Is there a USB power consumption meter?












16















For example, how could I measure the normal power consumption of my USB keyboard?



After I get my statistics, I may easily notice when a hardware keylogger gets installed, by the changed power consumption.










share|improve this question




















  • 1





    What is your real question or problem? Do you want to know how much your keyboard consumes (if so, why)? Do you actually just want to know whether there's a keylogger installed? Is your question purely hypothetical or are you in a situation where you suspect a keylogger being installed?

    – slhck
    Jun 8 '12 at 16:13








  • 2





    If a hardware keylogger is installed, you should notice by actually seeing the device sitting between the usb port and the keyboard connector.

    – psusi
    Jun 8 '12 at 23:46






  • 1





    The question is hypothetical. I'm just curious about how to know the consumption for no particular reason. On the other hand, a hardware keylogger would be installed inside the case of my keyboard, I think. Then it would be hard to spot, or else it would be pointless.

    – n611x007
    Jun 9 '12 at 7:07













  • This question is off topic per the Site Help "You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face."

    – Scott Chamberlain
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:31













  • @ScottChamberlain interesting point. I think I face the problem that I cannot test another problem without a tool to measure it. How could I face the problem of having a logger installed into my keyboard if I cannot check if I face it? :) So the way to check it is a problem itself.

    – n611x007
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:39


















16















For example, how could I measure the normal power consumption of my USB keyboard?



After I get my statistics, I may easily notice when a hardware keylogger gets installed, by the changed power consumption.










share|improve this question




















  • 1





    What is your real question or problem? Do you want to know how much your keyboard consumes (if so, why)? Do you actually just want to know whether there's a keylogger installed? Is your question purely hypothetical or are you in a situation where you suspect a keylogger being installed?

    – slhck
    Jun 8 '12 at 16:13








  • 2





    If a hardware keylogger is installed, you should notice by actually seeing the device sitting between the usb port and the keyboard connector.

    – psusi
    Jun 8 '12 at 23:46






  • 1





    The question is hypothetical. I'm just curious about how to know the consumption for no particular reason. On the other hand, a hardware keylogger would be installed inside the case of my keyboard, I think. Then it would be hard to spot, or else it would be pointless.

    – n611x007
    Jun 9 '12 at 7:07













  • This question is off topic per the Site Help "You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face."

    – Scott Chamberlain
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:31













  • @ScottChamberlain interesting point. I think I face the problem that I cannot test another problem without a tool to measure it. How could I face the problem of having a logger installed into my keyboard if I cannot check if I face it? :) So the way to check it is a problem itself.

    – n611x007
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:39
















16












16








16


3






For example, how could I measure the normal power consumption of my USB keyboard?



After I get my statistics, I may easily notice when a hardware keylogger gets installed, by the changed power consumption.










share|improve this question
















For example, how could I measure the normal power consumption of my USB keyboard?



After I get my statistics, I may easily notice when a hardware keylogger gets installed, by the changed power consumption.







usb keyboard power measurement






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Mar 17 '16 at 15:29









fixer1234

18.9k144982




18.9k144982










asked Jun 8 '12 at 16:05









n611x007n611x007

3,146104281




3,146104281








  • 1





    What is your real question or problem? Do you want to know how much your keyboard consumes (if so, why)? Do you actually just want to know whether there's a keylogger installed? Is your question purely hypothetical or are you in a situation where you suspect a keylogger being installed?

    – slhck
    Jun 8 '12 at 16:13








  • 2





    If a hardware keylogger is installed, you should notice by actually seeing the device sitting between the usb port and the keyboard connector.

    – psusi
    Jun 8 '12 at 23:46






  • 1





    The question is hypothetical. I'm just curious about how to know the consumption for no particular reason. On the other hand, a hardware keylogger would be installed inside the case of my keyboard, I think. Then it would be hard to spot, or else it would be pointless.

    – n611x007
    Jun 9 '12 at 7:07













  • This question is off topic per the Site Help "You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face."

    – Scott Chamberlain
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:31













  • @ScottChamberlain interesting point. I think I face the problem that I cannot test another problem without a tool to measure it. How could I face the problem of having a logger installed into my keyboard if I cannot check if I face it? :) So the way to check it is a problem itself.

    – n611x007
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:39
















  • 1





    What is your real question or problem? Do you want to know how much your keyboard consumes (if so, why)? Do you actually just want to know whether there's a keylogger installed? Is your question purely hypothetical or are you in a situation where you suspect a keylogger being installed?

    – slhck
    Jun 8 '12 at 16:13








  • 2





    If a hardware keylogger is installed, you should notice by actually seeing the device sitting between the usb port and the keyboard connector.

    – psusi
    Jun 8 '12 at 23:46






  • 1





    The question is hypothetical. I'm just curious about how to know the consumption for no particular reason. On the other hand, a hardware keylogger would be installed inside the case of my keyboard, I think. Then it would be hard to spot, or else it would be pointless.

    – n611x007
    Jun 9 '12 at 7:07













  • This question is off topic per the Site Help "You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face."

    – Scott Chamberlain
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:31













  • @ScottChamberlain interesting point. I think I face the problem that I cannot test another problem without a tool to measure it. How could I face the problem of having a logger installed into my keyboard if I cannot check if I face it? :) So the way to check it is a problem itself.

    – n611x007
    Jun 10 '13 at 14:39










1




1





What is your real question or problem? Do you want to know how much your keyboard consumes (if so, why)? Do you actually just want to know whether there's a keylogger installed? Is your question purely hypothetical or are you in a situation where you suspect a keylogger being installed?

– slhck
Jun 8 '12 at 16:13







What is your real question or problem? Do you want to know how much your keyboard consumes (if so, why)? Do you actually just want to know whether there's a keylogger installed? Is your question purely hypothetical or are you in a situation where you suspect a keylogger being installed?

– slhck
Jun 8 '12 at 16:13






2




2





If a hardware keylogger is installed, you should notice by actually seeing the device sitting between the usb port and the keyboard connector.

– psusi
Jun 8 '12 at 23:46





If a hardware keylogger is installed, you should notice by actually seeing the device sitting between the usb port and the keyboard connector.

– psusi
Jun 8 '12 at 23:46




1




1





The question is hypothetical. I'm just curious about how to know the consumption for no particular reason. On the other hand, a hardware keylogger would be installed inside the case of my keyboard, I think. Then it would be hard to spot, or else it would be pointless.

– n611x007
Jun 9 '12 at 7:07







The question is hypothetical. I'm just curious about how to know the consumption for no particular reason. On the other hand, a hardware keylogger would be installed inside the case of my keyboard, I think. Then it would be hard to spot, or else it would be pointless.

– n611x007
Jun 9 '12 at 7:07















This question is off topic per the Site Help "You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face."

– Scott Chamberlain
Jun 10 '13 at 14:31







This question is off topic per the Site Help "You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face."

– Scott Chamberlain
Jun 10 '13 at 14:31















@ScottChamberlain interesting point. I think I face the problem that I cannot test another problem without a tool to measure it. How could I face the problem of having a logger installed into my keyboard if I cannot check if I face it? :) So the way to check it is a problem itself.

– n611x007
Jun 10 '13 at 14:39







@ScottChamberlain interesting point. I think I face the problem that I cannot test another problem without a tool to measure it. How could I face the problem of having a logger installed into my keyboard if I cannot check if I face it? :) So the way to check it is a problem itself.

– n611x007
Jun 10 '13 at 14:39












7 Answers
7






active

oldest

votes


















12














USB current/voltage meters exist. Here's one on Amazon (though unfortunately out of stock at the moment). Here's the same model on eBay (from Germany, but ships worldwide).



enter image description here



Alternatively, if you're up for a bit of DIY, see this project on Instructables. You'll need a multimeter, though, because that's just a passive passthrough connector that simply provides a couple of test points.






share|improve this answer


























  • Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

    – n611x007
    Jun 9 '12 at 7:11













  • i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

    – barlop
    May 9 '13 at 9:45








  • 1





    +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

    – barlop
    May 9 '13 at 11:52








  • 1





    The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

    – barlop
    Oct 17 '13 at 3:46



















13














You didn't specify, but I know Windows (and probably other modern OS's) will tell you how much power is "required" for each attached USB device in the properties of each "USB Root Hub" in the Device Manager.



USB Root Hub Properties



Regardless of that, unless you're talking about a physical hardware keylogger that has to be in-line with the keyboard, then you're not going to be able to detect it by electrical draw in the way you are suggesting (by watching the keyboard).






share|improve this answer



















  • 7





    Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

    – haimg
    Jun 8 '12 at 17:43






  • 1





    @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

    – n611x007
    Jun 9 '12 at 6:59











  • As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

    – Suncatcher
    Jul 10 '17 at 10:40



















4














I would recommend this USB power meter...



http://www.smartronixstore.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=53



I use it and it works great. Better than hacking up cables and trying to tie in a multimeter.






share|improve this answer
























  • worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

    – barlop
    Oct 17 '13 at 3:49











  • The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

    – Qwerty
    Jan 10 '18 at 13:16



















2














There seems to be one at AdaFruit, called USB Charger Doctor. It looks simple, but efficient.






share|improve this answer



















  • 1





    I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

    – n611x007
    Aug 8 '14 at 14:35













  • I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

    – Axel Beckert
    Jun 20 '17 at 17:46



















2














Just to add Mac info to the overall solution…



You can see data for each hub & device from

 menu > About this Mac > System Report > USB...



enter image description here






share|improve this answer
























  • This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

    – Ramhound
    Feb 4 '15 at 19:20











  • Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

    – Tetsujin
    Feb 4 '15 at 19:24













  • I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

    – Ramhound
    Feb 4 '15 at 19:28



















2














Just as an additional option: USBDeview utility from NirSoft.



enter image description here



Although it also shows negotiable power consumption that device tells to the USB bus, it is fairly useful for those who have USB3.0 controller, as it lacks correspondent applet in Windows Device Manager.






share|improve this answer































    1














    I haven't tried it but you could get a regular Mains Power Meter plug and unplug the keyboard and measure the difference.



    What I have tried, is you could also connect a multimeter in series and measure the current. Like break the usb cable and connect your multimeter in between. If somebody can describe that process fully then that'd be great and a better answer than mine.
    Given the Voltage(5V) and current/amps, you can measure the Power/watts.

    Power(P) = Current(I) * Voltage(V)

    P=I*V



    added-
    now tried indrek's solution..
    PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester






    share|improve this answer

























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      7 Answers
      7






      active

      oldest

      votes








      7 Answers
      7






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      12














      USB current/voltage meters exist. Here's one on Amazon (though unfortunately out of stock at the moment). Here's the same model on eBay (from Germany, but ships worldwide).



      enter image description here



      Alternatively, if you're up for a bit of DIY, see this project on Instructables. You'll need a multimeter, though, because that's just a passive passthrough connector that simply provides a couple of test points.






      share|improve this answer


























      • Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 7:11













      • i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 9:45








      • 1





        +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 11:52








      • 1





        The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:46
















      12














      USB current/voltage meters exist. Here's one on Amazon (though unfortunately out of stock at the moment). Here's the same model on eBay (from Germany, but ships worldwide).



      enter image description here



      Alternatively, if you're up for a bit of DIY, see this project on Instructables. You'll need a multimeter, though, because that's just a passive passthrough connector that simply provides a couple of test points.






      share|improve this answer


























      • Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 7:11













      • i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 9:45








      • 1





        +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 11:52








      • 1





        The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:46














      12












      12








      12







      USB current/voltage meters exist. Here's one on Amazon (though unfortunately out of stock at the moment). Here's the same model on eBay (from Germany, but ships worldwide).



      enter image description here



      Alternatively, if you're up for a bit of DIY, see this project on Instructables. You'll need a multimeter, though, because that's just a passive passthrough connector that simply provides a couple of test points.






      share|improve this answer















      USB current/voltage meters exist. Here's one on Amazon (though unfortunately out of stock at the moment). Here's the same model on eBay (from Germany, but ships worldwide).



      enter image description here



      Alternatively, if you're up for a bit of DIY, see this project on Instructables. You'll need a multimeter, though, because that's just a passive passthrough connector that simply provides a couple of test points.







      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited May 9 '13 at 17:11

























      answered Jun 8 '12 at 17:25









      IndrekIndrek

      20.6k117484




      20.6k117484













      • Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 7:11













      • i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 9:45








      • 1





        +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 11:52








      • 1





        The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:46



















      • Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 7:11













      • i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 9:45








      • 1





        +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

        – barlop
        May 9 '13 at 11:52








      • 1





        The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:46

















      Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

      – n611x007
      Jun 9 '12 at 7:11







      Thanks, I like it. I'll wait a bit to see if a computer-based solution comes up, in case if it's possible. On the other hand the computer would be also a target for such an attack, while a newly bought/made usb c/v meter won't. :)

      – n611x007
      Jun 9 '12 at 7:11















      i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

      – barlop
      May 9 '13 at 9:45







      i'll just provide some further identification related things from your links PC Computer Check Diagnostic USB Port Voltage Current Tester Checker Extend Cable by Winter El. Co. on amazon. And, UPT- 0049 USB-Port-Spannungs- + Strommesser [7739] on ebay from seller m-ware. I could ask him re this... but could ask you perhaps. I see it's rectangular. On one side is a USB cable hardwired in, on the other There is a female usb socket and a power supply socket on it. does it need the power supply socket, and for what?

      – barlop
      May 9 '13 at 9:45






      1




      1





      +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

      – barlop
      May 9 '13 at 11:52







      +1 just to add. I have tried the device, and while it has the socket, no power supply is necessary(so who knows why it's there). it has a little switch for volts or amps, and shows volts and amps nicely. though it hasn't given me any insight into why my usb hdd is recognized in one computer and not another. The one I got , same thing, on ebay, was called PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester Item Number 290754313719 $14.25 USD

      – barlop
      May 9 '13 at 11:52






      1




      1





      The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

      – barlop
      Oct 17 '13 at 3:46





      The above device is hard to find now though there is USB charger doctor dx.com/p/… and youtube.com/watch?v=fRl9a0PvoTo

      – barlop
      Oct 17 '13 at 3:46













      13














      You didn't specify, but I know Windows (and probably other modern OS's) will tell you how much power is "required" for each attached USB device in the properties of each "USB Root Hub" in the Device Manager.



      USB Root Hub Properties



      Regardless of that, unless you're talking about a physical hardware keylogger that has to be in-line with the keyboard, then you're not going to be able to detect it by electrical draw in the way you are suggesting (by watching the keyboard).






      share|improve this answer



















      • 7





        Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

        – haimg
        Jun 8 '12 at 17:43






      • 1





        @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 6:59











      • As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

        – Suncatcher
        Jul 10 '17 at 10:40
















      13














      You didn't specify, but I know Windows (and probably other modern OS's) will tell you how much power is "required" for each attached USB device in the properties of each "USB Root Hub" in the Device Manager.



      USB Root Hub Properties



      Regardless of that, unless you're talking about a physical hardware keylogger that has to be in-line with the keyboard, then you're not going to be able to detect it by electrical draw in the way you are suggesting (by watching the keyboard).






      share|improve this answer



















      • 7





        Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

        – haimg
        Jun 8 '12 at 17:43






      • 1





        @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 6:59











      • As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

        – Suncatcher
        Jul 10 '17 at 10:40














      13












      13








      13







      You didn't specify, but I know Windows (and probably other modern OS's) will tell you how much power is "required" for each attached USB device in the properties of each "USB Root Hub" in the Device Manager.



      USB Root Hub Properties



      Regardless of that, unless you're talking about a physical hardware keylogger that has to be in-line with the keyboard, then you're not going to be able to detect it by electrical draw in the way you are suggesting (by watching the keyboard).






      share|improve this answer













      You didn't specify, but I know Windows (and probably other modern OS's) will tell you how much power is "required" for each attached USB device in the properties of each "USB Root Hub" in the Device Manager.



      USB Root Hub Properties



      Regardless of that, unless you're talking about a physical hardware keylogger that has to be in-line with the keyboard, then you're not going to be able to detect it by electrical draw in the way you are suggesting (by watching the keyboard).







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Jun 8 '12 at 17:01









      Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007

      99.5k14157218




      99.5k14157218








      • 7





        Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

        – haimg
        Jun 8 '12 at 17:43






      • 1





        @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 6:59











      • As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

        – Suncatcher
        Jul 10 '17 at 10:40














      • 7





        Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

        – haimg
        Jun 8 '12 at 17:43






      • 1





        @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

        – n611x007
        Jun 9 '12 at 6:59











      • As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

        – Suncatcher
        Jul 10 '17 at 10:40








      7




      7





      Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

      – haimg
      Jun 8 '12 at 17:43





      Please note that the "Power required" data is whatever the usb devices is reporting as its maximum, it's not an actual measurement. Nothing prevents a device from reporting 100 mA and actually drawing more (up to a limit, of course). So, if you have an in-line keylogger, it will not be reflected here since the USB keyboard does not know about it.

      – haimg
      Jun 8 '12 at 17:43




      1




      1





      @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

      – n611x007
      Jun 9 '12 at 6:59





      @haimg and techie007, Thanks for both answer and comment.

      – n611x007
      Jun 9 '12 at 6:59













      As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

      – Suncatcher
      Jul 10 '17 at 10:40





      As I noticed, it doesn't show values more than 500mAh, even when the device real requirement is more (e.g. 1A like for Raspberry)...

      – Suncatcher
      Jul 10 '17 at 10:40











      4














      I would recommend this USB power meter...



      http://www.smartronixstore.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=53



      I use it and it works great. Better than hacking up cables and trying to tie in a multimeter.






      share|improve this answer
























      • worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:49











      • The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

        – Qwerty
        Jan 10 '18 at 13:16
















      4














      I would recommend this USB power meter...



      http://www.smartronixstore.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=53



      I use it and it works great. Better than hacking up cables and trying to tie in a multimeter.






      share|improve this answer
























      • worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:49











      • The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

        – Qwerty
        Jan 10 '18 at 13:16














      4












      4








      4







      I would recommend this USB power meter...



      http://www.smartronixstore.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=53



      I use it and it works great. Better than hacking up cables and trying to tie in a multimeter.






      share|improve this answer













      I would recommend this USB power meter...



      http://www.smartronixstore.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=53



      I use it and it works great. Better than hacking up cables and trying to tie in a multimeter.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Nov 12 '12 at 14:07









      Gunther HessGunther Hess

      4911




      4911













      • worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:49











      • The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

        – Qwerty
        Jan 10 '18 at 13:16



















      • worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

        – barlop
        Oct 17 '13 at 3:49











      • The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

        – Qwerty
        Jan 10 '18 at 13:16

















      worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

      – barlop
      Oct 17 '13 at 3:49





      worth knowing, but worth noting that the one you suggest is many times more expensive than one or two already mentioned. though your has some longevity in availability,as it's still sold.

      – barlop
      Oct 17 '13 at 3:49













      The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

      – Qwerty
      Jan 10 '18 at 13:16





      The store page doesn't exist any more. Can you provide the product name?

      – Qwerty
      Jan 10 '18 at 13:16











      2














      There seems to be one at AdaFruit, called USB Charger Doctor. It looks simple, but efficient.






      share|improve this answer



















      • 1





        I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

        – n611x007
        Aug 8 '14 at 14:35













      • I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

        – Axel Beckert
        Jun 20 '17 at 17:46
















      2














      There seems to be one at AdaFruit, called USB Charger Doctor. It looks simple, but efficient.






      share|improve this answer



















      • 1





        I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

        – n611x007
        Aug 8 '14 at 14:35













      • I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

        – Axel Beckert
        Jun 20 '17 at 17:46














      2












      2








      2







      There seems to be one at AdaFruit, called USB Charger Doctor. It looks simple, but efficient.






      share|improve this answer













      There seems to be one at AdaFruit, called USB Charger Doctor. It looks simple, but efficient.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Aug 8 '14 at 12:09









      SumaSuma

      98321634




      98321634








      • 1





        I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

        – n611x007
        Aug 8 '14 at 14:35













      • I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

        – Axel Beckert
        Jun 20 '17 at 17:46














      • 1





        I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

        – n611x007
        Aug 8 '14 at 14:35













      • I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

        – Axel Beckert
        Jun 20 '17 at 17:46








      1




      1





      I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

      – n611x007
      Aug 8 '14 at 14:35







      I see they ship from New York. "International orders are shipped using USPS which is the US Postal Service." In recent lights, this may (unfortunately) also be relevant: NSA reportedly installing spyware on US-made hardware

      – n611x007
      Aug 8 '14 at 14:35















      I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

      – Axel Beckert
      Jun 20 '17 at 17:46





      I also use one of them and I'm quite happy with it.

      – Axel Beckert
      Jun 20 '17 at 17:46











      2














      Just to add Mac info to the overall solution…



      You can see data for each hub & device from

       menu > About this Mac > System Report > USB...



      enter image description here






      share|improve this answer
























      • This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:20











      • Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

        – Tetsujin
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:24













      • I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:28
















      2














      Just to add Mac info to the overall solution…



      You can see data for each hub & device from

       menu > About this Mac > System Report > USB...



      enter image description here






      share|improve this answer
























      • This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:20











      • Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

        – Tetsujin
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:24













      • I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:28














      2












      2








      2







      Just to add Mac info to the overall solution…



      You can see data for each hub & device from

       menu > About this Mac > System Report > USB...



      enter image description here






      share|improve this answer













      Just to add Mac info to the overall solution…



      You can see data for each hub & device from

       menu > About this Mac > System Report > USB...



      enter image description here







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Feb 4 '15 at 19:16









      TetsujinTetsujin

      15.8k53362




      15.8k53362













      • This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:20











      • Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

        – Tetsujin
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:24













      • I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:28



















      • This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:20











      • Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

        – Tetsujin
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:24













      • I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

        – Ramhound
        Feb 4 '15 at 19:28

















      This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

      – Ramhound
      Feb 4 '15 at 19:20





      This still has the added problem it will still report what the device says is the case.

      – Ramhound
      Feb 4 '15 at 19:20













      Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

      – Tetsujin
      Feb 4 '15 at 19:24







      Not sure it does, but don't have any hard proof - I have devices that show 'available 500, required 8' etc. As the OP was worried about a key logger - if one was there, it would at least show in the list, whatever its power requirement was [edit - more I re-read the OP, more paranoid it sounds - I doubt there's any real answer to that]

      – Tetsujin
      Feb 4 '15 at 19:24















      I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

      – Ramhound
      Feb 4 '15 at 19:28





      I am pretty sure it does. A USB device can report itself has anything it wants during that initial communication to determine what drivers will be needed to communicate with it further.

      – Ramhound
      Feb 4 '15 at 19:28











      2














      Just as an additional option: USBDeview utility from NirSoft.



      enter image description here



      Although it also shows negotiable power consumption that device tells to the USB bus, it is fairly useful for those who have USB3.0 controller, as it lacks correspondent applet in Windows Device Manager.






      share|improve this answer




























        2














        Just as an additional option: USBDeview utility from NirSoft.



        enter image description here



        Although it also shows negotiable power consumption that device tells to the USB bus, it is fairly useful for those who have USB3.0 controller, as it lacks correspondent applet in Windows Device Manager.






        share|improve this answer


























          2












          2








          2







          Just as an additional option: USBDeview utility from NirSoft.



          enter image description here



          Although it also shows negotiable power consumption that device tells to the USB bus, it is fairly useful for those who have USB3.0 controller, as it lacks correspondent applet in Windows Device Manager.






          share|improve this answer













          Just as an additional option: USBDeview utility from NirSoft.



          enter image description here



          Although it also shows negotiable power consumption that device tells to the USB bus, it is fairly useful for those who have USB3.0 controller, as it lacks correspondent applet in Windows Device Manager.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Jul 10 '17 at 12:46









          SuncatcherSuncatcher

          4081415




          4081415























              1














              I haven't tried it but you could get a regular Mains Power Meter plug and unplug the keyboard and measure the difference.



              What I have tried, is you could also connect a multimeter in series and measure the current. Like break the usb cable and connect your multimeter in between. If somebody can describe that process fully then that'd be great and a better answer than mine.
              Given the Voltage(5V) and current/amps, you can measure the Power/watts.

              Power(P) = Current(I) * Voltage(V)

              P=I*V



              added-
              now tried indrek's solution..
              PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester






              share|improve this answer






























                1














                I haven't tried it but you could get a regular Mains Power Meter plug and unplug the keyboard and measure the difference.



                What I have tried, is you could also connect a multimeter in series and measure the current. Like break the usb cable and connect your multimeter in between. If somebody can describe that process fully then that'd be great and a better answer than mine.
                Given the Voltage(5V) and current/amps, you can measure the Power/watts.

                Power(P) = Current(I) * Voltage(V)

                P=I*V



                added-
                now tried indrek's solution..
                PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester






                share|improve this answer




























                  1












                  1








                  1







                  I haven't tried it but you could get a regular Mains Power Meter plug and unplug the keyboard and measure the difference.



                  What I have tried, is you could also connect a multimeter in series and measure the current. Like break the usb cable and connect your multimeter in between. If somebody can describe that process fully then that'd be great and a better answer than mine.
                  Given the Voltage(5V) and current/amps, you can measure the Power/watts.

                  Power(P) = Current(I) * Voltage(V)

                  P=I*V



                  added-
                  now tried indrek's solution..
                  PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester






                  share|improve this answer















                  I haven't tried it but you could get a regular Mains Power Meter plug and unplug the keyboard and measure the difference.



                  What I have tried, is you could also connect a multimeter in series and measure the current. Like break the usb cable and connect your multimeter in between. If somebody can describe that process fully then that'd be great and a better answer than mine.
                  Given the Voltage(5V) and current/amps, you can measure the Power/watts.

                  Power(P) = Current(I) * Voltage(V)

                  P=I*V



                  added-
                  now tried indrek's solution..
                  PC USB 2.0 Cable Device Voltage Current Meter Tester







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited May 9 '13 at 11:49

























                  answered Jun 8 '12 at 16:22









                  barlopbarlop

                  15.6k2590149




                  15.6k2590149






























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