USB Ports

Question

I have a Dell 8400.  I just got a new game controller.  I tried playing it by plugging the USB end into the port I have on my monitor ( 1704FPT) and it didn't work right.  I then plugged it directly into a USB plug on the back of the computer and everything is working so far perfectly.  My question:  Shouldn't it work on the USB port on the monitor too?  My printer works by the same USB port on the monitor or isn't those ports strong enough for game controllers?  Will a digital camera work from the monitor ports?  Any info would be great.  Thanks

fantomx · Answer

Is the game controller powered through the USB port? I don't know anything about the USB ports on the monitor, but it's possible that the game controller needs a powered port, and the monitor does not offer that. The printer has an external power source, so that could be the reason it worked. Digital cameras should work, unless, like I thought, they need a powered port. Some do, and some don't. I know mine does. I have to have batteries that have power left if I want to use the digital camera with my computer.

obey_gravity · Answer

Do you have the USB Ports of the monitor hooked up to your computer?

For the monitor's usb ports to work, a usb cable must be attached from the usb port located on the monitor where you plug in the video cable. and that cable attached to a usb port on the computer.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/monitors/1704fpt/EN/about.htm#Bottom%20View

Message Edited by obey_gravity on 07-21-2005 06:24 AM

steerstuffer · Answer

Yes, i have the usb upstream connector attched to the computer.  The usb hubs i'm talking about are the two on the side view (downstream) that will not work with the game controllers.  But the printer will.  I never tried the usb hub in the bottom to see if that will work.  Thanks

rickmktg · Answer

@fantomx wrote:
Is the game controller powered through the USB port? I don't know anything about the USB ports on the monitor, but it's possible that the game controller needs a powered port, and the monitor does not offer that. The printer has an external power source, so that could be the reason it worked. Digital cameras should work, unless, like I thought, they need a powered port. Some do, and some don't. I know mine does. I have to have batteries that have power left if I want to use the digital camera with my computer.
Bingo. Powered vs. not powered is most likely the answer.

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USB Ports

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