Using KT7A Extended USB Module on K7S5A?

[gtd2000]

I've tried using my Extended USB Module supplied with my Abit KT7A on my ECS K7S5A.

In order to get it to plug in I had to "knock out" a small plug in the connector but as USB devices are not detected by using the module I must assume that the wiring configuration is different to the Abit motherboard?

Have any of you out there used a Extended USB Module from a different motherboard and got it working successfully without modification?

Failing the option of modifying the Extended USB Module where do you get the correct version for the K7S5A and what is the likely cost?

 

[Buz2b]

DO NOT USE that USB module/cable from another board. You could "fry" the USB function (if you haven't already) on the MB. You can get the pinout diagram, for the USB plug on the ECS website. Then use a safety pin or similar item to release the tabs and pull the wires on the plug/cable you have. You can then reinsert them in the plug to match the pinout.

 

[bozo1]

What Mr. Buz said. There is no 'standard' for motherboard USB headers. Each manufacturer does whatever they feel like. That's the reason why most cases that have front USB or Firewire ports give you the leads with individual connectors on them.

 

[gtd2000]

I guess I better take my case cover off pronto then

 

[billyjak]

I used a USB header from Epox on my KT7 Raid board which is the same board layout, if you look at the pin arrangement all you have to do is move it over a set of pins so the knockout hangs off the edge of the pin arrangement. the last pin across the knockout is not needed and the color pin arrangement will be the same.

 

[RanDum72]

Check the mobo manual and make sure the red wires go to red(+), black to black, etc...Some motherboards may have two ground connections (two black wires) in which you can just ignore the second one.

 

[gtd2000]

I better search for some wiring diagrams then.

Billyjack that sounds like an easy enough solution then

I actually checked the wiring last night and it would appear that the connector would have to be turned around 180 degrees to work due to the pin configuration.

I won't re-connect until I find a wiring diagram though

 

[Buz2b]

I found the ECS USB pinout diagram I mentioned before. You can find it here. The "GN" that is listed is "Ground" or black wires. The KE is the "Key" or blocked hole in the plug (if your plug has one, but not necessary). The "OC" is just another position that can be a ground but is not needed. It actually has some sort of function for an LED in case of overload or something but unless you have a USB plug that uses it, it is basically useless and not needed.

 

[Buz2b]

Sorry for the confusion nxtgen. I double checked with the OC workbench K7S5A FAQ pages and it looks like the second page you found has the correct layout. The other one was linked to some time ago and I just copied the link. Actually I think either one would work but I believe the FAQ site (and #2) have it correct. They (OC Workbench ECS site) have been supporting this board since it's release almost. Check that info go with that.

 

[gtd2000]

OK then, after referring to the Abit manual can I assume the following:

1. Key Pin = Blank 2. NC = Blank
3. VCC 0 = Red 4. VCC 1 = Red
5. Data 0 - = White 6. Data 1- = White
7. Data 0+ = Green 8. Data 0+ = Green
9. Ground = Black 10. Ground = Black

From the second site information the pins should then be wired as?

1. Red 2. Red
3. White 4. White
5. Green 5. Green
7. Black 8. Black
9. Blank 10. Blank

So assuming this is correct the connector just requires to be turned around and moved down one set of jumpers?

 

[Buz2b]

gtd 2000:
Your second diagram is the correct one; just match up the wires on your cable to that diagram and you will be OK. You should rely on what you can "see", not what you are told. If the wires don't match; move them. It takes a second or two and a good eye but it can be done with no real trouble. On the plug you will see little black "tabs" that can be lifted with a straight pin (or something similar), that will enable you to pull the wire out of the black plug. Then you can move it to the right slot on the plug and just insert it. The aforementioned "tab" will lock it into it's new home when you insert it far enough. Hey, if I can do it anyone can!

 

[gtd2000]

It would appear that the pins will not be required to be moved around withing the connector - just turning it around and moving down one set of jumpers which is pretty easy with the blank knocked out - here's hoping

 

[gtd2000]

Well I tried it - and absolutely nothing

 

[Buz2b]

<< Well I tried it - and absolutely nothing >>

If you have confirmed that the wires match the diagram and also confirmed that the appropriate drivers are loaded (Device Manager), then there is a good chance that you "blew out" the USB functionality when you tried the ABIT cableing earlier. You could try a PCI USB port card; it probably will work, but no guarantees. Otherwise, if you are still in the "sweet zone" for RMA, you should pursue that and play dumb-- "I have no idea why it doesn't work! I tried everything but it seems the USB ports are dead." Please keep in mind that I do not advocate "cheating" MB makers of their $$; however, with their markup this lonely board will not break them.

 

[gtd2000]

I'd have to double check the wiring configuration, I'm sure it's correct according to the information I have seen though.

My on-board USB ports are working fine but would like to have the additional ports naturally.

I have noticed that for whatever reason my 2 x 256 SDRAM modules are detected as 511MB rather than 512MB?

On a side note:
I just reverted to Win 98 (SE) at the weekend to see if there was any improvement over my year of using Win ME. Can't say I can see why anybody would use SE over ME though. ME has been the most stable OS I've ever used. The only "problem" I ever encountered is running low on system resources.

 

[Buz2b]

<< My on-board USB ports are working fine but would like to have the additional ports naturally. >>

Go for the PCI-USB add on card then. Either that or a good, powered hub.

<< Can't say I can see why anybody would use SE over ME though >>

Are you serious? Oh well, if it works for you then that is what you should use.

<< only "problem" I ever encountered is running low on system resources. >>

You should seriously consider XP then. I installed it on my wife's computer so we, er... I could test it for a bit. After being a long term user of a very stable Win98SE system, I finally decided the benefits were just too many to pass up and installed XP Pro on mine this past weekend. I'm loving it and don't have to worry about resources anymore. Talk about easy installation; the only drivers I had to install were some better ones for my printer and for my Intel PC camera. Nothing else; XP did it all.