[batpark]

The USB PoweredStereo Laptop external amplifier I bought from Meetuo does not work at all. I suspect the port on the Lenovo is underpowered. Can someone tell me its power rating? The info I have says the amplifier requires a port of at least 500mAh.

Is there another USB port on the Lenovo I can use? Thanks. ......batpark

[Advertisements]

The average power of a USB port is about 5 volts. Your USB device will be able to draw out a maximum of 500 milliamperes (mA), but most default to 100 mA until prompted to provide more power by the device software.

[zep516]

The average power of a USB port is about 5 volts. Your USB device will be able to draw out a maximum of 500 milliamperes (mA), but most default to 100 mA until prompted to provide more power by the device software.

[batpark]

zep516: Thanks for responding. Does the Lenovo 8155 have another, heavier duty USB power port I can use? I don't see one but I may be missing it.

 

Suppose I have to buy a stand-alone USB port that plugs into a wall outlet. What is that device called and how do I specify its power rating?   ...batpark

[zep516]

Lenovo 8155

 

External ports are

    Eight USB ports (two in front, six in back) [version 2.0]

 

https://support.leno...utions/pd006096

[batpark]

zep516: In fact, I gave you misinformation. My Lenovo laptop is a FLEX-14API, TYpe 81SS, Ideapad, not the data I provided. I am so sorry for the screw-up.

So far as I can tell, the USB ports on the right side are its only ports. And they do seem to be underpowered. I will be looking for a stand-alone USB power source.

 

Again, please forgive me; unforgivable!  ...batpark

[Kemasa]

You need to see what the power requirements are for the device, then you need to get a powered USB hub which has a high enough power rating for each port, or you can get a USB double power injector cable, which then you can power the device by a USB charger which can supply enough power, some cell phone chargers can supply up to 2A. You might also check to see if the device has a separate power input.
 
The USB double power injector cable splits off the power and data. It has three connectors, one to plug into the computer for the data, one to plug into the device with power and data and one to plug into a power source for just power. There are different types, some have just USB connectors, others have a normal power connector that other devices use.
 
It could also be called other things, that is just the name I found when searching for it. I received some of the cables, but since I didn't order it, I didn't know the name.
 

[batpark]

GtGers: I thank you all for your comments but I do not seem to be doing a good job explaining my issue. May I try to restate it?

 

Can someone please help me find a power device for attaching an external USB-powered audio amplifier to my laptop? (I am unable to work the amplifier by inserting its USB male connector into the USB port on the laptop, as it was intended; apparently the amplifier takes more power than the port can provide.)

 

The amplifier manufacturer says the device requires 5volts, 500milliamps, and 3watts.

 

The device I seek needs to plug into a 110volt wall socket and must accept the amplifier power cord connector, a male USB connector. (The signal cord will come from an RCA-type plug inserted into the mic output of the laptop.)

 

I have been surprised to find how hard it has been to find that simple device over the internet. Companies like Belkin and Logitech seem to offer no help at all.

 

Can someone please suggest what brand/model I should be buying? I would very much appreciate the help. …. batpark

[zep516]

Hi bat,
The amplifier manufacturer says the device requires 5volts, 500milliamps, and 3watts.


Not large power requirements, those should be available at any usb port and more at usb port 3.0

Most computer USB ports supply 5V of electricity with a maximum current of 0.5A. This amount of current is standard across the majority of computers and means the overall power output will be 2.5 Watts at best. Later USB designs bring that current up to 0.9A.

Also, with a USB 3.0, it can provide up to 900mA or 0.9A, which translates into 4.5 watts. These power output specifications are a rating based on the 5 volts from each

How do i tell if i have usb 3.0

Check the physical ports on your computer. If you see a blue USB port, it's USB 3.0. It may also be marked on the outside of the port with either “SS” or “3.0.” If you don't see any blue ports or markings but you're still not sure, click the Start menu and openControl Panel.

[Kemasa]

If the USB isn't needed for it to work and is used only to power it, a common cell phone charger rated at least 1A would work. If it needs the USB, I mentioned above the cable that you need to use.

 

5v 500mA would be 2.5W, but you said that it was 3W, so it takes more power than a .5A port can provide.

[batpark]

Kemasa's comment about using an IPhone charger hit the jackpot for me. I tried it and it immediately worked. No dealing with reluctant vendors! I am in business, using the amplifier for the first time in months.

 

Thank you all; particularly Kemasa.  ...... batpark