USB Hub won't recognize my devices

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USB Hub won't recognize my devices

Hello everyone,

I have a 7 port USB Hub with a power cord connected to my Intel Based Mac Pro. To this hub, I have connected a UPS com. cable, a printer, a blutooth dongle, and a flash disk. Here's the trouble:

Sometimes my Mac OS (10.4.9) recognizes all the devices connected, but at most it won't seem to see at least one of them. I have tried switching ports, swithing the USB port on the computer (to which my Hub is connected), removing at least one of the devices; nothing seems to solve the issue.
The only solution I could get was to un-plug, then re-plug the device, but it's a pain to this everytime I sit by my Mac. I'd be very happy if I could get anyone's attention on the subject.

Thanks in advance.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Mar 29, 2007 4:24 AM

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Answer 1

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 29, 2007 4:52 AM in response to Ged296123

I have the same problem. Everytime I use my bluetooth dongle, all other devices at the hub aren't accessible anymore until I plug them (or the hub) out & in again.

The solution was to plug the bluetooth device, which caused the troubles, into the USB port at the front of my G5. The frontside USB port can be resetted separately from the rear ports. So no more unplugging has to made.

I guess it's a problem of power consumption.

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Answer 2

Ged296123 Author

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Mar 29, 2007 5:13 AM in response to awado

Thanks!

It didn't work though - still open to any suggestions.

B.T.W. - The XP 64 bit OS on the same computer recognizes all devices without any problem at all - pity.

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Answer 3

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 29, 2007 5:13 AM in response to Ged296123

Hm... seems to be software related...

Are there any lines about it in the system log? If so, can you post them?

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Answer 4

Ged296123 Author

Level 1

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Mar 30, 2007 2:29 AM in response to awado

No, I'm afraid the system isn't aware of the confliction. Does Mac enable the user to configure system hardware IO's and drivers?
Maybe that could lead me.

Thanks again.

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Answer 5

roam

Level 6

13,637 points

Mar 30, 2007 2:39 AM in response to Ged296123

Hi ged and awado.
I don't know why, but read that Macs can find USB hubs troubling, and perhaps that's why they usually have so many of them available on the computer as standard.
So I never bothered to acquire one and as there are 3 USB ports spare (after the keyboard and mouse) I just have everything plugged in separately. It is not a solution, more just relating how I manage without a hub.

regards roam

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Answer 6

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 30, 2007 2:47 AM in response to Ged296123

Unfortunately not. You can try developer tools, which can be downloaded on this site. They are free. But there's not much for USB related things in there. Only USB Prober.

Take a look at this page:
http://developer.apple.com/hardwaredrivers/download/usbdebug.html

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Answer 7

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 30, 2007 2:54 AM in response to roam

It depends on how many devices you have to use. If I had no hub, I surely wouldn't need to go in for sports anymore. 😉

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Answer 8

Ged296123 Author

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Mar 30, 2007 3:00 AM in response to awado

I quote awado.
Considering my profession, I'm deep in graphics and designing. Thus, I've got a scanner, a digital camera, 2 printers, etc. In my position at least 5-6 ports is essential. What's more, the devices shouldn't be in the way. So I don't like using the font panel of the computer or the kyboard ports for primary devices. A USB Hub gathers them together neatly.

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Answer 9

Ged296123 Author

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Mar 30, 2007 3:02 AM in response to awado

Thanx for the advise, I'm new on the Mac so I'm not sure on how to use the file in the link you provided. Would it be safe to directly install it, or should I take precautions?

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Answer 10

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 30, 2007 3:30 AM in response to Ged296123

It tested it. Unfortunately USB Prober can't be installed without replacing the kernel extension by this installer. You will have to use Pacifist:

http://www.charlessoft.com/

It's shareware, but it's only limitation is the startup delay. Download the package for your system from the link I postet above. Open that disk image and open one of the included PKG files with Pacifist. Navigate to the application folder in the list given then and CTRL-click on "USB Prober" and chose to install it at a custom location. Your desktop for example. There it is.

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Answer 11

Ged296123 Author

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Mar 30, 2007 4:53 AM in response to awado

I dowloaded the Pacifist, along with the prober, but took the liberty of installing the prober stand-alone 🙂

The system re-booted without any problems, apart from the fact that the kernel didn't work. I think this is a lose-lose situation.
Although I'm gratefull for the support you're giving, I feel guilty for taking your time. I'd understand if you gave up along with me 🙂

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Answer 12

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 30, 2007 5:24 AM in response to Ged296123

No problem. This forum is here to help each other. Some people solve crossword puzzles, some solve Mac issues. I find crosswords more frustrating.

I forgot to mention one thing: did you also replace the hub???

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Answer 13

Ged296123 Author

Level 1

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Mar 30, 2007 5:30 AM in response to awado

No, I only have one hub - maybe will go out to buy another one.
Is there any way I can get Mac authorities to deal with the problem - I don't think a new hub will solve the problem. I think the solution is somewhere in the core of the OS. It's a dilemma that Win recognizes it (again - without installation of any drivers).

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Answer 14

awado

Level 2

221 points

Mar 30, 2007 6:10 AM in response to Ged296123

Sorry, I didn'd ask earlier. Give it a try as they are cheap now! Level One and Belkin are my favorites. It has to be one with a good power supply.

Apple will refuse. I guess they will blame it on the peripherals.

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