My idea for the USB hub worked out last evening. I started by repairing the lead that I cut in the first place. That was the 5v line from the computer. After that I cut the trace on the circuit board that carries the 5v from the USB plug to the power circuitry. Now the only thing that the 5v from the computer is powering is the processor for the USB hub.
After this little project I powered up the Mac Mini and plugged the USB cable into the USB hub. Sure enough no power light. Next I plugged the external power connector into the hub. The power light and the individual indicator lights for each plug turned on. Yahoo!!!!! Problem solved. Now the main power draw will be from the external power.
Good solution. I did something a little easier but it may not be the best way to do it. I spliced the usb cable inbetween the hub and mini. Then I ran the 5V cables from PSU to the usb cable I cut so that it flows to the HUB. The only down fall with this is that I'm most likely picking up interference due to cutting shielded wire.
Posted by: rajeeb adhikary | October 15, 2006 at 06:11 PM
I've been struggling with this forever myself. This looks like the fix for me especially since I have that hub already. Questions: how exactly do you cut the trace? I'm assuming you take a screwdrive or something across both of the traces that are between the power and USB outs on the board? (I can't tell for sure based on the posted picture; if you have a larger one, please send to per at thefarnys.com).
Great work. Thanks,
Per
Posted by: Per | November 06, 2006 at 08:12 AM