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Re: Dongles

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Interesting you should mention that.  I have a laptop with for my primary computer, so the dongle is just one more thing I have to carry around.  I wasn't too pleased that the USB version of the RAM Advanse dongle is an extra $20 or $25 (2 grand and you need an extra $25 for a USB when the parallel version is free?).  I couldn't use the parallel version, as my laptop does not have a parallel port on it.  To top it off, the cap that protects the USB contacts is a bit too tight, and the last time I used it the metal shield stayed in the cap, and I got a usb key with exposed contacts! Luckily, the shield is just that - there is already a ground contact on the key pinout. A little work with a pair of pliers freed the shield and I got it reinstalled.  Still, it's an annoyance that I would rather not have to endure.  I have Advanse only because I know the software, and feel that the cost/power ratio on it is pretty high for my usage.

(To those from RAM who read this list: don't bother calling me. I will continue to whine and complain about the dongles at every chance I get. I don't like the dongles and I know that you don't like to hear me whine about them in public.  I'll let you work on the solution to that dilemma.)

Jordan

Yi Yang wrote: 
I don't like the dongle idea neither, but, the USB ones I have for RAM Advanse and RAM Concept doesn't bother me at all.  The old dongle devices that plug into your parallel or serial ports are the ones that are really annoying.  The USB dongles are pretty small, and USB hubs are a dime a dozen these days.  I got a Dell 20" LCD which has a four-port USB hub built-in, so I just leave my RAM keys in there on the back of the monitor, and never notice it's there.  Actually, the hardware locks make installing multiple copies of the software pretty easy (RAM allows that).  I can easily install the software on multiple computers and just plug/unplug the USB lock, and not having to worry about transfer the license via software, which can be a pain.


Y i   Y a n g,   S. E.        
STRUCTURAL DIVISION
SUMMIT ENGINEERING INC.
707.527.0775.x162
Santa Rosa, California 

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Ransom [mailto:ad026(--nospam--at)hwcn.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 6:33 AM
To: seaint(--nospam--at)seaint.org
Subject: Re: Dongles

  
From: "Dennis S. Wish, PE" <dennis.wish(--nospam--at)verizon.net>
    

  
On the other hand, I have a problem with the USB dongle from RisaTech 
- but I can't complain since I have yet to call them to resolve the 
conflict. As I recall, the dongle requires too much power and I 
receive an error that I have exceeded the capacity of the USB port. 
Even if I plug into another free port I get the same error message.
    

There is an issue with USB and power levels. Some devices run off the available power on the USB lines (e.g. dongles, memory). Others require external power (e.g. printers). If the USB port is not adequately supplied, there may not be enough for your device (dongle). This can be a problem with external multi-port hubs, especially if the hub does not have an additional power supply. Multiple USB items on the same link may reduce the available power to supply all devices on the link.

USB memory is the same. I have found problems with memory over 256MB on low power ports.

I have not had a problem with RISA's USB dongle.

--
R. Paul Ransom, P. Eng.
Civil/Structural/Project/International
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
<mailto:ado26(--nospam--at)hwcn.org> <http://www.hwcn.org/~ad026/civil.html>

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