Just some quick pix of a modified USB hub (~$3.50) so I can get 5v out to power my SSC-32 for I/O testing (not for powering servos!). I’ll have to connect to the + and - terminals on the SSC-32 instead of the normal power input. I can also connect my USB to serial adapter to the hub, so I should be able to move the SSC-32 around with my laptop and not have to have an additional power supply. Still have to connect it up to see if any smoke leaks out.
Unless you need the hub, you could just hack the USB-to-RS232 adapter to take the 5V from where the USB comes into the adapter. The powered hub is safer for your laptop of course but if you were looking to make it as portable as possible…
Just a thought… make sure you remove the VS=VL jumpers on your SSC-32 or you may back feed VS through the VL regulator and effectively attempt to power the servos from USB when the VS battery switch is off. 8)
Is there an easy way to expose the inter workings on the USB to serial adapters? I looked at this in the past and didn’t see an obvious easy way to get under the plastic cover without slicing the cover open. I’m afraid I’ll end up destroying the adapter by using too much force trying to force the insides out. I got the unpowered hub as I also need to attach two USB joysticks.
ah yeah sorry I didn’t think about some of the USB-to-RS232 adapters might be molded or welded together. Mine just has a plastic snap together case which you can open using a pair of screwdrivers to release the tabs.
