USB "Dongle"? :) and KA7

[Ruahrc]

Hello-

I have an Abit KA7 Mobo with Athlon classic 700. Currently, my two USB Ports are all used up, with me hot-swapping my Visor cradle with my scanner. I know there are two extra ports on my Mobo, but the USB Dongle I had laying around (some generic type) is 1/4" too short. Why the heck did they put the pins way out there anyways?

I was wondering if anyone else is using a USB Riser Card that has wires long enough (Dongle) to make use of these ports. If so, where did you get it and how much?

Thanks

Ruahrc

P.S. My 3 current USB devices are a USB WebCam, a Scanner, and my Visor cradle. I should put the USB Webcam and the scanner on seperate channels, (one on the dongle and the other on the built-in ports) so in the rare event I use them both at once, they each have their own 12MB/s channel, right? The Visor cradle can go on either, since it is fairly low bandwith.

[OuTpaTienT]

I might be wrong on this, but I think it does not matter how you share the ports or which device goes where. Because they won't each get their own 12mb channel. There is only one Universal Serial Bus therefore all USB devices will share it's 12mb channel.

[Ruahrc]

You are correct- except in this case.

The KA7 has two USB channels, giving a total of 4 ports (without using hubs). Each channel has 2 ports and 12MB/s total bandwidth. If you look in the device manager under USB, there is two USB Root Hubs and two of the other one. This shows that there are actually 2 seperate USB Channels on the board.

In most cases, however, you are correct. Both of the USB Ports on the back of many PC's chare 1 12mb/s channel.

Ruahrc

[OuTpaTienT]

I never even thought about that. I guess I'm gonna have to enable the second USB channel on my KA7 as well. Thanks.

[OuTpaTienT]

Ruahrc,

Well I just bought a motherboard dual port USB connector at Best Buy. It looks like it'd be long enough, the cables are about 23-25cm. Made by a company named Belkin, product number appears to be F3U001. It was $12.

However, you might give some thought to what I'm about to do.

Instead of running this to a slot in the back of the machine, I'm just going to cut a couple small rectangular holes in the face (or the side) of my box, and run the USB connectors to it. That way I'll have easy access to two of my USB ports.

---------

On a side note: I don't think "dongle" is the correct terminology here. I've only heard it used in reference to a security (anti-pirate) device that attaches to a computer port for specific software (3D Studio used to use a dongle). The only definition I can find agrees with that: http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=dongle

[BBA]

Hmmm...The CUSL2 I have ( it's already sold...) has 5 USB connectors. It says it is capable of 7 independant channels, but with an adapter card plugged in. Anyway, it does show with 2 individual USB devices with correlating hubs and controllers...

[Ruahrc]

OutPatient- Thanks for the info- I'm going to go by my local BestBuy to look for that one. 23-25cm looks to be the right size. I don't think I have have the equipment to cut a hole in my case and attach it there- so good luck with it! But please try installing it the standard way and tell me if it is long enough?

About the "dongle": I am currently enrolled in a Computer Tech class at my school. The A+ book calls it a "dongle". (one of the FEW things I've learned thus far hehe) But in my heart, it is still a "USB Riser Card" though http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

[Ruahrc]

If you find a USB dongle that will span the reach between the case slots and the usb pins- tell me where to get it! Thanks.

I have a 20cm dongle and it is just short, so if you go out looking- look for something longer than 20cm.

Ruahrc

[OuTpaTienT]

hehe, I guess your computer class has the authority to make new meanings for words because NOWHERE can I find a different definition of dongle except what I already stated. Can you tell me the name of the textbook and the publisher...just out of curiosity.

And BTW, yes the USB connectors do reach to the back of the machine just fine.

[BBA]

About the dongle...

I have 3 companies that use 'dongles' as security devices to control software licensing. The dongles, or 'dongle key' is a device that connects to the parallel port, and has a parallel port extender so as to not interfere with a printer connected through it.

Without the dongle, programs like QRM will not work.

As for the USB extension, the ASUS manual calls it a: "Asus 3-port USB connector set with bracket" in it's inventory list.

[Gomer]

For what it's worth, I have heard of that USB connector referred to as a dongle as well.

[Ruahrc]

Hello-

I don't have the book with me at home, it's a pretty big thing and the class is so easy for me that I never need to take it home. From the top of my head though, it is written by Mike Meyers and is basically a study book for passing the A+ Examination. If I have time, (and remember) tomorrow I'll get the word for word definition of dongle for you.

After looking on Amazon.com, I found it.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0072122668/ref=sim_books/103-9336941-7545432

Ruahrc

P.S. Thanks for the info on the USB riser card. I'll go down to my BestBuy and get one the next time I'm around that area.