The 2 usb ports (raspberry pi) does not have enough power. Can I connect an external power supply to one of the connectors?
588948
Mine only has one USB port. Power and data are through a single USB cable. Sounds like you would be better off with a unit that comes with an external power supply. More of an opinion than a proven fact. Good luck.
822631
Your hard drive probably needs more power (current) than a single USB port can supply which is 5v @ 2A max
2271953
I purchased one from another site. It came with a 5 V 2 A regulated wall wart type power supply in the factory blister pack. My unit is one of the few that works well with Raspberry Pi.
2093903
Connect? Answer is yes. However you may need a larger power source? I don't know the answer to that.
237285
Yes. Even on USB 2.0, you may choose to use ONLY the black power/signal connector. It's really up to the component you are trying to power up, whether you need the added 0.5-ampere power boost afforded by having the red auxiliary power pigtail. Some circuits/devices just can't run on the low juice provided by one USB 2.0 hole, so for those, you add the extra "boost" line (red one).
1647312
I suspect that you could plug one of the USB cable into an external power source. The question is, "which one"! I would suggest trying the plug on the end to your computer first, then the 2nd plug, (the one with the short lead), to the power source. However, if this does not work, then swap the 2..... One of the plugs is for power only, (no data line in that one)..... However, when all else fails, add a cheap, 2 or 4 port "active" hub to your computer, then plug a couple of your other USB devices to the HUB.... This can cost less than $20.00 This wireless adapter works so well, adding a small hub still makes this adapter the ONLY way to go wireless!
1024532
My voltage requirements were different than the spec, so it didn't end up working for me with my raspberry pi
1690349
Yes, that should not be an issue as there are USB ports available on the side of unit. If you need more USB ports I would recommend getting a USB hub that is self powered.
1416002
It has the second USB connector if additional power is needed but I am running it using just the main USB connector plugged in....No issues to speak of.
1116222
Try a high-powered USB port, or an external USB hub with a 2.1A output option (such as the Anker ones sold here on Amazon). The unit requires a USB port with >1A of output.
1091307
No external power required. Only needs a USB port with enough power. Most standard USB 3 ports should be adequate.
2021603
No, the Pi is powerful enough to power this. I've used this successfully in two Pis so far.
1492584
You'll have to use either a Thin-ITX board with internal voltage regulation, or a picoPSU unit. Both require external power bricks.
1125411
Nope. You need to use the included power supply. The USB port simply does not deliver enough power to operate 3.5" based external hard drives. Thumb drives use flash memory and the portable hard drives use smaller 2.5" or 1.8" laptop hard drives which use less power.
1456557
It's not a problem to power an external HD on this USB port. DVD? Sorry, not sure about that. Never tried.
2159814
I haven't tried the first scenario. I am running 2 external USB drives with their own power supplies.
1621718
I bought a converter for less than 4 bucks to fix same problem. http://www.ebay.com/itm/321593667135 From what I've read, not all USB ports supply enough power. The USB Port Jack Wall Charger AC to DC Power Adapter Converter got me going. Good luck with yours!