did I just fry my hardwares?

I am using MacBook Pro Mid-2009.


I use a USB hub to plugin a cooler, a USB fan, a wireless deskset USB dongle, and a gamepad.


before this, I just connect using the USB cable, and everything was normal.


until I connected an universal AC-DC adapter to the USB hub.
I did that as I assume it will act as a backup power source, so that they won't drain much from my MacBook Pro.


I used 12V AC (I don't know how to differentiate between AC and DC though.)


[here's the story]

I connect eveything (minus the AD-DC adapter),

and I boot into Windows 7.


then, I connect the adapter with 12V AC.

immediately after that, the MacBook Pro shut down.

when I rebooted into Windows 7, I got error message about improper shut down.


until now, both of the MacBook Pro's USB ports are useless.


so, what should I do?

wait until magic happens, or get a new laptop?

MacBook Pro 13

Posted on Jun 5, 2013 7:52 AM

Reply
9 replies

Jun 5, 2013 8:08 AM in response to iUnique

AC power is "Alternating Current" and is wall power only. This power pulses back and forth (alternates) so it can more easily propagate long distances over the power grid. Most electronics will use DC power or "direct current," which does not pulse and instead acts like a standard battery, giving a single voltage charge that the electronic device uses.


The little black bricks you plug into your wall are AC to DC converters, that will take the standard alternating 120V wall current and convert it to a direct current source that your device can use.


If your device is rated to run at 12V DC, then any 12V power supply will work. The only caveat is if the device does not have the amperage throughput to support the power draw of the device, in which case it will not work properly. However, you will not blow out the device this way. The only way to do this is if you use a voltage higher than the device is built to handle (ie, 18-24V when the device requires 5-9V).


With that said, if your USB hub was faulty, then it could have surged or shorted, and resulted in the behavior you saw.


Do the ports work properly if you boot your system to OS X instead of Windows?

Jun 5, 2013 8:12 AM in response to iUnique

It certainly sounds as if you have damaged the USB hardware. I'm not sure I understand exactly what you did, but I'd guess that one of the devices you plugged in (probably the power supply, whatever it was) caused a surge of power that fried the hardware. You will need to get it repaired, unless the machine is working fine otherwise and you can live without the USB ports. You may instead want to buy a new machine if you deem that repairs to a 2009 machine are not worthwhile. (They probably aren't.)

Jun 5, 2013 9:57 AM in response to iUnique

Make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your nearest Apple Store. They can test it and tell you what's wrong and how much it will cost to fix. They can fix it, of course, though it may not be a cheap fix. I would not prefer to have a third party repair, personally. My experiences with that have all been negative, though it's been a long time since I needed to have any Apple devices repaired.

Jun 6, 2013 2:36 AM in response to iUnique

also, are there any temporary solutions?


I currently studying abroad, in a country that does not have Apple Stores.

so, I have to wait for my summer break in about two months.


I am thinking of using the FireWire port.

it is possible?


I have read about it.

what I understand that FireWire does supports Plug and Play.


so, I am thinking to buy male FireWire to female USB;

at least I can use my peripherals (e.g. wireless deskset and gamepad).

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did I just fry my hardwares?

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