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(More customer reviews)I purchased this for an unusual application - I wanted to control a Nikon D700 digital SLR camera from my laptop. I had software (Breeze Systems NK Remote) that could do this via wired USB. Would it work wireless?
Per the instructions, I installed the software driver, then connected the USB transmitter. I powered-up the wireless hub. The software said it didn't see it. And nothing worked with my camera. I wrote tech support, who replied the next day. They suggested plugging in a simple USB device, like a mouse. I tried again, and as soon as I plugged in a mouse, the laptop could "see" the remote hub. I removed the mouse, and tried my camera. It worked perfect. It would appear that smart devices like my Nikon won't switch to USB-mode unless they see a PC attached. But a mouse is USB-only and starts communication as soon as it gets power. So that is the "trick". And once they wireless devices "mate" they work fine from that point on. It doesn't seem to need the "mouse" trick ever again.
Just to be clear about the "wireless" part - The hub is AC-powered, so it has a power cable, and you would need to cable it to whatever device you intend to use (printer, etc.) The Wireless claim refers to the link between the powered hub and the transmitter (powered by the USB port). An ideal application would be to connect a laptop (with the transmitter plugged into a USB port) and a printer (connected via wire to the USB Hub/Receiver). In other words, it is the laptop that is the remote portable device. I don't believe you can swap the positions of the Hub and Transmitter, since the PC software needs to see the transmitter at the USB port. So don't expect to be able to hook the Hub to a PC, and a mouse or keyboard to the transmitter.
In my case, I'm using it for two portable devices - a laptop and a camera. So the camera end requires AC power for the hub, and while it is wireless, it is not portable. I intend to connect the hub to a 4-cell battery pack, using NiMh cells (AA size). Since battery is 1.2 volts, four should net me 4.8 volts. The hub needs 5 volts, so that should be close enough. Once I get it working (or not) I'll try to remember to update this post.
==== UPDATE #1
I was able to get the device to work using battery power. I used a Radio Shack #270-391A battery holder (4 x AA cells), with the leads soldered to a Radio Shack #274-1571 DC Power Plug (Size H Coaxial), with the red wire attached to the center, and the black wire attached to the outer connector. Using w NiMh cells, I got 4.8 volts and it works fine. Now I have to work on packaging it all together so it fits on the hot shoe of my Nikon D700 camera.
It can be challenging to get the wireless link to connect. Even with AC power, it won't link until it sees a USB device attached to the hub. I use a Logitech USB mouse to make the connection, then it seems OK. Once it has "seen" the wireless, I can power down the hub, connect it to the camera, then turn the camera on and the hub on. After 30-to-45 seconds, it connects. But sometimes it won't. So I have to use the mouse, and sometimes get the devices close before they "see" each other. So it is far from perfect, but it can work. But I still keep a USB extension cord in my camera bag. I don't really trust the device just yet. But it work fairly well if you are willing to play with it a bit. There may be issues in my house with radio interference, so others may have better luck. I'll add more updates if I get it to work better.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Cables To Go 29571 TruLink Wireless USB Device Adapter Kit (Black)
Wirelessly access a USB device up to 30 feet away - especially great for printers, projectors, and whiteboards!
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