Control USB port depending on system temp?

[electech98]

Hey all,

I've got a question from a client that is stumping me:

Is there any utility out there that allows you to control the power state of USB ports based on the temperature inside the system? This client is looking to utilize a laptop cooling pad that's powered by USB, but doesn't want the cooler running the entire time the laptop is on due to power/battery requirements and limitations, so he wants to control when the laptop cooler goes on and off based on temperature in the system. Anyone know of anything like this?

Thanks!

 

[cheezies]

I don't believe it's possible using software to control how much voltage is output through the USB port.

Would hooking up a variable resistor to a fan powered by an external battery do the trick?

Otherwise if it must be automatic, you could try building something using an Arduino? http://www.arduino.cc/

 

[athlon1.2]

I don't understand why anyone would use a laptop cooling pad.

 

[electech98]

Apparently this laptop will be traveling to some African country in the future, so our client has deemed it necessary to cool the laptop externally as well.

 

[rhone89]

Apparently this laptop will be traveling to some African country in the future, so our client has deemed it necessary to cool the laptop externally as well.

IMO, he would be better off getting a ruggedized laptop.

 

[PTNL]

IMO, he would be better off getting a ruggedized laptop.

Agreed. Using the battery to cool a machine running off the same battery is a downward spiral. You're client is better off getting a laptop that is designed to tolerate the environment.