Project - Internal USB Hub

[Kenshin]

I need to find an internal USB hub that is small enough that can be taken apart, and added to the Aspire One.

It has to be tiny. The smaller, the better. And I have to be able to get it from a reliable US Vendor.

It also has to be self-powered!

If anyone can provide me with help, I'd appreciate it. I'll post pictures on the placement of the hub as well, once I get it!

The One is a GREAT hackers' laptop, that's for damned sure.

[Darren198712]

I am thinking of doing this too and taking it apart and doing a touch screen mod. I know you can use the webcam connections and hook it up to a USB hub and then hook it back up to the webcam and then you can do link up the touch screen and bluetooth and maybe GPS. would be a really good idea I think this one may work

can someone confirm that the webcam runs off USB off the motherboard ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-PORT-CIRCULAR-H ... otohosting

[ineedaname]

I can confirm it uses USB.

If you read some eeepc forums they'll tell u which usb hubs 2 buy. I'm gonna do the hub mod I'm just waiting 4 it 2 come in the mail.

The one that u linked looks a bit big IMO. There are some that use a much smaller pcb.

The great thing about the A1 is that it has LOADS of space 4 mods unlike the other companies.

[Darren198712]

I agree with the loads of space unlike the eee PC where the motherboard covers the whole laptop. do you have the link for the USB hubs from the eee pc website ?

[Darren198712]

I found some information of this eee pc user modding his eee to the next level

http://beta.ivancover.com/wiki/index.ph ... l_Upgrades

[Kenshin]

I found some information of this eee pc user modding his eee to the next level

Good God, man. I'll be using that as a way to get my Aspire upgraded too! I just received the box of the goodies I'll be using for my upgrades to the Aspire One. I'll be posting pictures of progress soon. I just need to get off my ass and get the pictures posted.

[joksanen]

I have installed an USB hub inside my aspire one. The hub I used was A-link HUBU4. There is now two internal USB ports behind the 3G modem hatch (idea stolen from eeeuser.com ). Here are some photos:


The hardest part was to unsolder USB connectors from USB hub without damaging the soldering pads on the PCB. When I was unsoldering the last connector, I accidentally removed one of the soldering pads, and when I tested the hub there was an "unknown device" in the device manager. I managed to fix that by soldering a small jumper wire to the hub's PCB (you can see it on the image below). I also needed to remove the crystal oscillator temporarily from the center of the PCB.


All wires soldered and added some glue from a hot glue gun.


My original plan was to route the internal USB webcam wires through the USB hub, but I found it too difficult to do (I think that four wires on the right of the connector belongs to the webcam, not sure though).


Second plan was to route the wires from external usb port so that the external port remains usable, but finally I gave up and soldered the wires directly to the USB port. Well, two external ports should be enough for everybody


USB ports in place.


The hub fits nicely inside the aspire. I attached it with a very strong douple sided tape.


8GB USB flash drive and Trust USB bluetooth adapter in the 3G modem slot.


Windows XP recognized the hub and the attached devices.

[rory]

very nice mod, did you need a special soldering iron?
I have one around somewhere, but not sure if its ok... would love a hub inside..
Rory

[Kenshin]

Perfect! Great pictures - I'll be playing with a hub that I found as well. I have already removed some of the solder points, but I need to get the rest soldered properly. Will have this done this weekend hopefully.

[joksanen]

...did you need a special soldering iron?

I used just normal soldering iron with adjustable temperature range + desoldering braid and pump. Electric desolder station, like this, is the best tool for this job, but they are quite costly.