All DCS`s input devices on USB hub

[skywalker22]

Hi there,

I am running out of USB ports on my PC so I was wondering, if it would be a good idea to get an USB hub 3.0 and connect all devices I use in it.

Devices like: Thrustmaster T16000 Hotas (joystick and thruttle unit) and Trackir

 

I was also thinking connecting one receiver of wireless keyboard and mouse on this hub, which is already connected to some usb port atm.

 

And USB hub with no additional power supply if possible. You think will work?

[BitMaster]

Good idea with the hub, BUT A BAD IDEA if it is without an AC Adapter !!!!!

 

 

You need one with an AC Adapter, otherwise you will run into trouble in various ways.

The main reason would be, it's unreliable with that many devices connected.

The 2nd is, you may overstress the motherboards USB port.

[skywalker22]

I was thinking same way, but wasn`t sure about it. Thank mate for dispelling doubts.

[pocketedition]

I have a number of controls plugged into a powered HUB.

Stick, Throttle, Cougar MFD's(2), Home made button box, Max falcon 20RGB keypad, Pedals.

 

I think that's all. No problems whatsoever.

[skywalker22]

Maybe any recommendations?

Something like this, or this one?

[danvac]

I have D-LINK 7‑Port USB 2.0 Hub DUB‑H7

https://www.amazon.de/D-Link-DUB-H7-7-Port-unterst%C3%BCtzt-Windows/dp/B0000B0DL7/

 

It is fine because some games are not able to work with "joysticks" connected so it is easy way to disconect them all at once.

[pocketedition]

I'm using a powered HUB with 10 ports.

 

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/slimline-10-port-usb-charger-hub/p/XC4959

[Ranma13]

Depending on how many devices you plan to plug in, you may not need an A/C adapter for the hub. Contrary to popular belief, bad things won't happen if it draws too much power; the motherboard just won't provide enough power and the USB devices won't behave properly, but that's about it. With just a throttle, joystick, and TrackIR plugged in, I think you're safe without an A/C adapter, but I suggest getting one with an adapter just in case.

 

Stick with USB 2.0 hubs, they're cheaper and you don't need the extra bandwidth USB 3.0 provides. You might also want to get one with more ports; you never know if you'll buy more accessories in the future. I have this USB hub:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HL7Z46K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

And I'm already using 11 of the 13 ports. It also has 2 buttons on it to enable/disable the ports, which is great for saving electricity and for when you play other games that picks up your joystick/throttle as input devices, causing unwanted movements like spinning the camera around or moving your character.

[hansangb]

Depending on how many devices you plan to plug in, you may not need an A/C adapter for the hub. Contrary to popular belief, bad things won't happen if it draws too much power; the motherboard just won't provide enough power and the USB devices won't behave properly, but that's about it. With just a throttle, joystick, and TrackIR plugged in, I think you're safe without an A/C adapter, but I suggest getting one with an adapter just in case.

 

Stick with USB 2.0 hubs, they're cheaper and you don't need the extra bandwidth USB 3.0 provides. You might also want to get one with more ports; you never know if you'll buy more accessories in the future. I have this USB hub:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HL7Z46K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

And I'm already using 11 of the 13 ports. It also has 2 buttons on it to enable/disable the ports, which is great for saving electricity and for when you play other games that picks up your joystick/throttle as input devices, causing unwanted movements like spinning the camera around or moving your character.

 

Yeah, I have the exact same one. I like having the two power switch to turn things on and off.

[sirrah]

Depending on how many devices you plan to plug in, you may not need an A/C adapter for the hub. Contrary to popular belief, bad things won't happen if it draws too much power; the motherboard just won't provide enough power and the USB devices won't behave properly, but that's about it. With just a throttle, joystick, and TrackIR plugged in, I think you're safe without an A/C adapter, but I suggest getting one with an adapter just in case.

 

Stick with USB 2.0 hubs, they're cheaper and you don't need the extra bandwidth USB 3.0 provides. You might also want to get one with more ports; you never know if you'll buy more accessories in the future. I have this USB hub:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HL7Z46K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

And I'm already using 11 of the 13 ports. It also has 2 buttons on it to enable/disable the ports, which is great for saving electricity and for when you play other games that picks up your joystick/throttle as input devices, causing unwanted movements like spinning the camera around or moving your character.

Is this 2.0 usb hub also suitable for connecting an HMD (Rift cv1 in my case)?

 

Sorry for my ignorance, but I have no idea what usb 3.0 (or is it called 3.1?) adds to usb 2.0. Can somebody tell me if the usb hub mentioned by Ranma will suffice when I plan to connect the following devices:

 

• Rift CV1 (only the HMD as the sensors will stay on my PC ports)
  
• TM WH hotas
  
• TM Cougar hotas
  
• Keyboard
  
• Mouse
  
• PointCTRL (as soon as it's my turn ;))
  
• Saitek pro flight rudder pedals
  
• G27 racing wheel
  
• G27 pedals
  

[dburne]

Is this 2.0 usb hub also suitable for connecting an HMD (Rift cv1 in my case)?

 

Sorry for my ignorance, but I have no idea what usb 3.0 (or is it called 3.1?) adds to usb 2.0. Can somebody tell me if the usb hub mentioned by Ranma will suffice when I plan to connect the following devices:

 

• Rift CV1 (only the HMD as the sensors will stay on my PC ports)
  
• TM WH hotas
  
• TM Cougar hotas
  
• Keyboard
  
• Mouse
  
• PointCTRL (as soon as it's my turn ;))
  
• Saitek pro flight rudder pedals
  
• G27 racing wheel
  
• G27 pedals
  

 

Not really, it will probably work but may not work at it's potential.

USB 3 adds greater throughput, which the Rift needs.

Would be better to get a USB 3 powered hub and just run the Rift off of it. Leave your other devices on USB 2 ports/hub.

[sirrah]

Not really, it will probably work but may not work at it's potential.

USB 3 adds greater throughput, which the Rift needs.

Would be better to get a USB 3 powered hub and just run the Rift off of it. Leave your other devices on USB 2 ports/hub.

 

So the mentioned 2.0 hub would be enough for all my listed devices, except for the cv1 (which I should directly plug into a 3.0 port on my pc). Did I understand this correctly?

 

These usb 3.0 hubs are quite a bit more expensive, so I'd rather go for a 2.0 hub if it's sufficient :P

[Drakoz]

I use this one. I paid $76 for it last year.

BrovSS- 10 Ports USB 2.0 Hub - USB Charging Splitter Hub LEDs with 5V 10A 120W Power Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7F5WV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00

 

Or here is the slightly cheaper version, though I haven't used this one:

BrovSS- 10 Ports USB 2.0 Powered Hub - USB Extension Splitter for Mining with 12V 5A 60W Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HLY2L9/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2

 

Here is their product web page. https://brovss.shop/collections/all-products

 

My goal was to make sure that power wasn't an issue. I don't trust half the power supply specs we see on USB hubs. Most game controllers take less than 100mA, but some want 250-350mA. At 120W, the one I bought is clearly capable of powering anything I plug into it, while also charging several iPads and iPhones at the same time (no, I don't do that). Overkill, yes, but after having some issues, I didn't want to mess around anymore.

 

The cheaper one is half the power and but still way over kill for sim controllers. These things were sold originally for Bitcoin mining USB compute modules. So most the negative reviews on them are because the cheaper one (for example) couldn't run 10 power hungry CPU modules. We don't care about that for our simming as the cheaper 60W one is still over kill for our needs.

 

Also, as said, for game controllers, get USB 2.0, not 3.0. A USB3.0 hub might actually mess with some game controllers due to driver or hardware issues.

[dburne]

So the mentioned 2.0 hub would be enough for all my listed devices, except for the cv1 (which I should directly plug into a 3.0 port on my pc). Did I understand this correctly?

 

These usb 3.0 hubs are quite a bit more expensive, so I'd rather go for a 2.0 hub if it's sufficient :P

 

For the Rift CV1 you will need three USB 3 ports.

Yes the 2.0 hub should be plenty for your USB 2 devices. I would plug keyboard and mouse though directly into motherboard USB 2 ports.

 

I used to use a powered USB 3 hub for my CV1, now that I have the Rift S with only one USB 3 connector I just plug it into

my motherboard USB 3 .

[sirrah]

Thanks for the info guys :thumbup:

 

I've seen links to specific hubs, but unfortunately they're all sold from the US. Which means US (type C) connectors and high delivery costs. I'm still searching for a proper equivalent sold in Europe, but I'm struggling to find a proper hub in-between the jungle of junk-hubs (which are sometimes priced even higher than the good ones) :P

[Ranma13]

You can differentiate USB 3.0 from 2.0 from the color of the ports, the vast majority of USB 3.0 hubs have blue-colored ports, whereas USB 2.0 is usually black or white. As for the Rift, it's best if you have it on a USB 3.0 port, but some quick searching online shows that there isn't a noticeable difference on USB 2.0:

 

[hsth]

Have a look at these options:

- https://www.conrad.com/p/renkforce-7-ports-usb-30-hub-individually-connectable-led-indicator-lights-ipad-charging-port-black-1607017

- https://www.conrad.com/p/renkforce-7-ports-usb-30-hub-steel-casing-individually-connectable-wall-mount-option-black-1089874

 

 

I know, not cheap but I have been using these for years without problems. And you can select the usb device you want to connect.

I used to have pedals, joystick, throttle, jetseat, Logitech 13G and Oculus Rift all connected on a 7 port hub (usb 2.0).

 

 

Be aware that for most multiple port hubs you also want an usb extension cable as the standard cables are not that long. Unless of course you can put the hub near your motherboard.

[KTFBGB]

Thanks for the info guys :thumbup:

 

I've seen links to specific hubs, but unfortunately they're all sold from the US. Which means US (type C) connectors and high delivery costs. I'm still searching for a proper equivalent sold in Europe, but I'm struggling to find a proper hub in-between the jungle of junk-hubs (which are sometimes priced even higher than the good ones) :P

 

Just to be clear. USB C is completely different than USB 3 or 3.1. USB C is a different class and size. USB 1 through 3.1 are all the same size. It’s not a US thing. If you have a current IPAD Pro. Then you have USB C port on that device and a USB C cable for charging regardless of where you are in the world.

[98abaile]

As long as you use a USB 3 hub in a USB 3 port, you should be fine in most cases. I have my VPC stick, WH throttle and 2 MFDs all plugged into one 4 port USB 3 hub. That way I can lift my rig onto the desk edge, tighten the clamps and plug in just a single cable into the top of my PC case.