Converting USB 1.1 front panel Ports to USB 2.0 ?

[Dingwhistle]

Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters front
panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front panel
USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket
(looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
I have a USB 2.0 PCI card installed and that makes the two inconveniently
located rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are still USB
1.1.

Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
Thanks.

 

[Curt Christianson]

If the USB 1.1 has plugs that will plug into your PCI card, then you are in
luck. It wouldn't surprise me however if there is some soldering involved
instead.

--
HTH,
Curt

Windows Support Center
www.aumha.org
Practically Nerded,...
http://dundats.mvps.org/Index.htm

"Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in message
news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
| Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters front
| panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front panel
| USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket
| (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
| I have a USB 2.0 PCI card installed and that makes the two inconveniently
| located rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are still
USB
| 1.1.
|
| Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
| Thanks.
|
|

 

[Dingwhistle]

The USB 2.0 PCI card doesn't have the same type of connector: It looks like
2 sets of very small silver "stakes" - each having 9 conductors. It doesn't
in any way resemble the sort of IDE type connector that goes from front
panel USB 1.1 to MOBO.

There are also so many pins on the IDE type plug_socket, it seems as though
there's more going on with it than simply serving as the USB 1.1 connection.

thanks.

"Curt Christianson" <curtchristnsn@NOSPAM.Yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:OjbQlvG%23HHA.4584@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> If the USB 1.1 has plugs that will plug into your PCI card, then you are
in
> luck. It wouldn't surprise me however if there is some soldering involved
> instead.
>
> --
> HTH,
> Curt
>
> Windows Support Center
> www.aumha.org
> Practically Nerded,...
> http://dundats.mvps.org/Index.htm
>
> "Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in message
> news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> | Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters front
> | panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front
panel
> | USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket
> | (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
> | I have a USB 2.0 PCI card installed and that makes the two
inconveniently
> | located rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are still
> USB
> | 1.1.
> |
> | Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
> | Thanks.
> |
> |
>
>

 

[Sunny]

"Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in message
news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters front
> panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front panel
> USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket
> (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
> I have a USB 2.0 PCI card installed and that makes the two inconveniently
> located rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are still
> USB
> 1.1.
>
> Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
> Thanks.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=198548
Easy solution, and not that expensive.

 

[thanatoid]

"Sunny" <wombathouse@yahoo.com.au> wrote in
news:erGp29L#HHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:

>
> "Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in
> message news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower
>> 'puters front panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0
>> enabled ? Currently, the front panel USB 1.1 ports connect
>> to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket (looks
>> like a sort of IDE type cable). I have a USB 2.0 PCI card
>> installed and that makes the two inconveniently located
>> rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are
>> still USB
>> 1.1.
>>
>> Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
>> Thanks.
>
> http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_I
> d=198548 Easy solution, and not that expensive.

It's nice and small and cheap, but unnecessary and not as
elegant as the end result of the following:

Get a PCI USB 2 card and take the two USB 2 ports out and put
them where the old USB 1 ports are now (the card needs to stay
in the slot, obviously, but it will be sort of a dummy as far as
connecting anything - unless you get one with 4 connectors). You
may need to extend a few cables, but you don't even need to
solder to do it. It's BETTER to solder, but if you do it right,
just some heat-shrink tubing or even electrical tape covering
the twisted-together wire connections should be fine.


--
"This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
- illyria

 

[Lil' Dave]

Sounds like something Dell had made special. My old Tyan motherboard (98
vintage) has the same 9 pin arrangement. Cable connects to 2 usb ports in a
card slot aft.. Sounds smarter to get a standard front USB port for a empty
space up front, and connect to the 2.0 card.
Dave
"Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in message
news:OOnnYDK%23HHA.4784@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> The USB 2.0 PCI card doesn't have the same type of connector: It looks
> like
> 2 sets of very small silver "stakes" - each having 9 conductors. It
> doesn't
> in any way resemble the sort of IDE type connector that goes from front
> panel USB 1.1 to MOBO.
>
> There are also so many pins on the IDE type plug_socket, it seems as
> though
> there's more going on with it than simply serving as the USB 1.1
> connection.
>
> thanks.
>
> "Curt Christianson" <curtchristnsn@NOSPAM.Yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:OjbQlvG%23HHA.4584@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> If the USB 1.1 has plugs that will plug into your PCI card, then you are
> in
>> luck. It wouldn't surprise me however if there is some soldering
>> involved
>> instead.
>>
>> --
>> HTH,
>> Curt
>>
>> Windows Support Center
>> www.aumha.org
>> Practically Nerded,...
>> http://dundats.mvps.org/Index.htm
>>
>> "Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in message
>> news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> | Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters front
>> | panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front
> panel
>> | USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type
>> plug/socket
>> | (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
>> | I have a USB 2.0 PCI card installed and that makes the two
> inconveniently
>> | located rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are still
>> USB
>> | 1.1.
>> |
>> | Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
>> | Thanks.
>> |
>> |
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Dingwhistle]

Prolly was a Dell designed and fabricated special.

The reason for my question and choise is because I don't want any more Ports
than I really need. :-D

If I add a hub - and most hubs go overboard in terms of number of available
ports - then I'll have far too many and may possibly develop IRQ issues. I
just wanted to minimize the number of ports to a bare *usable and useful*
minimum. The rear ports are stupid to use for plugging in a USB Flash Drive,
and clumsy for those things which one may not wish to have constantly
plugged in. (iPod and such)

I havent any "space" available up front. It's occupied by a small circuit
board which not only contains the 2 front USB 1.1 Ports, but also contains a
line out_headphone jack, as well as seeming to be a "go-between" the 'puter
Power Button and the Mobo and lord knows what else.

Some idea of what I'm up against.

front panel - external view (Item # 2 - two over/under USB ports)
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/about23.jpg

Front panel - internal view
Item # 4 - control-panel cable (connects to computer power button)
Item # 5 - front audio cable
Iem # 6 - I/O cable (connects to Mobo)
the two USB ports are directly in line above the "blue arrow" in diagram.
Obviously, integral to the circuit board.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/sm/iopnl3.jpg

The Mobo business end (Socket #4 is for the "IDE "style" cable from I/O
panel which houses the USB ports)
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/about27.jpg

The above are from this service manual web page (small mini-tower type
'puter)
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/sm/iopnl.htm#1099156

Thanks for the input and idea though.


"Lil' Dave" wrote in message
news:eFztL7N%23HHA.1900@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Sounds like something Dell had made special. My old Tyan motherboard (98
> vintage) has the same 9 pin arrangement. Cable connects to 2 usb ports in
a
> card slot aft.. Sounds smarter to get a standard front USB port for a
empty
> space up front, and connect to the 2.0 card.
> Dave

> "Dingwhistle" wrote :
> > The USB 2.0 PCI card doesn't have the same type of connector: It looks
> > like
> > 2 sets of very small silver "stakes" - each having 9 conductors. It
> > doesn't
> > in any way resemble the sort of IDE type connector that goes from front
> > panel USB 1.1 to MOBO.
> >
> > There are also so many pins on the IDE type plug_socket, it seems as
> > though there's more going on with it than simply serving as the USB 1.1
> > connection.
> >
> > thanks.
> >
<snip>
> >>
> >> "Dingwhistle" wrote:
> >> | Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters
front
> >> | panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front
> >> | panel USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type
> >> | plug/socket (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
<snip>
> >> | Thanks.
> >> |

 

[Dingwhistle]

"Sunny" <wombathouse@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:erGp29L%23HHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>
> "Dingwhistle" wrote:
> > Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters front
> > panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front
panel
> > USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket
> > (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
> ><snip>
> > Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
> > Thanks.
>
> http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=198548
> Easy solution, and not that expensive.
>
>
Yes... "Easy", but not what I wanted. :-D Yes...I'd like the *easy* part,
but not the external hub part. <g>
Thanks for the input. <s>

 

[Dingwhistle]

"thanatoid" <waiting@the.exit.invalid> wrote in message
news:Xns99ADE5316FE0Athanexit@66.250.146.158...
> "Sunny" <wombathouse@yahoo.com.au> wrote in
> news:erGp29L#HHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:
>
> >
> > "Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in
> > message news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> >> Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower
> >> 'puters front panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0
> >> enabled ? Currently, the front panel USB 1.1 ports connect
> >> to the Motherboard by some header type plug/socket (looks
> >> like a sort of IDE type cable). I have a USB 2.0 PCI card
> >> installed and that makes the two inconveniently located
> >> rear ports USB 2.0 capable, but not the front 2. They are
> >> still USB
> >> 1.1.
> >>
> >> Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it work
> >> Thanks.
> >
> > http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_I
> > d=198548 Easy solution, and not that expensive.
>
> It's nice and small and cheap, but unnecessary and not as
> elegant as the end result of the following:
>
> Get a PCI USB 2 card and take the two USB 2 ports out and put
> them where the old USB 1 ports are now (the card needs to stay
> in the slot, obviously, but it will be sort of a dummy as far as
> connecting anything - unless you get one with 4 connectors). You
> may need to extend a few cables, but you don't even need to
> solder to do it. It's BETTER to solder, but if you do it right,
> just some heat-shrink tubing or even electrical tape covering
> the twisted-together wire connections should be fine.
>
>
> --
> "This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
> - illyria

That's the idea I sort of had in mind. And yes.... it would be 'elegant' and
just what I'd want. But, it won't be that easy, due to some inherent
complications:

Some idea of what stands in the way:

front panel - external view (Item # 2 - two over/under USB ports)
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/about23.jpg

Front panel - internal view
Item # 4 - control-panel cable (connects to computer power button)
Item # 5 - front audio cable
Iem # 6 - I/O cable (connects to Mobo)
the two USB ports are directly in line above the "blue arrow" in diagram.
Obviously, integral to the circuit board and not so easily *removed from
that circuit board*, if at all.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/sm/iopnl3.jpg

The Mobo business end (Socket #4 is for the "IDE "style" cable from I/O
panel which houses the USB ports)
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/about27.jpg

The above are from this service manual web page (small mini-tower type
'puter)
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/sm/iopnl.htm#1099156

Basically, I guess I wanted to know if someone knew / had experience with
which *pins* are related directly to the USB ports on that I/O Panel. Then,
I'd divert (read: cut_disconnect) those whilst leaving the unrelated ones
unchanged. Then run a cable/adapter/plug, or simply solder (<-- whatever)
the proper cable arrangement from USB 2.0 card internal pins to the I/O
panel plug-to-socket.. I'm fairly handy in that field.*smile*

Thanks....

 

[thanatoid]

"Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in
news:e2BxtMP#HHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl:

>
> "thanatoid" <waiting@the.exit.invalid> wrote in message
> news:Xns99ADE5316FE0Athanexit@66.250.146.158...
>> "Sunny" <wombathouse@yahoo.com.au> wrote in
>> news:erGp29L#HHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:
>>
>> >
>> > "Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in
>> > message
>> > news:%23awVRjG%23HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> >> Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop
>> >> Tower 'puters front panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB
>> >> 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front panel USB 1.1 ports
>> >> connect to the Motherboard by some header type
>> >> plug/socket (looks like a sort of IDE type cable). I
>> >> have a USB 2.0 PCI card installed and that makes the
>> >> two inconveniently located rear ports USB 2.0 capable,
>> >> but not the front 2. They are still USB
>> >> 1.1.
>> >>
>> >> Hope someone might know how to modify this to make it
>> >> work Thanks.
>> >
>> > http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Produc
>> > t_I d=198548 Easy solution, and not that expensive.
>>
>> It's nice and small and cheap, but unnecessary and not as
>> elegant as the end result of the following:
>>
>> Get a PCI USB 2 card and take the two USB 2 ports out and
>> put them where the old USB 1 ports are now (the card needs
>> to stay in the slot, obviously, but it will be sort of a
>> dummy as far as connecting anything - unless you get one
>> with 4 connectors). You may need to extend a few cables,
>> but you don't even need to solder to do it. It's BETTER to
>> solder, but if you do it right, just some heat-shrink
>> tubing or even electrical tape covering the
>> twisted-together wire connections should be fine.
>>
>>
>> --
>> "This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
>> - illyria
>
> That's the idea I sort of had in mind. And yes.... it would
> be 'elegant' and just what I'd want. But, it won't be that
> easy, due to some inherent complications:
>
> Some idea of what stands in the way:
>
> front panel - external view (Item # 2 - two over/under USB
> ports)
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/
> about23.jpg
>
> Front panel - internal view
> Item # 4 - control-panel cable (connects to computer power
> button) Item # 5 - front audio cable
> Iem # 6 - I/O cable (connects to Mobo)
> the two USB ports are directly in line above the "blue
> arrow" in diagram. Obviously, integral to the circuit board
> and not so easily *removed from that circuit board*, if at
> all.
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/sm/
> iopnl3.jpg
>
> The Mobo business end (Socket #4 is for the "IDE "style"
> cable from I/O panel which houses the USB ports)
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/
> about27.jpg
>
> The above are from this service manual web page (small
> mini-tower type 'puter)
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/sm/
> iopnl.htm#1099156
>
> Basically, I guess I wanted to know if someone knew / had
> experience with which *pins* are related directly to the
> USB ports on that I/O Panel. Then, I'd divert (read:
> cut_disconnect) those whilst leaving the unrelated ones
> unchanged. Then run a cable/adapter/plug, or simply solder
> (<-- whatever) the proper cable arrangement from USB 2.0
> card internal pins to the I/O panel plug-to-socket.. I'm
> fairly handy in that field.*smile*
>
> Thanks....

You seem to have enough experience to attempt this - I would
open the thing up and using a voltmeter check which pins are
doing something and which are doing nothing. I think it's only 2
or 3 pins that do anything. AFAIK, nothing *physical* has
changed, just the internals and speed.

But putting the USB 2 ports where the old ones were on the I/O
board will not make the thing faster - you DO need a USB 2 PCI
card. Then there's the whole matter of system bus speeds etc.
which I know next to nothing about.

But I don't think it will matter if you just sever the
connections of the old ports by simply *removing* the ports to
put the new ones in their place - just glue them or something.
The USB 1 ports may just show up as "not working" or defective,
but the new ones should work fine. Then again I am NOT an
electronics technician.


--
"This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
- illyria

 

[Dingwhistle]

"thanatoid" wrote in message
news:Xns99AE117E49EA7thanexit@66.250.146.158...
> "Dingwhistle" wrote:
> > "thanatoid" wrote:
> >> "Sunny" wrote in
> >> news:erGp29L#HHA.484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:
> >>
> >> >
> >> > "Dingwhistle" wrote
> >> >> Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop
> >> >> Tower 'puters front panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB
> >> >> 2.0 enabled ? <snip>
> >> >
> >> >"Sunny" wrote::
> >> > http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Produc
> >> > t_I d=198548 Easy solution, and not that expensive.
> >>
> >> "thanatoid" wrote:
> >> It's nice and small and cheap, but unnecessary and not as
> >> elegant as the end result of the following:
> >>
> >> Get a PCI USB 2 card and take the two USB 2 ports out and
> >> put them where the old USB 1 ports are now (the card needs
> >> to stay in the slot, obviously, but it will be sort of a
> >> dummy as far as connecting anything - unless you get one
> >> with 4 connectors). You may need to extend a few cables,
> >> but you don't even need to solder to do it. It's BETTER to
> >> solder, but if you do it right, just some heat-shrink
> >> tubing or even electrical tape covering the
> >> twisted-together wire connections should be fine.
> >>
> >> --
> >> "This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
> >> - illyria
> >
> > "Dingwhistle" wrote:
> > That's the idea I sort of had in mind. And yes.... it would
> > be 'elegant' <snip> But, it won't be that
> > easy, due to some inherent complications:
> >
> > Some idea of what stands in the way:
> >
> > front panel - external view (Item # 2 - two over/under USB
> > ports)
> > http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/
> > about23.jpg
> >
> > Front panel - internal view
> > Item # 4 - control-panel cable (connects to computer power
> > button) Item # 5 - front audio cable
> > Iem # 6 - I/O cable (connects to Mobo)
> > the two USB ports are directly in line above the "blue
> > arrow" in diagram. Obviously, integral to the circuit board
> > and not so easily *removed from that circuit board*, if at
> > all.
> > http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/sm/
> > iopnl3.jpg
> >
> > The Mobo business end (Socket #4 is for the "IDE "style"
> > cable from I/O panel which houses the USB ports)
> > http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/
> > about27.jpg
> >
> > The above are from this service manual web page (small
> > mini-tower type 'puter)
> > http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/sm/
> > iopnl.htm#1099156
> >
> > Basically, I guess I wanted to know if someone knew / had
> > experience with which *pins* are related directly to the
> > USB ports on that I/O Panel. Then, I'd divert (read:
> > cut_disconnect) those whilst leaving the unrelated ones
> > unchanged. Then run a cable/adapter/plug, or simply solder
> > (<-- whatever) the proper cable arrangement from USB 2.0
> > card internal pins to the I/O panel plug-to-socket.. I'm
> > fairly handy in that field.*smile*
> >
> > Thanks....
>
> You seem to have enough experience to attempt this - I would
> open the thing up and using a voltmeter check which pins are
> doing something and which are doing nothing.

Yep... a possibility. :-D I've both failed and succeeded an equal number of
times at both.

> I think it's only 2 or 3 pins that do anything.

Perhaps but that's the $64 ,000 question. <g>

> AFAIK, nothing *physical* has
> changed, just the internals and speed.

Yeah the USB1.1 end remains physically and effectively (effect) unchanged.
The addition of the USB 2.0 card is of course a physical change. Now, I need
a way to connect that physically changed end to the other unchanged one.

> But putting the USB 2 ports where the old ones were on the I/O
> board will not make the thing faster - you DO need a USB 2 PCI
> card.

I have one installed (a two external port - ALi USB 2.0 card) - It doesn't
have a standard type internal port, nor a typical header socket connector.
Just two sets of 9 pin prongs which jut out of the circuit board.

> Then there's the whole matter of system bus speeds etc.
> which I know next to nothing about.

Hadn't even entered my mind. Obviously, I'm not up to snuff regarding that
aspect.
>
> But I don't think it will matter if you just sever the
> connections of the old ports by simply *removing* the ports to
> put the new ones in their place - just glue them or something.

That's risky. They are hard soldered onto the circuit board (and the only
one I have, at that).

> The USB 1 ports may just show up as "not working" or defective,

After I have chopped up the board, I'd expect nothing less. lol

> but the new ones should work fine.
Yep.... "should". <g>

> Then again I am NOT an electronics technician.

Nor am I. However, I could expand my knowledge and experience just as I've
done in the past.... if you'll only let me borrow your I/O card. *ggg*

>
> --
> "This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
> - illyria

 

[thanatoid]

"Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in
news:#8MzMsP#HHA.4736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:

> "thanatoid" wrote in message
> news:Xns99AE117E49EA7thanexit@66.250.146.158...

<SNIP>

>> You seem to have enough experience to attempt this - I
>> would open the thing up and using a voltmeter check which
>> pins are doing something and which are doing nothing.
>
> Yep... a possibility. :-D I've both failed and succeeded an
> equal number of times at both.
>
>> I think it's only 2 or 3 pins that do anything.
>
> Perhaps but that's the $64 ,000 question. <g>

Nah, it's only about a $500 question.

>> AFAIK, nothing *physical* has
>> changed, just the internals and speed.
>
> Yeah the USB1.1 end remains physically and effectively
> (effect) unchanged. The addition of the USB 2.0 card is of
> course a physical change. Now, I need a way to connect that
> physically changed end to the other unchanged one.
>
>> But putting the USB 2 ports where the old ones were on the
>> I/O board will not make the thing faster - you DO need a
>> USB 2 PCI card.
>
> I have one installed (a two external port - ALi USB 2.0
> card) - It doesn't have a standard type internal port, nor
> a typical header socket connector. Just two sets of 9 pin
> prongs which jut out of the circuit board.

It may come as a slight surprise to you, but all I know about
USB ports is what I've read in groups like this one. I DO have a
5 year old (or something) machine (my 2nd computer) with USB 1
ports, but I have NO USB stuff and I am not interested in any at
the moment.

Still, it APPEARS that USB is just TWO wires. (Kind of like
Appletalk has always been {AFAIK) - about time, Wintel.)

So you could check which connections from the USB jacks on your
card go to which closest to them (circuit-wise) solder-friendly
places on the USB board and make connections based on that. It
would look weird as hell - but who cares.

Here's an idea - Google for some combination of USB upgrade,
Dell I/O board, modification, etc. - or just "computer upgrade
help". There are hundreds of sites which actually deal with
things just like this.

>> Then there's the whole matter of system bus speeds etc.
>> which I know next to nothing about.

> Hadn't even entered my mind. Obviously, I'm not up to snuff
> regarding that aspect.

It's impossible to keep up. FYI, I am doing this on a 10 years
old (in ten days exactly) 166 MMX with 95B.

But I don't think the bus speed enters into it that much - the
USB 2 should be much faster no matter what, or the PCI cards
wouldn't be available or at least would have been totally
discredited as useless by now.

>> But I don't think it will matter if you just sever the
>> connections of the old ports by simply *removing* the
>> ports to put the new ones in their place - just glue them
>> or something.
>
> That's risky. They are hard soldered onto the circuit board
> (and the only one I have, at that).

Well, you obviously know about soldering - stick the iron at the
connector, wait a moment, and pull. I REALLY don't think
anything will happen - the old ports will be dead, but you just
care about the new ones.

(It would be nice if some technician actually bothered to join
this thread, huh? Although I must say I am *quite* impressed
with the amount of info on the Dell support site. If you dig
deeper you might find some very relevant stuff.)

>> The USB 1 ports may just show up as "not working" or
>> defective,
>
> After I have chopped up the board, I'd expect nothing less.
> lol
>
>> but the new ones should work fine.
> Yep.... "should". <g>
>
>> Then again I am NOT an electronics technician.
>
> Nor am I. However, I could expand my knowledge and
> experience just as I've done in the past.... if you'll only
> let me borrow your I/O card. *ggg*

Here's another idea... Why not BUY an identical I/O card from
Dell (it shouldn't be expensive) or maybe even find an identical
trashed machine in a "junkyard" of some kind (garage sale, old
computer shop etc.). Even a running one would probably cost you
little.

(Now I don't want to be mean, but I would REALLY like to know
how this all turns out... I hate long exchanges which just
disappear into infinity and you never know what the hell finally
happened...)



--
"This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
- illyria

 

[John Dulak]

Dingwhistle wrote:

> Basically, I guess I wanted to know if someone knew / had experience with
> which *pins* are related directly to the USB ports on that I/O Panel. Then,
> I'd divert (read: cut_disconnect) those whilst leaving the unrelated ones
> unchanged. Then run a cable/adapter/plug, or simply solder (<-- whatever)
> the proper cable arrangement from USB 2.0 card internal pins to the I/O
> panel plug-to-socket.. I'm fairly handy in that field.*smile*
>
> Thanks....


Dingwhistle:

There are only 4 wires involved in any USB connection. +5v, Ground,
signal +, and signal -.

You can use youre existing USB 1 connector to find out which wires are
used for these functions since the pin functions at the connector are
always the same. You can see the pin assignments of a usb connector here:

http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml

HTH & GL


--
\\\||///
------------------o000----(o)(o)----000o----------------
----------------------------()--------------------------
'' Madness takes its toll - Please have exact change. ''

John Dulak - Gnomeway Services - http://tinyurl.com/2qs6o6

 

[MEB]

"thanatoid" <waiting@the.exit.invalid> wrote in message
news:Xns99AE3291FD2CFthanexit@66.250.146.158...
| "Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in
| news:#8MzMsP#HHA.4736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:
|
| > "thanatoid" wrote in message
| > news:Xns99AE117E49EA7thanexit@66.250.146.158...
|
| <SNIP>
|
| >> You seem to have enough experience to attempt this - I
| >> would open the thing up and using a voltmeter check which
| >> pins are doing something and which are doing nothing.
| >
| > Yep... a possibility. :-D I've both failed and succeeded an
| > equal number of times at both.
| >
| >> I think it's only 2 or 3 pins that do anything.
| >
| > Perhaps but that's the $64 ,000 question. <g>
|
| Nah, it's only about a $500 question.
|
| >> AFAIK, nothing *physical* has
| >> changed, just the internals and speed.
| >
| > Yeah the USB1.1 end remains physically and effectively
| > (effect) unchanged. The addition of the USB 2.0 card is of
| > course a physical change. Now, I need a way to connect that
| > physically changed end to the other unchanged one.
| >
| >> But putting the USB 2 ports where the old ones were on the
| >> I/O board will not make the thing faster - you DO need a
| >> USB 2 PCI card.
| >
| > I have one installed (a two external port - ALi USB 2.0
| > card) - It doesn't have a standard type internal port, nor
| > a typical header socket connector. Just two sets of 9 pin
| > prongs which jut out of the circuit board.
|
| It may come as a slight surprise to you, but all I know about
| USB ports is what I've read in groups like this one. I DO have a
| 5 year old (or something) machine (my 2nd computer) with USB 1
| ports, but I have NO USB stuff and I am not interested in any at
| the moment.
|
| Still, it APPEARS that USB is just TWO wires. (Kind of like
| Appletalk has always been {AFAIK) - about time, Wintel.)

As John points out, there are four wires involved.

|
| So you could check which connections from the USB jacks on your
| card go to which closest to them (circuit-wise) solder-friendly
| places on the USB board and make connections based on that. It
| would look weird as hell - but who cares.
|
| Here's an idea - Google for some combination of USB upgrade,
| Dell I/O board, modification, etc. - or just "computer upgrade
| help". There are hundreds of sites which actually deal with
| things just like this.
|
| >> Then there's the whole matter of system bus speeds etc.
| >> which I know next to nothing about.
|
| > Hadn't even entered my mind. Obviously, I'm not up to snuff
| > regarding that aspect.
|
| It's impossible to keep up. FYI, I am doing this on a 10 years
| old (in ten days exactly) 166 MMX with 95B.
|
| But I don't think the bus speed enters into it that much - the
| USB 2 should be much faster no matter what, or the PCI cards
| wouldn't be available or at least would have been totally
| discredited as useless by now.

There are some chipsets which, though supposedly USB 2.0, do NOT support
the actual full speed/frequency involved. One of those is apparently the
SIS 7001/7002 chipset. Its always best to check the NET first for issues
which may be involved with any device and/or chipset BEFORE purchasing the
product.

|
| >> But I don't think it will matter if you just sever the
| >> connections of the old ports by simply *removing* the
| >> ports to put the new ones in their place - just glue them
| >> or something.
| >
| > That's risky. They are hard soldered onto the circuit board
| > (and the only one I have, at that).
|
| Well, you obviously know about soldering - stick the iron at the
| connector, wait a moment, and pull. I REALLY don't think
| anything will happen - the old ports will be dead, but you just
| care about the new ones.
|
| (It would be nice if some technician actually bothered to join
| this thread, huh? Although I must say I am *quite* impressed
| with the amount of info on the Dell support site. If you dig
| deeper you might find some very relevant stuff.)

Take a look at the info John presented, and check over on USBMAN, and
several other sites. The USB issues and pin configs are usually well
documented, even for those *specialty* pin configs and/or headers.
Conversions are possible, however, as in CAT5/CAT6 wires for networks, and
in over 33mbit cabling for hardrives, the cable configuration is important,
as well as the pin config. Higher frequencies require differring types of
cable to reduce or handle cross-talk.

|
| >> The USB 1 ports may just show up as "not working" or
| >> defective,
| >
| > After I have chopped up the board, I'd expect nothing less.
| > lol
| >
| >> but the new ones should work fine.
| > Yep.... "should". <g>
| >
| >> Then again I am NOT an electronics technician.
| >
| > Nor am I. However, I could expand my knowledge and
| > experience just as I've done in the past.... if you'll only
| > let me borrow your I/O card. *ggg*
|
| Here's another idea... Why not BUY an identical I/O card from
| Dell (it shouldn't be expensive) or maybe even find an identical
| trashed machine in a "junkyard" of some kind (garage sale, old
| computer shop etc.). Even a running one would probably cost you
| little.
|
| (Now I don't want to be mean, but I would REALLY like to know
| how this all turns out... I hate long exchanges which just
| disappear into infinity and you never know what the hell finally
| happened...)
|
|
|
| --
| "This is not nuclear. This is just a test."
| - illyria


--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________

 

[Lil' Dave]

Appears that it doesn't reside in a front bay area per se. Rather, in a
specially designed area. The front cover, particular to the Dell, is
integral to the front panel system. Non-standard. Small PCs with such
designs are poor choices for modifications. The unavailability of a true
open front bay further removes further possibilities.

Due to the non-standard use of USB cabling, I wouldn't pursue any
modification.

You appear unwilling to go with an external USB hub connected to the USB 2.0
card. Further limiting any solution.

Unless you have any boot-time USB devices like a keyboard or mouse, there's
no need for the onboard USB to be active. Normally, can be disabled in bios
setup. Freeing up a hardware irq.

No mention was made by myself to add another USB controller source. Nor,
implied. My suggestion, unknowing that you had no open front bay, to add a
standard USB port front panel. This usually comes with the USB internal
cabling to connect to the internal USB 2.0 card.
Dave

"Dingwhistle" <nofreeloaders@nighttrain.net> wrote in message
news:u2QHFFP%23HHA.3940@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Prolly was a Dell designed and fabricated special.
>
> The reason for my question and choise is because I don't want any more
> Ports
> than I really need. :-D
>
> If I add a hub - and most hubs go overboard in terms of number of
> available
> ports - then I'll have far too many and may possibly develop IRQ issues. I
> just wanted to minimize the number of ports to a bare *usable and useful*
> minimum. The rear ports are stupid to use for plugging in a USB Flash
> Drive,
> and clumsy for those things which one may not wish to have constantly
> plugged in. (iPod and such)
>
> I havent any "space" available up front. It's occupied by a small circuit
> board which not only contains the 2 front USB 1.1 Ports, but also contains
> a
> line out_headphone jack, as well as seeming to be a "go-between" the
> 'puter
> Power Button and the Mobo and lord knows what else.
>
> Some idea of what I'm up against.
>
> front panel - external view (Item # 2 - two over/under USB ports)
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/about23.jpg
>
> Front panel - internal view
> Item # 4 - control-panel cable (connects to computer power button)
> Item # 5 - front audio cable
> Iem # 6 - I/O cable (connects to Mobo)
> the two USB ports are directly in line above the "blue arrow" in diagram.
> Obviously, integral to the circuit board.
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/sm/iopnl3.jpg
>
> The Mobo business end (Socket #4 is for the "IDE "style" cable from I/O
> panel which houses the USB ports)
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/about27.jpg
>
> The above are from this service manual web page (small mini-tower type
> 'puter)
> http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/sm/iopnl.htm#1099156
>
> Thanks for the input and idea though.
>
>
> "Lil' Dave" wrote in message
> news:eFztL7N%23HHA.1900@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Sounds like something Dell had made special. My old Tyan motherboard (98
>> vintage) has the same 9 pin arrangement. Cable connects to 2 usb ports
>> in
> a
>> card slot aft.. Sounds smarter to get a standard front USB port for a
> empty
>> space up front, and connect to the 2.0 card.
>> Dave
>
>> "Dingwhistle" wrote :
>> > The USB 2.0 PCI card doesn't have the same type of connector: It looks
>> > like
>> > 2 sets of very small silver "stakes" - each having 9 conductors. It
>> > doesn't
>> > in any way resemble the sort of IDE type connector that goes from front
>> > panel USB 1.1 to MOBO.
>> >
>> > There are also so many pins on the IDE type plug_socket, it seems as
>> > though there's more going on with it than simply serving as the USB
>> > 1.1
>> > connection.
>> >
>> > thanks.
>> >
> <snip>
>> >>
>> >> "Dingwhistle" wrote:
>> >> | Anyone know if its possible to adapt a Dell Desktop Tower 'puters
> front
>> >> | panel OEM USB 1.1 ports to be USB 2.0 enabled ? Currently, the front
>> >> | panel USB 1.1 ports connect to the Motherboard by some header type
>> >> | plug/socket (looks like a sort of IDE type cable).
> <snip>
>> >> | Thanks.
>> >> |
>
>