USB Hub - Some things work, others don't?

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Level 1

97 points

USB Hub - Some things work, others don't?

Hi,

I just bought a 4 port USB hum (I.T.Works brand) to expand the only 2 USB ports that I have on my MacBook Pro. I connected it and plugged in my iPhone and it didn't charge or open iTunes. I plugged in my Freecom 160GB External HD, it lit up at the front of the HD but did not appear on my desktop like it usually does. I then tested a USB fan and hoover to see if they worked and they did, I tried the hoover because when I hold the boost button on it, a warning usually appears on screen saying that it's taking too much power from the usb port. I thought the iPhone and HD weren't working because they maybe needed more power than the USB Hub was providing, but it handles the hoover so I don't know what's wrong!

Any suggestions?

There's a socket on the other side of the 4 port hub for a power supply but a power lead did come with the hub, just the USB lead. I plugged my PSP charger into it, I don't know if it was the proper size but it fitted alright, plugged it into the mains but the iPhone and HD still didn't work.

15.4"  MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo 2GB, Mac OS X (10.5.1), 160GB Freecom External HD (10.4.11)  iPhone 8GB

Posted on Jan 29, 2008 7:24 AM

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Answer 1

dherron Author

Level 1

97 points

Jan 29, 2008 9:14 AM in response to dherron

I just plugged my Digital Camera into the 4 port hub and it's not registering? Strange that it works with some things and not with others.

I've just dug out an older 4 port hub with the coffee heater thingy, plugged my HD into it and it still does not show up on the desktop. Also the iPhone continuously makes the "just plugged in/charging" bleep every 1/2 seconds when connected to this other USB hub.

I don't want to buy another USB hub for the same problems to occur, so I might just get an Expresscard USB adaptor (bit more expensive) but will it solve the problems mentioned above? Anybody have any problems with Expresscard USB Adaptors?

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Answer 2

DonH49

Level 6

16,716 points

Jan 29, 2008 11:27 AM in response to dherron

USB hubs are very different from each manufacturer. Example my Belkin seven port usb hub does not sleep well with devices attached when my Mac Pro is sleeping then awakened.

I switch usb hub to a Cyberpower usb hub and it works perfectly. Belkin changes their usb 'cards' frequently so any OSX update changes will always show compatibility problems.

Your usb hub at minimum should not be powered only through the Mac usb port.

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Answer 3

dherron Author

Level 1

97 points

Jan 29, 2008 2:36 PM in response to DonH49

Ok, thanks for the advice!

I'm thinking of ditching the USB hub and going for an Expresscard USB adaptor like the one in the link below:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ExpressCard-34-4-Ports-USB-2-0-Express-Adapter-VISTA_W0QQi temZ280196474745QQihZ018QQcategoryZ42323QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Will an Expresscard like this power 3-4 USB devices on it's own? or will it need the USB power lead (supplied) plugged into it?

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Answer 4

Feb 10, 2008 8:03 AM in response to dherron

Hey dherron, MacBook Pros come normally with 3 USB ports. Are you sure you are not missing one?, it's on the other side next to the FireWire one. Anyway, I have experience problems as well with USB hubs, some things work others don't. I am using a Targus model and it seems to do a decent job but only with devices that come with their own power source. All devices that don't use a power source need to be on a port on the mac, unless the hub model you use is powered separately, not by your mac.

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Answer 5

dherron Author

Level 1

97 points

Feb 11, 2008 4:32 AM in response to Rodney Gracia

Hi Rodney,

Yup, my MacBook Pro only has 2 USB ports, one on each side. I'm forgetting about the 4 port USB hub now and have ordered an Expresscard USB Adaptor with 4 USB ports. I've been told that it will work without a power source, it plugs into my Card slot on the left side of my laptop. It only needs extra power supply for 3.5" external HD's and some larger printers. My External HD is 2.5" so it should work fine without a USB lead running from the Expresscard to a feww USB dock on my MacBook Pro.

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Answer 6

Feb 11, 2008 5:55 AM in response to dherron

The issue with the hub is that it consumes power. USB provides power to devices per the USB spec, but for each device (including hub) and each length of cable involved, the power levels decrease. Something like and external hard drive actually require substantial power and must be plugged in directly. Things that charge, may or may not get sufficient power.

What you need to do is either: plug the devices that have higher power requirements for operation directly into the computer without an intervening hub OR use a "powered hub" (one of those that come with a power brick that plug into the wall to add power to the hub and connected devices).

You see the same thing happen with USB keyboards with USB ports on the keyboard. Generally, you get enough power to operate a mouse, and sometimes a USB thumb drive, but you won't be able to charge an iPod/iPhone off it because there's just not enough wattage left to do so.

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Answer 7

Dimme

Level 2

291 points

Feb 11, 2008 6:12 AM in response to J D McIninch

Sounds like the problem is that the hub does have a power supply. I have a belkin 7 port powered usb hub on my MBP a ipods hard drives wacom tablets etc work fine.

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Answer 8

lyzzy

Level 1

0 points

Feb 17, 2008 3:03 PM in response to dherron

I am just setting up my new MacBook pro 2.4., i have downloaded the newest Intuos 3 driver. but i have no idea how to disable the track pad so it recognizes the tablet... i did set it to disable trackpad when a mouse was present... nothing is happening can only use the trackpad... any advice on set-up most appreciated-- i'm desperate!!

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Answer 9

lyzzy

Level 1

0 points

Feb 17, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Dimme

Sounds like i have a similar set-up as you- i have a new macbook pro and i'm trying to get the wacom intuos 3 tablet set-up... i'm a laptop newbie i can't figure out how to get the trackpad disabled to recognize the tablet- i have downloaded newest driver i have it coming from belkin 7 port hub same as you..
i have gone to mouse prefs and told it to ignore trackpad when mouse is present... to no avail....
any advice greatly appreciated
thx

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