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iPad, powered USB-C hub, audio interface, MIDI controller - sleeping mode issue SOLVED
Let me ask you for your advice.
I have iPad Air plugged into powered USB-C hub. My audio interface and MIDI keys are connected to the Pad via this hub. Before going to bed, I turn off all devices in the bedroom that make buzz, noise or light (LCD, studio monitors, audio interfaces, MIDI keys,...). So including the mentioned powered hub. The problem is that I also have to manually disconnect the iPad from the hub, otherwise the iPad tries to power all devices connected to it. I have no idea how durable is iPad USB-C connector and don't want to harm it with frequently plugging/unplugging. Disconnecting the cable from the USB hub is quite annoying for me due to poor physical access to the hub. It would be nice to have an USB-C cable with on/off switch but I doubt that anything like this even exists.
How would you handle this situation?
EDIT: Maybe this could be a way?
Comments
I have permanently connected belkin extender cable usb-c and after finish my session with iPad, I disconnect extender from cable going to hub, this way I use connectors on cables, not in the iPad.
Thank you @szczyp!
Are the attached devices USB-C or plain USB? If USB, maybe a hub something like this? Or maybe just any USB hub with switchable ports and USB-A to USB-C adapter.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTURN-Individual-Switches-Compatible-Chromebook/dp/B0CHBSVGLV/
You are not supposed to extend a usb c cable, even though Amazon and all these places sell tons of these little adapters. It’s not to spec and can cause potential issues
You can brick your device that way too (or use to)
I’ve done it, and had no issues, but have stopped just in case
There are indeed usb cables with inline on/off switches. I use mine to turn off my Korg Microfreak (which gives off a lovely ground hum when powered down and plugged in).
Edit: Not sure how this would interact with USB-C’s specific power delivery requirements, though, as mine is USB A/B.
Sadly, my suspicions seem to have been correct about USB C data and power: https://www.reddit.com/r/UsbCHardware/comments/mievjb/looking_for_something_like_an_inline_onoff_switch/
@jebni Thank you for your findings. I definitely need C/C cable because I really like my used Renkforce dockstation/hub and don't want to rid off it.
@ruggedsmooth This is a serious information about bricking, thank you. I'll look for some information on this, because it's not clear to me what is the difference between pulling the cable out of an extension cable and a hub, for example.
Thank you,@wim. I am aware that these types of hubs exist, I just wouldn't want to add another hub to my solution. I would like to keep the Renkforce stand as I mentioned above. But it's definitely a valid solution and I will think about it.
EDIT: I have changed my mind and ordered this Renkforce hub, so we will see.
https://www.conrad.com/en/p/renkforce-slim-4-ports-usb-2-0-hub-black-1628714.html
I use StarTech TB3 2m cable plus cheap USB-c /TB compatybile connectors , and belkin extender with an iPad, no problems here (total length is 3m). StarTech is proven quality TB3 cable, belkin is okay.
Oh sure, I’ve used USB C extension cables without hassle for a Mac, a Steam Deck and an iPad. The power/data issue I mention is strictly about having an inline on/off switch in a USB C cable. I’m guessing using my USB A switch with USB A-to-C cables won’t suffice for OP. There are inline USB C switches that people use for Raspberry Pi power, but they don’t do data.
I also skipped such inline on off switch, as I didn’t trust enough. I considered to build myself manual mechanical switch thru box , but decided to just disconnect cables because I don’t know how much impedance would change with such custom built thrubox, especially with TB speed it could make a problem.
Turn off the ipad?
I think for the battery in your iPad it is good to be used regularly. So it is good to also use your ipad while it is not charging. Maybe watch a movie or do some browsing. Otherwise your battery might become fat and lazy.
Yes turn off the ipad could be good sometimes to refresh memory etc, but I think it still could power somehow connected hub and devices like midi interfaces.
And yes, sometimes its nice to not charge battery till 0%. I think original subject was about how to not destroy connector inside ipad by frequently disconnecting cable.
Yes, it was and thanks to everyone for help
So, to sum up. Renkforce hub was a garbage, disconnected periodically from source. I bought this one and 100% satisfaction.
https://i-tec.pro/en/produkt/u3chargehub4-2/
This USB-C extension is also OK:
https://www.axagon.eu/en/produkty/bucm32-cf05ab
@filo01, I think these “MagSafe”-style USB C adapters belong to a product category that might interest you. Can't vouch for their quality and compatibility, but they're interesting.
@jebni thanks, I'm fine now with items mentioned above but it could be useful for others.