• From: Melbourne, Australia
  • Registered: 2007-05-16
  • Posts: 495

Topic: External power supply/augmentation for BabyFace

I recently bought one of these for some of my other USB devices:

http://www.traveler-service.de/popups/M … e=techData

As far as supporting extended battery operation of the BabyFace, two options are possible:

1. use the external power supply connection (via suitable adaptor) - however, as the BabyFace specification for input voltage is 6 - 12V, I suspect the 5V output will be too low;

2. connect it via the second plug on the supplied USB double cable - success will depend on how the two USB controller chips share the load (ideally the battery pack would supply all the load, but at least it should share equally which will improve the life of the laptop battery).

Anyone else tried this device (apparently available all good Aldi stores everywhere)?
I'm seeking wise counsel from elsewhere before trying it out myself.

De gustibus - et sonus - non est disputandum

2 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,599

Re: External power supply/augmentation for BabyFace

Funny, I just got a Li-Po mobile pack myself and was thinking about the same things...

1. Correct. The external battery will not be used unless it has around 5.6 V up.

2. This calls for serious trouble - please don't try that! You will connect the battery as power source with the computer's internal power source. That will most probably damage something - sooner or later.

The solution would be a special USB cable where you can 'insert' the power, or feed the power only to one specific plug. I know something like this exists for FireWire. I expect this to be available for USB as well, on the usual sales channels for such stuff (ebay...). If not you might solder one yourself.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

3 Reply by panatrope (edited by panatrope 2011-11-10 22:55:00)

  • From: Melbourne, Australia
  • Registered: 2007-05-16
  • Posts: 495

Re: External power supply/augmentation for BabyFace

Thanks for the advice, Matthias.  I will study the USB spec and see what might be possible.

For the moment, my preferred system remains the earlier Tevion ABS-102 multi-voltage packs in option 1.  If you are into video, I have also looked at NP-1 based options - very good but very expensive.

De gustibus - et sonus - non est disputandum
  • From: Melbourne, Australia
  • Registered: 2007-05-16
  • Posts: 495

Re: External power supply/augmentation for BabyFace

An after-thought on option 2. 

I think it would work if an externally-powered USB hub was interposed between laptop and BabyFace, with the USB battery unit feeding the hub power input. 

This assumes that the BabyFace is comfortable working through a hub.

It may also mean that if the BabyFace double cable is inserted in two ports of the hub there is no doubt about meeting BabyFace power demands even using mics needing phantom power.

Any comments before I try it?

De gustibus - et sonus - non est disputandum

5 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: External power supply/augmentation for BabyFace

All correct, that should work.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website