USB - Overheat

[Endurance]

Guys, I have a big problem.

I currently have at the office, one Dell D610.
This computer is used basicaly for vehicle testing (automatic transmissions testing).

And for these tests, I use an USB inteface to conect the notebook to the transmission.

My problem is that when I'm using the computer on batteries, everythig goes OK.

But when I plug it into a power inverter (12VDC to 110VAC) the USB cable imediately gets very hot and damage my interface box.

Any idea what can cause it?

I had already used my old HP 6220 with the same interface box with no problem.


Thanks

[ajfink]

Could be an issue with the inverter, the laptop's power cable, or the internal workings of the laptop's battery charging system itself, or a combination. Try running an extension cord to where you do the testing and see if wall power makes it get hot. If it does, you've eliminated one of them. If your notebook is still under warrenty (or even if it's not), see if you can get Dell to replace your power cord. If neither of these works, then you've narrowed it down to the laptop itself, and it will need to be repaired or replaced by Dell, most likely.

[Endurance]

This is not an issue with my computer, this is my boss has the same computer and the same issue.

We had already tested with a different inverter and had the same problem.

Can be any kind of current comming from the ground of the laptop?


Tks

[ajfink]

But did you try NOT using an inverter?

[Endurance]

You mean directely from the AC?

Not yet, I need a vehicle in the garage to check it. The issue is to risk another interface box, I had damadged 3, each costs US$ 750,00

Endurance

[Qhs]

Originally Posted by Endurance

You mean directely from the AC?

Not yet, I need a vehicle in the garage to check it. The issue is to risk another interface box, I had damadged 3, each costs US$ 750,00

Endurance

!!!! $2,250,000

Have you tried different battery? Different outlet? Different USB port?

[Pitabred]

I'd think that your interface boxes need to be redesigned, and Dell is quite possibly liable for that. I have a LOT of trouble believing that an interface box of any kind costs three quarters of a million bucks, though. I could get an electrical engineering degree, design and build one for less than that.

[Endurance]

Originally Posted by Qhs

!!!! $2,250,000

Have you tried different battery? Different outlet? Different USB port?

Sorry, US$750 in Brazil we use (,) instead of (.) do define decimals

Did not tryed different batery, I'll try to use an old interface box to see if without battery the problem happens


Regards

[Endurance]

Originally Posted by Pitabred

I'd think that your interface boxes need to be redesigned, and Dell is quite possibly liable for that. I have a LOT of trouble believing that an interface box of any kind costs three quarters of a million bucks, though. I could get an electrical engineering degree, design and build one for less than that.

I think so, but it is not US$750,000, it is US$ 750.00 In Brazil the use of (.) and (,) is inverted, we use (.) to separate thousands and (,) to separate decimals.

I'll probably buy one media bay battery to extend my baterry life and do all tests on batery.

Regards

[Pitabred]

Ahhh, right. Makes much more sense hehe. You might consider using an inline USB hub like this one, that way you only toast the hub if it goes bad, rather than the expensive equipment.