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An USB plug that goes both ways

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Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#51

I read a poignant comment on YouTube (I know, I know) the other day: "I have a theory, that USB cables have three sides: Wrong side A, wrong side B and right side. Geometry would tell us that the first side would be the same as the third one, but I know the truth."

[deleted]

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#52
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Come on, it's right there in section 6.5.1 of the specification which you'd know if you searched the web, downloaded 11MB of data, unzipped it and sorted through it for the "Universal Serial Bus Specification Revision 2.0", then read all 622 pages of that. 6.5.1 USB Icon Location The USB Icon is embossed, in a recessed area, on the topside of the USB plug. This provides easy user recognition and facilitates alignment…

In all seriousness, the USB Spec is an interesting read (I used to keep a printout of it on my desk for reference). I've pored over the physical specifications more times than I can count - it's amazing how much thought was put into this connector.

And we wonder why the rest of the world think us IT people are a bit strange :-) Never read that but pored over enough other arcane material in my time.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#53
post #36
post #17

Oh wow, this is spectacular. I can't tell you how many times I've done this: - USB plug doesn't fit. Must be wrong way. Switch! - Still doesn't fit. REALLY doesn't fit. Must have been the other way around. Switch again! - Finagle it a bit more than the first try. OK, fits now.

You forgot: - stop trying to push it into power connector - stick it in RJ-45 hole, that doesn't feel right

Actually USB plugs go into RJ-45 sockets remarkably well. I've done it before and it felt "right" to the point where I was confused why the mouse wasn't working.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#54
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

USB ports are supposed to be current limited. Given that those components cost money to buy and money to place… I think we know where low end equipment vendors are going to end up.

I'd expect current limiting to be a feature of even the cheapest USB interface ICs. It's really easy to test and potentially a short-circuit/fire hazard. Not the kind of thing any testing lab would be likely to overlook.

You'd think. But the cheapest interface ICs only deal with the data lines. You have to go to extra effort to control the 5V line.

It isn't trivial. You want to flow 100mA without dropping your 5V source much, because the USB device is still expecting it to be 5V.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#55

I read a poignant comment on YouTube (I know, I know) the other day: "I have a theory, that USB cables have three sides: Wrong side A, wrong side B and right side. Geometry would tell us that the first side would be the same as the third one, but I know the truth."

That reminds me of a saying that we used religiously back in the Navy: "50/50/90".

If you have a 50/50 chance of making a correct decision, you'll get it wrong 90% of the time.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#56
post #53
post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You forgot: - stop trying to push it into power connector - stick it in RJ-45 hole, that doesn't feel right

Actually USB plugs go into RJ-45 sockets remarkably well. I've done it before and it felt "right" to the point where I was confused why the mouse wasn't working.

That's why I always connect the ethernet before plugging in any USB peripherals.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#57
post #15

FTFY: A USB plug that goes both ways A word gets the 'an' article based on pronunciation, not the mere fact that it starts with a vowel. Say it: "a you es bee" See? It has a consonant sound so 'a' sounds better.

The author is pretty obviously either a non-western or a non-native English speaker. Read some of the picture captions.

That's assuming the author and the submitter are the same person.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#58
post #55

I read a poignant comment on YouTube (I know, I know) the other day: "I have a theory, that USB cables have three sides: Wrong side A, wrong side B and right side. Geometry would tell us that the first side would be the same as the third one, but I know the truth."

That reminds me of a saying that we used religiously back in the Navy: "50/50/90". If you have a 50/50 chance of making a correct decision, you'll get it wrong 90% of the time.

That's what coins are good for.

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#59
post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

UltraTek makes something similar: http://www.flipperusb.com/

End the frustration of broken USB connectors and end-user support issues I'm afraid to ask... do any significant number of users actually break their USB ports by trying to insert the plug the wrong way?

I've done it, busted a port on the back of my computer where I was inserting blind. Plus it's on it's side, so you aren't sure which end is "up".

Re: An USB plug that goes both ways

#60
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What? You didn't notice the mark clearly embossed in black plastic on the black plastic background while holding it in the illuminated space between the back of your computer and the wall? Or maybe yours doesn't have a mark at all like the mouse I'm using now. Or maybe it has one mark on one side and a slightly different mark on the other. Who came up with this stupid idea anyway of making a plug that looks and feels…

Come on, it's right there in section 6.5.1 of the specification which you'd know if you searched the web, downloaded 11MB of data, unzipped it and sorted through it for the "Universal Serial Bus Specification Revision 2.0", then read all 622 pages of that. 6.5.1 USB Icon Location The USB Icon is embossed, in a recessed area, on the topside of the USB plug. This provides easy user recognition and facilitates alignment…

The Microsoft keyboard and mouse I have, not only have the USB symbol embossed, they also sport a raised dot to help identify the correct side. Wish more manufacturers did that.

On the other hand, PC manufacturers have defeated that purpose by creating vertically aligned USB ports. Which side is the right side now? Just goes to say that intelligent specs are not enough. You can't hand a brilliant spec to a monkey and expect good implementation.

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