USB Lead to hub in monitor.
 

I have a 24" Dell that's been kicking around for ages. Massive thing, but stacked with handy things. One is several USB ports. However, the plug that goes into the PC is c 7 X 8mm with two edges sculpted off.

It goes on to say it's to stop two host computers being connected together.

Is this the only reason and does this mean I can use an ordinary type A USB outlet on my PC to an ordinary one on the monitor/hub?

I've rarely made use of hubs but when I did I just put it in one of the A outlets. My only concern is that Dell may have powered the hub in some way that needs a slightly different lead.


I've just checked. The jpg is the right way up. Done it before. Most odd.

I think the idea of the B socket is to prevent you plugging a powered socket in to a powered socket and possibly "releasing the magic smoke".

The square plug (type B connector) should plug into the monitor, not the PC. This is standard for pretty much all USB peripherals and as stated this is to prevent damage that could be caused by connecting 2 powered USB sockets together. A to A cables are available for some specialised purposes but they should NOT be used to connect a powered hub to a computer or to connect 2 computers together as this can cause damage. A to B is a standard USB cable and this is what you should use to connect your monitor.

DOH!!!!!! :ugh:


Oh, my. Technical director of my company I waz. :O


Anyway, thanks chaps. Dashed to other room with me slice of toast still in my mouth. Yep, it's indeed that way around. Must get some paint to mark plugs for simple people. Huh, that brings to the fore another 60 year old memory.

I had a boss in the 50's who used to paint spots on the knobs on the tellies so little old ladies would know where to set them. At one house, he pressed the paint tin lid down with his foot, and left a row of circles across her carpet.

You had proper training in those days. C&G practical in Regent St. Parked all day outside BBC house. It was Sunday, but still, a very different world.

D'oh! myself - I missed the obvious reference to you waving the USB B end around looking to plug it into the computer. I have a couple of Dells with USB sockets and I think they're a mighty fine thing :)

Nope, that pic is upside down whichever way you look at it! :)