Instead of the standard 5 Volts that usually comes in via USB, can the NI UBS-9162 Carriers and NI9221 DAQ cards handle 6V?

[wnb]

I got three NI 9221 DAQ cards, each in its own of three NI USB-9162 carriers.  All three carriers are hooked up to a USB hub, and that hub is connected to the one and only USB port on the laptop I am using for recording data.  Of course, with this setup I can't get enough power to reliably start up all three cards every time the computer reboots. 

So the next step is to supply USB power via the extra power supply connector in the USB hub.  Here's the thing: This is going in a car not in a lab, so I only have 12V not 120V.  A 120V power inverter is not an option.  I have a power supply that can convert 12V to either 4.5V or 6V, but not 5V.    If I put 4.5V or 6V into the hub, it's going to pass 4.5 or 6 V right on to my expensive DAQ cards.  Instead of the standard 5 Volts that usually comes in via USB, can the NI UBS-9162 Carriers and NI9221 DAQ cards handle 6V?  How about 4.5V?

[Henrik_Volkers]

What is the value of your DAQ?

What is the value of your Time? 

What is the value of your testresults?

Now get serious:

What is the value of a proper power supply?

Your car 12V is not 12V and can be full of nasty spikes (up and above 70V!), RF and and ...

Sorry, I don't know a source for such stuff, but maybe someone is in the car testing field will give some hints. 

Just my 2c

Message Edited by Henrik Volkers on 07-06-2009 10:55 AM

[aNIta B]

Hi Nate,

        You'll want to make sure that your USB ground doesn't float more than 250V from earth ground (meaning that it will be best if you can ground your laptop to you car chassis, or something to the likes).  Otherwise, supplying 6V shouldn't cause you any problems and should give you the necessary power. Your DAQ device ismade to handle ±60V.  Have a good one!