Can the iconia W4 be charged through a hub while using other peripherals connected to the hub?

Pedropetrouchka
Pedropetrouchka Member Posts: 2 New User
in 2014 Archives

I am interested in using the Iconia W4-820-2882 as a chart plotter on a sailboat.  I need to use the tablet with a satellite GPS and other peripherals functioning continuously while the tablet is being charged at all times.

Can I charge through a microUSB non-powered Hub (using a USB car charger, input 12VDC, output 5VDC) while at the same time using the other ports on the hub for the GPS, wireless mouse, etc...?

Thanks for your help.

Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,246 Trailblazer

    There are a couple of threads here on this, but the short answer is that with the correct splitter cable for the USB port, you can maintain a charge while using peripherals. You can't gain in charge without using more amperage than is provided when the splitter is connected. This means yoou'll likely want to have both options available, so you can charge after off power usage with a charger, and hold that charge during powered use with the cable connected.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • Pedropetrouchka
    Pedropetrouchka Member Posts: 2 New User

    Thank you billsey,

    This is good news.  Do these correct splitter types or hub types have a specific name?  What special about them?

    If I understand correctly the rest of your answer the charger has to have enough current capability to both charge the tablet and power the peripherals.  Is my interpretation correct?

  • hkstiong
    hkstiong Member Posts: 21 New User

    Hi,

     

    Your idea for your tablet is feasible as Billsey said.  It has been discussed here

     

    http://community.acer.com/t5/Windows-Tablets/how-to-charge-the-W4-820-tablet-while-data-transfer-is-going-on/td-p/271906

     

    Hope the thread will help!

     

     

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,246 Trailblazer
    Pedropetrouchka wrote:

    If I understand correctly the rest of your answer the charger has to have enough current capability to both charge the tablet and power the peripherals.  Is my interpretation correct?

    Not quite, the tablet will charge from one side of the splitter cable, the other side will connect to the hub. Peripherals connected to the hub will get their power from the hubs supply. The design of the USB port limits the power consumption when data mode is enabled, hence the 'only sustain charge' instead of 'charge tablet'.

     

    The thread linked has several options for the splitter cable, you shoould be able to get any of the nes that state they work.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • padgett
    padgett ACE Posts: 4,532 Pathfinder

    Mentioned before that I have a powered Gearhead uh7250mac skinny seven port hub (fits in almost any case) that came with a 5v2A (10W) wall wart. I don't have a W4 but with the Y cable it can maintain another 8" Bay Trail tab (that has GPS). My Targus dock does a lot more but it has a 5v6.5A charger.

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