Question 1

Are the selector buttons illuminated via LED? If so, what color is the LED, and is it distractingly bright? (I want to use this to share a Keyboard/Mouse between two computers, and am hoping it won't be glaringly bright on my desk.)

Accepted Answer

The selector buttons are Illuminated - Bright Blue.  The buttons are about the size of a small peanut (best I could think of to describe size - lol).  I used Velcro on the back to attach it to the wall between the 2 computer users at the scanner it it is controlling (about 5 ft. away).  It's easy to reach for either user, but it's placed where the light isn't distracting.  It might be annoying if it were right in my line of vision or used in a dark area (currently used in an lit office).  Works well as far as I'm concerned. 
Hope this helps,
Steve

Question 2

I have a modem/router that provides wifi.  In a different room, I have two computers each with it's own wireless adapter. I don't want both computers to be able to access the Internet at the same time. Right now, I have to remember to disconnect whichever computer that I don't want to use. Would this device allow me to switch a single wireless adapter between the two computers?

Accepted Answer

I of course can't guarantee it will work but I think it will do the job.

I use one to switch a hardware key between two computers in the same room.  The program looks for the hardware key when it starts up.  I now have the hardware key plugged into this switch just like you would have the wireless adapter plugged in to it.   I just hit the button on this switch to connect the hardware key to one computer or the other.  The system works great.  I no longer have to move the hardware key back and forth between the two computers.

Question 3

Would I be able to plug this into a car charger and charge phones with it?

Accepted Answer

Technically you could, but you would need a USB car cord and would only be able to switch to charge one at a time. This is a peripheral selection switch. This would be if you had one external DVD player and wanted to share it between two TV's, this is what you would use. For multiple phone charging in a car, use one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Description=dual%20usb%20car%20charger&Submit=ENE If that doesn't work, just do a search for Dual USB car chargers.

Question 4

Will this device work when connected to one computer using usb 2.0 and the second using usb 3.0? I know usb 3.0 is backwards compatible, but one of my computers only has 2.0 while the second has both, so I'd like to utilize 3.0 with the second computer if possible.

Accepted Answer

Yes it will, with no problem.  I use this with a Fujitsu ScanSnap ix500 scanner which is USB 3.0.  And, like you, one PC is USB 2.0 and the other is USB 3.0.  I hardly notice a difference between the two when processing scans.  The scanner sits about 6 feet from each PC  and I've mounted this switch to the wall beside the scanner using Velcro.   I would recommend this switch if you have a similar situation.

Question 5

Is this unit compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 connections?  I have two older pc's that are not 3.0.  I am trying to connect them to one printer.  Will this solve my issue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I connected it to a 10 port powered usb 3.0 hub that I have a mix of usb 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 devices connected to so I can switch them between computers and it works great.

Question 6

I have two flight control input devices, that crash my computer if they are both plugged into my computer. Could I:

A) use this to switch between the two

B) do so without having to worry about bumping into it and having it momentarily disconnect?

Thanks.

Accepted Answer

This device should switch between the 2 devices.  If that's the issue, then it should solve it. You might try testing it by manually switching between the active devices and see it that works.

The USB connection is as physically secure as any other USB port.

Question 7

Can I use this USB switch to select between two USB audio sources that will be routed to a DAC (digital to analogue converter)?  I'd like to listen to either my computer running HQPlayer audio software or my music server via a microRendu. but I only have a single DAC.  Thanks for your help!  If this product will not work for this task, does anyone know of a product, preferably made for USB audio that can function as a switch?  All the best,  Mike

Accepted Answer

I don't see why not. I use it for my laptop and desktop to connect to one printer.

Brand	StarTech.com
Model	USB221SS

Color	Black
Type	USB
Standards	USB 3.0
Ports	2 x USB 3.0
Transfer Rate	1.5/12/480Mbps,5Gbps
Power Input	USB-Powered
Dimensions	2.7" x 1.7" x 0.9"
Weight	1.4 oz [40 g]

StarTech.com USB221SS 2 Port 2-to-1 USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch - USB Powered

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Item#: N82E16817707314