Insufficient power from USB hub?

Official Hardware UNO Family UNO Q
1

Hi,

I've recently obtained an Arduino Uno Q which I've been playing around with.
A problem I've run into is that is seems unwilling to work off the power that my monitor provides. I have a Philips 27E1N1600AE which can provide 65W of power through the USB-C port on it (I use that same cable to connect to my laptop and charging works fine). I also use the monitor's built in USB hub to connect a mouse and keyboard to my laptop.

The issue started popping up when I simply wanted to move the USB-C cable from my laptop to the UNO Q, thinking it would be a plug and play setup, but alas, when I connect to the Arduino it just seems to power cycle for a while and never boots up.

I've tried flashing the latest version of the firmware but the issue still persists.

I've also tried using an external power supply. The UNO Q runs fine when powered:

  • From the USB-C port connected to my laptop
  • By an external, 9V power supply via the VIN pin (shows up in the App Lab as a network connectable device)

I'm really not sure what's causing this issue. To help you guys understand, I've filmed a short video which showcases the problem: Google Drive URL

Any help is greatly appreciated!

2

Hi @desamax11.

Did you use the same USB cable in this working configuration (UNO Q powered from port on laptop) as you did in the non-working configuration (UNO Q powered from port on the monitor)?

I ask because the problem you encountered could be caused by using a USB cable that is not capable of delivering the current required for stable operation of the UNO Q. This can occur when using a cheap cable that has thin/high resistance wires, or a cable with internal damage.

3

From the sound of your symptoms, it sounds like either a Mac issue or PD issue. What year is the Monitor and do you know if supports PD?

4

Hi,

The cable came with my monitor and supports charging laptops up to 65W over USB PD, so I'm sure that's not the problem.

5

Hi,

I bought the monitor a couple of months ago and it supports PD (up to 65W, that's how it charges my laptop).

6

I drive a Mac and have a LG 5K monitor that can power my Mac but I have not tried it on the Q. NOTE that the SBC mode generally involves a HUB for mouse, kbd, and display PLUS a USB-C PD cable from approved HUB to the Q. Bill over at DBWS did some tests and recommended 2 HUIBS, I have both and they work well. Arduino specifically says that the Apple HUB is a problem.
I don't know that this is your problem, but from the sound of your symptoms it sounded like a possibility

7

Hi @desamax11 ,

Welcome to the forum..
Sorry for your troubles..

Hook it up to the laptop in PC hosted and look at the last few boot logs, maybe you notice something..

As not all dongles are working it could just be the built in dongle in the monitor is not compatible..

Check the boot logs..

good luck.. ~q