SuperDrive doesn't draw power from my MacBook Pro 2016 (trough USB-C adapter)

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Level 1

12 points

SuperDrive doesn't draw power from my MacBook Pro 2016 (trough USB-C adapter)

I have a Apple USB SuperDrive that works fine with my old MacBook Air, but when I try to connect it to my MacBook Pro 2016, a message pops up saying it needs power and that I should connect it to one of my MacBook's USB-ports. These are USB-C, so I can't connect it directly, but I don't understand why it won't draw power trough my USB-C adapter (a hub from Satechi). The hub works fine with my extern hard-disc. Can I fix this trough settings or something on my MacBook, or is it in fact the hub that is the problem?

Apple USB SuperDrive -OTHER

Posted on Jun 19, 2017 2:22 PM

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Answer 1

mcve Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 7, 2017 12:31 PM in response to Ginkgomedia

Hi,

I went to an Apple Authorized Reseller and one employee told me that the SuperDrive only works with the new MacBook Pro through one of Apples own USB-c adapters, but he did not know why.. I find this weird and did not buy the adapter since I don't need it for anything else (the hub works for that) so I am not actually sure it will solve the problem. Please let me know if you know wheater this work or not, or if you found an other solution.

Thanks

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Answer 2

RobReich

Level 1

130 points

Aug 10, 2017 2:51 PM in response to mcve

I am pretty sure the hub is the problem.

I have a 2017 15" MPB and a SuperDrive.

I bought two different cheap dongles at Radio Shack close outs, and a 4 port hub.

I also have an Apple dongle and a hub/Ethernet from j5Create

The superdrive works with all 3 dongles, and not with either hub.

This is my best guess right or wrong:

I believe the SuperDrive needs more than the standard 500 Milliamps that older USB ports provided. The hub might be limiting the port to 500 mA because it has to provide power to all 4 ports.

Hope this helps.

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