Thread: usb hubs

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

bought a gigateck 4 port USB external hub,,
any reason why my HP printer wont run off it?

or my ext HD???

(everything is USB2)

Does anything work off it? Maybe it's just a dud?

The only other thing I can think of is those hubs don't supply much power. So if you're running a usb powered device off it maybe that's giving it trouble.

USB seems to be like that. Logitech webcam, fine on all onboard ports, hates the USB hub, works on USB ext lead. USB key, hates the ext lead, loves the hub. HP printer, only talks to the onboard port. Joystick, racing wheel set, onboard ports only.

But, that is only on my rig,somebody else it will be different for. More so if you are tied to Bill and MS.

Me play Linux. Maybe that's why I have to play find the port with USB.

Puters, nearly as much fun as a Land Rover.

Shorty.

big difference between powered hubs (have their own power pack)
verses those that draw the current from the onboard socket...

my bet is not enough current for the printer...

Originally Posted by EchiDna

big difference between powered hubs (have their own power pack)
verses those that draw the current from the onboard socket...

my bet is not enough current for the printer...

I concur, if you are running more than just the printer from the USB hub

USB2 draws more power than USB1. My guess is you'll need a powered hub for everything to work. The only other thing you could try is a very short USB cable to the hub and then to the PC. Check out your printer manual and I think you will find it will probably advise on using a powered hub.