Can I get a mini-USB switch for my hard drive?

alexjholland

alexjholland

alexjholland

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Joined
8 Oct 2006
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322
Hey

I have a Western Digital 1.5Tb hard drive that I use for streaming movies to my 360.

It sits in the same place constantly, but I regularly switch inputs between my PC and the 360. This isn't too much hassle, but I would happily spend a few pounds to make it quicker and easier.

The hard drive uses a mini-USB port - is there a switcher for this connection?

Thanks
 
Can't you stream via ethernet?
You could easily build a switchover box. 3 pole 2 throw switch for the +5V and 2 data lines. Connect all 3 0V together, job done :)
 
- Yes and I do for casual watching, but when it's 'Movie Time' I like to be able to power-down my PC and run straight from the hard drive, as it is far quieter.

- I have no soldering/electronics experience!
 
I did manage to find something:

Belkin 2x1 USB Peripheral Switch - USB peripheral sharing switch - 2 ports - USB
Part number F1U201vea1

But, it uses a bit of software on 2 PCs to share a device so it's not going to work with the xbox.

The cost of a switch and 2 USB cables and a pint for a mate to put it together for you looks like the preffered solution :)
Hmmm, I wonder if there's a market for these? Complete with your choice of LED indicators :)
 
I can't for the life of me understand why software would be needed for what seems to be a fairly simple mechanical switching operation.

Bearing in mind the USB cable is in place so I can turn my PC off whilst watching movies, this doesn't seem a viable option.

The fact I am using two mini-USB cables as opposed to conventional-sized-USB cables complicates matters somewhat - but this would be a nice thing to have.

It would be fantastic to find one of my friends was a decent solderer, as it would open many doors for suggestions I get on forums - including fitting a new battery to my Zune!

If any of you find a hardware solution I would be very appreciative - and if it requires one of you soldering some pieces together, then I can pay you for it.

Thanks!
 
The reason there's software involved if probably to make sure disconnections are handled correctly when the device swaps over, and of course there's no nasty manual switch :)
 
Ah. A manual switch is exactly what I wanted - just some kind of slider switch that did the same job of unplugging one cable and replugging another.

If that isn't possible (although I don't understand why it wouldn't be) then I can survive - I only have to do it when powering down my PC for a proper cinema experience.
 
a usb manual switch for a mouse or printer seems feasible as the consequences of it going wrong are pretty limited but for a storage device its a very difficult idea to imagine working reliably without good software support.

I suspect a usb switch probably does not disconnect the device each time you switch instead it would use software and hardware to convince the Operating system that the device is still there (if it did not then you would get a usb redetection message every time you switched)

with hardware only you might switch when data transfer was underway in either direction potentially crashing or confusing both connected devices

USb storage devices are a special class of USB device and lots of support is needed in an OS and drivers to make them reliable. Lots of things are capable of preventing safe removal of usb storage devices from Windows and its definately not something just hardware could do reliably and I would be very suprised if theres a usb switch thats certifed for use with usb storage
 
Ok, bearing in mind I've had errors a couple of times when switching cables (and consequently now power down my PC before switching) I can see why none are made.

I only switch cables for 'cinema time' several times a week, so am sure I can survive. Thanks!
 
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