USB Hub for Multiple MillBox Dongles

Using more than one MillBox dongle on the same PC can get messy. Unplugging and replugging increases the chance of misplacing a key and can cause Windows to reassign drivers.

A powered USB hub with individual on and off switches lets you keep every dongle connected and simply toggle the one you need.

Figure 1. Example of a powered USB 3.0 hub with per-port power switches.

Why use a switched hub

Keep all dongles in one place
Toggle which license is active without unplugging
Reduce wear on USB ports and on the dongles
Faster handoff between Wet and Dry MillBox environments

What to look for in a hub

Powered hub with its own AC adapter. Avoid bus-powered hubs for reliability
USB 3.0 or 3.1 Gen 1 for stable bandwidth and power delivery
Per-port power switches with status LEDs
At least 4 to 7 ports so each dongle has a dedicated slot
Solid enclosure and non-slip base for bench use
Power lead long enough to reach a conditioner or UPS

Recommended setup

Quit MillBox
Plug in the hub power adapter, then connect the hub to the PC
Insert each dongle into a labeled port on the hub
Turn on only the dongle you want to use
Launch MillBox and confirm the license is recognized
When you need a different license, quit MillBox, toggle the next port on, toggle the previous port off, then relaunch

Pro tips

Label the ports (Wet, Dry, Scan, etc.) to avoid mixups

Disable USB power saving in Windows for the hub and its root hub to prevent random disconnects:

Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers → each Hub → Power Management → uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

Keep the hub away from heat and vibration and use short, good-quality cables
Do not toggle ports while jobs are running or while MillBox is open
Store spare dongles in the hub and secure the hub with Velcro or a cable tie so it does not slide

Quick checklist

Powered hub connected and stable
Each dongle has a labeled port
USB power saving disabled
Only the needed port is switched on before launching MillBox

Combining Multiple MillBox Licenses into One Dongle

Managing separate dongles for Wet and Dry MillBox on the same computer can be inconvenient. You can use a switched USB hub as above, or you can consolidate multiple licenses into a single dongle for simpler daily use.

How consolidation works

All licenses you want to combine must be current on annual maintenance
A consolidation fee applies
You will ship the donor dongle to us so we can migrate its license onto the target dongle
After consolidation, you will have one dongle that carries the combined licenses

Example

If you want your Wet Milling license moved onto your Dry Milling dongle, both licenses must be current. Send us the Wet Milling dongle for migration and we will return one dongle that activates both environments.

When consolidation helps

Shared workstation used for both Wet and Dry environments
Limited USB ports or frequent travel
Risk reduction for lost or misplaced keys

If you are interested in consolidating your MillBox licenses, email [email protected] and we will confirm eligibility, pricing, and shipping instructions.