How do I know if I have a bad USB device, or if it's not being detected?

Question

Level 1

8 points

How do I know if I have a bad USB device, or if it's not being detected?

I am using my iMac for a point of sale system, and I have attached an ID Tech minimag magnetic card swipe reader. The LED light is on, however the computer doesn't show it under the USB Device Tree, and I have tried using different USB ports.

Is it likely a bad device, or is it that my iMac doesn't detect it?

I saw another discussion question that mentioned it may be detected but classified as a keyboard, however there is only one device listed under the Keyboard Hub in the USB device tree.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3), USB device

Posted on Apr 2, 2012 11:46 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Apr 2, 2012 11:49 AM in response to Thomas 1432

Use another cable that tests correctly with another device, such as a printer.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

123,008 points

Apr 2, 2012 11:58 AM in response to Thomas 1432

If the Mac has no idea what it is, it likely won't show up.

Check System Profiler to see if it is listed under USB. It may be only listed by its USB codes, not by name. Perhaps by company.

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Answer 3

Thomas 1432 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 4, 2012 9:48 AM in response to baltwo

Unfortunately the cable is connected and not replacable.

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Answer 4

Thomas 1432 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 4, 2012 9:49 AM in response to Barney-15E

It's not listed in the USB root under system information.

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Answer 5

Apr 4, 2012 9:57 AM in response to Thomas 1432

I guess one thing I'm not clear on is whether this thing is even intended to work on a Mac.

You may also find assistance on:

http://www.idtechproducts.com/support/daq/minimag-a-easymag-readers-faq-.html

which, for example, has a FAQ on how to tell if your reader is working.

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Answer 6

Barney-15E

Level 10

123,008 points

Apr 5, 2012 7:03 PM in response to Thomas 1432

Thomas 1432 wrote:

It's not listed in the USB root under system information.

As far as I know, even if a device is not supported, it will still show up in System Profiler. If it is not showing up there, I would think there is something wrong with the device or the port.

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Answer 7

Apr 5, 2012 9:03 PM in response to Barney-15E

As far as I know, even if a device is not supported, it will still show up in System Profiler.

I don't know. I have had devices that truly required a driver, even on a Mac, and refused to show on a Mac because the supplied drivers were for OS9 but not OSX.

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Answer 8

Barney-15E

Level 10

123,008 points

Apr 8, 2012 2:21 PM in response to Limnos

You could be right. I just don't know for sure. It wouldn't make any sense that a driver would be required to see something on the bus, since it can't possilbly know what it is until it is connected and it asks. However, I can see that perhaps System Profiler won't show it if it doesn't know what it is. I seem to remember seeing things that didn't have a driver, but would show up on the Bus.

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