USB

Jason uses a logging app that will automatically add GPS data when he creates an entry. It would take something from an external GPS through a com port, which is obviously something his laptop doesn't have. He found an app that allows for GPS over Bluetooth so he can use the app on his laptop. Most laptops have Bluetooth built-in, but the app is looking for that data from a com port. The chatroom recommends the GlobalSat GPS receiver for $35, and it works via USB. They also make USB to Serial port adapters.

Mark bought a Dell Desktop with Windows 8 and downgraded to Windows 7. But his USB 3 hard drive isn't working right when waking from sleep, even after he's re-installed the drivers. He has to reboot the computer to get it to read the hard drive.

Leo says to check out the USB Root Hub. He should make sure that the checkbox "wake from sleep" is enabled (checked). Otherwise it won't wake up.

Chris wants to get some data off an old Windows 98 machine, but doesn't know how to do it. Leo says to pull the drive out of the computer and get a Universal Drive Adapter. Then he can essentially turn the drive into a USB drive, plug it in to his new computer via USB and pull the data off it.

Matthew has an 11" Asus T100 and he wants to get a smaller tablet. He wants it to work with an inspection camera. He hates Windows 8. Leo says that's no surprise. But if the camera comes with software, then he may be limited. If it's just a generic USB plugin, he may still be stuck. Some tablet's USB plugs only work for charging. He'll need a tablet with a USB plug supported for OTG or "on-the-go" options.

Brent wants to create a central network attached storage that can cater both OS X and Windows. Leo says a NAS devices are great for that purpose. Western Digital is a basic NAS that can do the job. More advanced products like Synology offer advanced features that can be advantageous.

Torry has been a programmer since he was a kid and he has a bunch of 5 1/4" floppy discs with his original programs on it. Where can he get a USB drive that can read them? Leo says that at this point, eBay may be the best bet. But it's quite possible that he may not be able to get one that's USB powered. The challenge is going to be that it uses a serial interface and he'll have to have an adapter in order to get it to work.

Lou has an iPhone 5 and has been hesitating upgrading to iOS7, so he hasn't. Leo says that Apple will be releasing iOS 7.1 soon, so it may be wise to just wait a little bit longer. Lou also wants to know why the Lightning connector doesn't work all the time. Leo says that if Lou bought it from a third party, that could be the issue. If it's not charging, it may be that Lou is connecting to a USB port that doesn't have enough juice running through it. USB adapters have different amps. Anything less than 5v x 1 amp, it won't charge. The iPad requires 5.1 v x 2.1 amps.

Dave wants to know if he can install a USB 3.0 port onto his desktop computer. Leo says sure, but it largely depends on the bus of his desktop. If he has PCIexpress, he should be just fine. USB 3.0 goes as high as 5 Gigabits, but that doesn't mean he'd necessarily get that. What about just plain PCI? He won't get the max speed, but the hard drive isn't as fast as USB 3.0 either. So it should be good enough for his use of it.

Pete wants a camera that he can stream little league hockey games on. Leo says he'll need a camera with live HDMI out. Most video cameras will do this, and with excellent quality too. Then he'll need a laptop that is able to take HDMI in and then stream it over the internet. The camera really isn't the hard part.

Yvette has a USB key with music on it and she wants to play it in her car. Leo says that some cars come with USB options, but Yvette will probably need a third party head unit radio that will support that. Or, she can get a small computer that plugs in. Satechi mades the Soundfly, an MP3 player that supports USB drives. It comes with an FM transmitter built in.