APPLICATION NOTE | TROUBLESHOOTING | PC TRICKLESAVER
This application note provides advise on options to try if a PC TrickleSaver
• Double Click “USB Root Hub”, which will bring up a new window.
is not switching off as expected.
• Press the “Power Management” tab and make sure that the ‘Allow the
Computer to turn off this device to save power’ option is ticked. Repeat for
ABOUT SLEEP STATE
all “USB Root Hub” items.
The PC TrickleSaver requires the PC to be switched off completely.
The PC TrickleSaver will typically not switch off when a PC is placed into
a sleep / hibernation state as the USB ports will typically remain powered.
The PC TrickleSaver operates by sensing that whether the USB port is
powered or not and will then switch off / on accordingly.
If you require peripheral devices to switch off in a sleep / hibernation state,
the PC TrickleSaver is not the correct product - a TV TrickleSaver should
be used. The TV TrickleSaver uses different sensing technology - it senses
the current draw of the PC and can be adjusted to switch off when the PC
is in a Sleep or Off state.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
DIRECT CONNECTION TO PC
Ensure the USB connector is plugged directly into a port on the PC. The
PC TrickleSaver will not function correctly when plugged into a USB hub.
PC TO BE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY
Ensure that you shut your PC down and do not put it into a Sleep mode –
the USB ports on the PC typically do not power down in Sleep mode and
the PC TrickleSaver will not switch peripherals off.
MODIFY USB PORT SETTINGS (WINDOWS XP & VISTA)
Some PC’s allow you to configure the USB port to stay On or Switch
Off when the computer is switched Off. The setting is in the “Device
Manager”.
• Go to “Start” and select “Control Panel”.
• Select “System”.
• Press the “Hardware” tab and select “Device Manager”.
• Press the “+” sign to the left of “Universal Serial Bus Controller” and the
USB ports will be shown.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are instances where even though the option is
ticked, the USB Port does not power Off. In addition to making the software
change a hardware “jumper” may have to be set on the PC motherboard you will need to refer to your PC documentation on how to do this.
USE THE PS/2 PORT
Use a PS/2 (mouse/keyboard) port. On most desktop PC’s there is a PS2
port to which a mouse or keyboard can be connected. If you are using
a wireless / USB mouse and/or
keyboard one or more of the PS/2
ports are typically free.
You will need a USB to PS/2 adaptor
(pictured),
these
are
typically
supplied with a mouse or keyboard
or can be purchased inexpensively.
Connect the PC TrickleSaver to the
adaptor and connect the adaptor to
the free PS/2 port on the PC.
TM
Save Electricity. Save $$$. Save Earth.
www.tricklestar.com