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Thread ID: 27942 2002-12-07 02:13:00 USB Hubs dkeallnz (2670) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
103899 2002-12-07 02:13:00 My computer has two USB outlets. One goes to a USB hub - 4 ports - and the other is free. My Epson Stylus Color will work when connected to the free outlet on the computer but not via the hub. Likewise my Canon scanner. One free outlet, two fussy bit of hardware. The hub is self-powered. Why won't scanner and/or printer work with the hub? dkeallnz (2670)
103900 2002-12-07 02:35:00 A good question. :D

Were the printer and scanner installed directly, then the hub added later?
It might be worth uninstalling them, and then coldstarting with them connected trough the hub (one at a time).

Do they work if the hub is plugged into the other port?

I suspect that USB might not yet be a "reliable, stable, standard". Of course, it's not the only thing to do with PCs that's like that. ;-)
Graham L (2)
103901 2002-12-07 03:03:00 Thanks Graham for your prompt reply. I have done most of what you suggest. The problem still exits - both printer and scanner work fine when connected into the computer USB; neither works when plugged into the hub. I have wondered about earthing/shielding problems but have nothing specific to go on. dkeallnz (2670)
103902 2002-12-07 03:45:00 Do you have another USB device that you could plug into the hub to confirm or otherwise that the hub is OK? Terry Porritt (14)
103903 2002-12-07 03:50:00 The are two data rates in USB1.x - 12Mbps and 1.5MBps. You may find your hub is struggling with the high speed (printers, scanners etc) but may perform fine with low speed (keyboards, mice etc) devices. You may need to try a different brand hub. wuppo (41)
103904 2002-12-07 04:14:00 When you say "self powered" do you mean fed from a separate power supply, and not powered from the incoming USB?

Manufacturers are not consistent with their terminology.

If it does not have an external power supply feeding the hub itself, this will likely be your problem.

I use a powered 5 port hub, and scanners and printers work fine. Not so on a non powered hub.
godfather (25)
103905 2002-12-07 21:35:00 Yes, I have done that. My IntelliEye mouse works fine on all hub ports.
Thanks Terry
dkeallnz (2670)
103906 2002-12-07 21:36:00 Thanks Wuppo. This had not occurred to me. I will enquire further. dkeallnz (2670)
103907 2002-12-07 21:38:00 My hub has an external power supply. Wuppo's point about different USB1 speeds may be the key. Thanks dkeallnz (2670)
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