USB insides

[dfigravity]

So I am planning a simple keyboard mod...some EL wire or LED's or something under the keys...and instead of trying to draw power from the keyboard, I'd like to use a USB cable. However I'd like to know what the insides look like without cutting one open...does anyone know what type of power is running down that thing? How many grounds etc... thanks guys!

[azminisk8r]

sorry dont know what the insides look like but i do know that its 5v, and its a combination of red green or black as power wires

[Bucko]

This PDF file should answer your wiring questions (http://www.extron.com/download/files/userman/USBA_to_CaptiveScrew.pdf)

[azminisk8r]

oh yeah thats right greens data, i got it confused with the psu short, green to black

[dfigravity]

ahh nuts...I'll give it a shot anyway, but I'm not sure 5V is going to be enough to light two or three LED's bright enough. And forget the EL wire because of the inverter...one wide angle LED might have to do...

[azminisk8r]

hmm, maybe if you get something like a resistor but opposite to go from 5 to 12 then you cah use el

[Bucko]

LED's normally use 3.3 volts, and they don't use much current. Look at some of the things than can be powered of USB ports. Having a dozen LED's won't be a big ask.

[dfigravity]

cool...ok, I'm still learning this stuff...so maybe I'll go for 5 or 6 LED wired in series throughout the board..all the same color with their respective resistors. I read one site that said with a 12V power source and 3 LED's they dont need resistors...it all seems a bit confusing

[Bucko]

Have a look at The LED Wizard (http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz) to work out what you need.

[dfigravity]

Have a look at The LED Wizard (http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz) to work out what you need.

awesome...thanks man:banana:

[DevilTeck]

be carefull with USB ports they only supply a minimual amount of current and if you exceed this you could blow out the port or all of the UARTS on the MoBo.

[crazybillybob]

Usb will supply 5V @ a MAX of 500ma.
You can also get EL wire inverters that run on 3-6V
http://www.elwirecheap.com/poin.html

Hope that helps keep everything clear!


CrazyBillybob

[dfigravity]

Usb will supply 5V @ a MAX of 500ma.
You can also get EL wire inverters that run on 3-6V
http://www.elwirecheap.com/poin.html

Hope that helps keep everything clear!


CrazyBillybob

Yea...the only thing about inverters is that they're big and bulky...and the last time I used EL wire (5-6 years ago) I noticed the inverter emitted an extremely high pitched tone...almost inaudible. It was annoying to say the least. I appreciate the input though...it will definitly come in handy down the road!

[crazybillybob]

I've used a couple of inverters, both CCL and EL wire. The Cheap ones have a hum, but if you buy Quaility Inverters you don't get the hum, and the risk of the dreaded PC fire goes down. I've got one CCL that's been running just about 24/7 for 5 years...no issues, no noise. My el wire no noise no heat (hasn't ran as much but still runs allot!) I hate to say it but like most PC parts you get what you pay for. :)

Good Luck,
CrazyBillyBob