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Are all USB Cables alike?

16 years ago

My PC is at least 7yrs old.( running fine using XP) All USB ports are in the back. The USB cable for my digital camera ( which I leave connected for convenience) looks exactly like the one for my new digital photo frame. So I thought I would be able to take the easy way out and just use one cable for both devices. However, my computer won't recognize the new device. The frame works when connected to the AC power uing the memory card. But I want to transfer pics. from the PC to the frame. It is physically impossible for me to crawl around and change the cable, so before I ask my DH to do it I thought I'd ask if the cables should be interchangable. Upon close examination of the box for the Dig. Frame, it looked like it had been previously opened and carefully taped shut. I am wondering if the USB cable connection might have been the problem.

Pam

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Comments (6)

grandms
16 years ago
If your comp is that old, the USB ports are probably the 1.1 kind, and not the faster 2. The problem may not be the cable, but your new frame may not work on the older, slower USB ports. Is there anything in the literature or on the box indicating that it works on USB2 rather than USB1.1?
2sweetpea
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks grandms,
Yes my ports are the 1.1 type. I discovered this when I added the USB cable for Cannon Pixma 500. When scanning there is a message that it would work faster connected to a USB2 port. ( but it works just fine in the 1.1 port) I don't think that is the problem.
I tried connecting the USB cable (connected for use with the camera) to my cell phone and my PC recognized it. I think the problem is probably with the connection on the Digital frame itself.
There is no indication in the "info" with the frame as to whether it need as 1.1 or 2 USB port.
Pam
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kudzu9
16 years ago
Maybe your frame is a returned item that was defective. Do you have a friend with a newer computer who could see if the frame is recognized on something more recent? That might help determine if it's the fault of your computer or the fault of the frame.
Pooh Bear
16 years ago
It could be you have to plug the cable into
the digital frame first and then into the computer.
I have a digital camera that works like that.

I didn't like having to go behind my computer either
everytime I wanted to hook up/unhook something.
So I bought a USB extension cord and use that.
Now I just plug/unplug into the extension cable on my desk.

Just do a search on Ebay for 'usb extension'.
I have provided one link below.

Pooh Bear

Here is a link that might be useful: USB Extension Cable on Ebay
2sweetpea
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Pooh Bear.
My question now is: Will having 1.1 ports prevent me from using USB extension cable or hub?
Upon reading the directions one more time I discovered it does say to attach the cable to the frame first. I really didn't think this would make much difference, but it is worth a try. I'd like to invest in a USB extenstion cable or hub anyway, as it seems like that would be useful.
( I would love a flash drive- ports on the back make that next to impossible for me as things are now)
Kudzu9, Thank you too!
I agree, the frame may have a defect, but I hate to return it without trying a hub or extension cable. I have checked and it appears that most places are out of the Pandigital frame size I have. I like that it has 256MB of memory and will copy a variety of media from a memory card, digital camera or PC
Pam
2sweetpea
Original Author
16 years ago
Well, my DH bought me a USB Hub. I installed it and then, in the proper sequence, attached Cable from frame to hub and Voila- it is working. One thing I noticed- the "manual" provides bare bones information. Pandigital's web site gives more detailed information.
Pam

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