand that it is community shared.

Power devices in your house, even your neighborhood for some will affect your power output. And power surges? Who wants to take those chances with your iphone, ipod or other USB devices. This damage is not covered under warranty and if proven you lose your warranty.

A really simple solution to all this is http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=400738

This will provide you two USB ports that are surge protected. I own this and I love it. Also, cheaper than that wall outlet and no installation required.
 
Yeah, the outlet looked nice.

But then I just kept thinking: SURGE PROTECTION?

Yes, lets fry my iPhone and everything else I have plugged in.

There are usually 2-3 layers of some sort of protection on the USB ports on your computer. Surge protector and/or UPS at the power outlet, then your PSU, and then whatever through your motherboard. A bolt of lightning would have to get through a lot of things to touch your USB devices.

But this outlet? You have an AC to DC converter, and that's it. Does it have some sort of breaker or fuse? I didn't see any "reset" buttons like a GFCI outlet has.

Without surge protection, using it would be a gamble.
 
http://store.fastmac.com/product_info.php?products_id=458 said:
This item is currently waiting on final UL Approval. It is scheduled to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2010.
Click to expand...
That's the kicker for me. When it's UL approved I'll buy a couple...

I really like the idea that the transformer is shut off when the USB connector is unplugged.

I've always wondered why power strips don't all come with a remote power switch to shut down power to all the wall worts and transformers without crawling under a desk or behind an entertainment center...

Auchron said:
A really simple solution to all this is http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=400738

This will provide you two USB ports that are surge protected. I own this and I love it. Also, cheaper than that wall outlet and no installation required.
Click to expand...
Great, yet another transformer that constantly draws vampire power. Pass.

appleguy123 said:
What happens when the USB standard is replaced?
Click to expand...

Buy the newer version? Jeez, this is like $20! Besides, from what I can find on Teh Intarwebz tubes, it looks like the USB 3 socket is backward compatible with USB 2.

mmoto said:
The two places in the house where I have electrical sockets that are mid-wall (off the floor) are the kitchen and the bathroom. Code dictates (I think) that these locations require GFIC outlets (with the reset button in the middle) due to the fact that electricity and water don't mix. I'm assuming there is no GFIC version of this USB outlet. Too bad. I'm sure it would not fit into a single-gang box if it was GFIC.
Click to expand...
You need exactly one GFIC device per circuit. You don't need one for each outlet.
 
Every time I fly Southwest, I wind up sitting at one of the terminals that have chairs and tables with built-in power and USB charging outlets. And every time I think how great it would be to have them at home. Definitely going to spend the $40 to pick up a couple of these to try out, and if they seem OK maybe a couple more for our tenants' apartments as a "value-added" item.
 
mmoto said:
The two places in the house where I have electrical sockets that are mid-wall (off the floor) are the kitchen and the bathroom. Code dictates (I think) that these locations require GFIC outlets (with the reset button in the middle) due to the fact that electricity and water don't mix. I'm assuming there is no GFIC version of this USB outlet. Too bad. I'm sure it would not fit into a single-gang box if it was GFIC.

-Brad
Click to expand...

As mentioned before, you need one GFIC per curcuit. This can be on the first outlet of the curcuit or as a breaker.

As for surge protection, that should be in place at the panel. Surge "power bars" are useless for protection.

s.
 
I am glad someone else saw that the D shape of the ground hole is upside down. I hope FastMac isn't planning on releasing the product with this flaw. Not only does it look funny, but not all ground prongs are round. Some are shaped like a "D" and will not be able to use this outlet if the flaw is not fixed.


As for the circuit protection in the kitchen/wet areas. The correct term is a GFCI not a GFIC. You need to install a Ground Fault Circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet at the very first outlet on that circuit and then you need to make sure every other outlet on that circuit is getting its power through the GFCI outlet, that way every outlet downstream of it will be protected if something goes wrong. Alternatively you can get a circuit breaker that has this functionality built into it and install it in your houses main circuit breaker panel and have the kitchen, etc circuit connected to it.
 
taylorlightfoot said:
I am glad someone else saw that the D shape of the ground hole is upside down. I hope FastMac isn't planning on releasing the product with this flaw. Not only does it look funny, but not all ground prongs are round. Some are shaped like a "D" and will not be able to use this outlet if the flaw is not fixed.
Click to expand...

The product shown on their webpage/store shows it in the correct orientation. I was originally only questioning the one shown on the tradeshow floor.
 
swajames said:
Like those U-Sockets a lot! I've ordered three. Very good idea!
Click to expand...

WHY?

Can't you keep up with your plug-in chargers?

If you are concerned about vampires, just plug your chargers into one multiple outlet surge protector, and turn it off with the on-off switch when it is not in use.

You probably will find that the power will be interrupted 'unexpectedly' if you plug one of these USB outlets into an outlet that is protected by GFCI.
 
taylorlightfoot said:
I am glad someone else saw that the D shape of the ground hole is upside down. I hope FastMac isn't planning on releasing the product with this flaw. Not only does it look funny, but not all ground prongs are round. Some are shaped like a "D" and will not be able to use this outlet if the flaw is not fixed.


As for the circuit protection in the kitchen/wet areas. The correct term is a GFCI not a GFIC. You need to install a Ground Fault Circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet at the very first outlet on that circuit and then you need to make sure every other outlet on that circuit is getting its power through the GFCI outlet, that way every outlet downstream of it will be protected if something goes wrong. Alternatively you can get a circuit breaker that has this functionality built into it and install it in your houses main circuit breaker panel and have the kitchen, etc circuit connected to it.
Click to expand...

The NZ/AUS plugs look like something from a Japanese Children's Movie/Anime.
 
toohectic said:
The product shown on their webpage/store shows it in the correct orientation. I was originally only questioning the one shown on the tradeshow floor.
Click to expand...

That image has been on their website since last year. It is merely a picture of an existing outlet photoshopped to have two USB ports on the sides.

I spoke with a FastMac Support representative today and the ground is indeed a flaw on the prototype seen at MacWorld. They said, "The project lead just informed me you are the 2nd person to catch this. Congratulations!"

They also said, "Thank you for this observation. As they are not scheduled to be released until the second quarter of this year (so, around June), we have plenty of time to look into such matters."
 
doctor-don said:
If you are concerned about vampires, just plug your chargers into one multiple outlet surge protector, and turn it off with the on-off switch when it is not in use.
Click to expand...
Hmmm... So the choices are:
  • A socket that fits flush with the wall with two built-in USB powered sockets that draw no power when they are unplugged.
  • A multiple outlet "surge protector" and power cord on the counter, with a couple of wall worts hanging off it.
I don't know anyone who cares about aesthetics or values their counter space that would choose the second option. But you go right ahead... :p
 
I also noticed that the polarity of the prototype is reversed on the U-Socket outlet. If you look at the picture of their prototype at MacWorld, they have the smaller slot (which is the hot) on the left and they have the larger slot (which is the neutral) on the right. If you look at normal outlets you will notice they are the other way around. This doesn't pose a problem for two prong devices but it does for three prong devices. Three prong devices save metal by making both of the prongs smaller in size because there is only one way the plug can be plugged in and those devices assume the outlet is properly made with the hot on the right prong and the neutral on the left.

If FastMac ships this outlet in it's current state, devices that check for proper polarity will not function and devices such as lamps will become dangerous. If you plug a lamp into a power strip and then the power strip into the U-Socket outlet, the polarity will be backwards for the lamp, which means the larger outer edge of the bulb socket will always be hot instead of neutral even when the lamp switch is turned off. This greatly increases the risk of electrocution and is a safety hazard.
 
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