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OH NO! Not another USB Hub and Superdrive (SD) Thread... THE DEFINITIVE THREAD?

Macintox said:
The Lacie have always been Mac friendly and good to me, I have 4 different and they are flawless. So for this Macbok air I am ordering the mobile USB burner. The one with power supply, to unload my USB hub as much as possible
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. It's all sorted now. I forgot she has a very nice Dell Ultrasharp 2007WFP with its own internal 4-port USB powered hub.

So now everything is plugged into the monitor and working fine. (except the Apple SD of course). I find it bizarre that her ethernet is coming through the monitor, but that's modern technology for you.
 
RedTomato said:
Thanks for the advice. It's all sorted now. I forgot she has a very nice Dell Ultrasharp 2007WFP with its own internal 4-port USB powered hub.

So now everything is plugged into the monitor and working fine. (except the Apple SD of course). I find it bizarre that her ethernet is coming through the monitor, but that's modern technology for you.
Click to expand...

Just now, I have the MBAir connected to an NEC 20" + keyboard, modem and 2.5" time machine hard drive connected through the display's 4x USB hub.
I tried to add the erthernet adapter but got several kernel panics !
I have read that the uses of this Ethernet adapter is tricky with MBair while on a hub.
 
Macintox said:
Just now, I have the MBAir connected to an NEC 20" + keyboard, modem and 2.5" time machine hard drive connected through the display's 4x USB hub.
I tried to add the erthernet adapter but got several kernel panics !
I have read that the uses of this Ethernet adapter is tricky with MBair while on a hub.
Click to expand...

I haven't connected a HD through the hub. It's possible that the external HD and Ethernet are overloading the USB (is the modem a cable modem too?).

Try connecting ethernet without the HD and the modem, and see if it works, then connect one of these and see.
 
RedTomato said:
I haven't connected a HD through the hub. It's possible that the external HD and Ethernet are overloading the USB (is the modem a cable modem too?).

Try connecting ethernet without the HD and the modem, and see if it works, then connect one of these and see.
Click to expand...

good idea. I tried with only the ethernet adapter on the hub and same think...kernel panic.
So I have added an airport express to the router and it seems to be Ok now....as long as I use Firefox..Safari does also makes kernel panics.
I had my doubts when buying a computer with only one USB... but I dislike the glass screen of the macbook pro 13" and its glass trackpad. So I bought this one and I have to learn how to get around all its limitations.
Hope the next one will have at least 2 USB, 4GB memory and a better superdrive.
 
An SD Question

Hi...
I just got a "like new" SD from eBay and was wondering if they are supposed to run so loudly. I've only used it once so far and only to install some printer software. Do I return it or is that normal?
 
USB is regulated by the "USB-IF" USB Implementers Forum.

All devices are designed to comply with this power spec:

The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire from which connected USB devices may draw power. The specification provides for no more than 5.25 V and no less than 4.75 V (5 V±5%) between the positive and negative bus power lines. For USB 2.0 the voltage supplied by low-powered hub ports is 4.4 V to 5.25 V.

A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, A maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) can be drawn from a port in USB 2.0.

If the USB device/hub senses overcurrent, a safety switch shuts it down.

When Apple designed MBA and SD, they violated the specs that 99.99% of all other USB mfg make. Anything you place in between will likely not tolerate the overpower loads, and shutdown.

USB2 puts a heavy demand on the CPU usage, and the more devices you connect to that single USB, the faster the performance degrades.
On top of that, a Gigabit Ethernet exceeds the data transfer rate of USB2, so practically if you want to use GigaNet, you should not use a Hub either!


Ironically, Apples own FireWire bus is more then capable to power/use the SD, Gigabit Ethernet, and external HDD all at the same time without breaking a sweat.

Yeah,
WTH was Apple (Jobs????) thinking.
 
PracticalMac said:
Ironically, Apples own FireWire bus is more then capable to power/use the SD, Gigabit Ethernet, and external HDD all at the same time without breaking a sweat.
Click to expand...

Does anyone make a small Firewire-to-USB (power connectors only) adaptor? Then you could use one of the USB Y-cables to draw power from the Firewire port.

I haven't tried it, but the Samsung SE-T084 is a slim, USB DVD burner that's also slot-loading and matches the Apple aesthetic.
 
notjustjay said:
Does anyone make a small Firewire-to-USB (power connectors only) adaptor? Then you could use one of the USB Y-cables to draw power from the Firewire port.

I haven't tried it, but the Samsung SE-T084 is a slim, USB DVD burner that's also slot-loading and matches the Apple aesthetic.
Click to expand...

I don't get it, are you referring to drawing power from firewire on an Air?
 
PLEASE NOTE:

A. I updated the first post, with the following :

1. Cardette Media Card Reader and USB hub --> Does NOT work with Superdrive...... see review later in thread, but in summary : RECOMMEND IT !

2. Belkin USB 2.0 THUMB DRIVE --> Does NOT work with SD, but will work unpowered with 4 other devices, including External Hard drive, ipod, usb flash drive (all tested together) (Very compact and straightforwatd Unit. Includes Power Adapter. RECOMMEND IT !

3.Belkin USB SWIVEL HUB --> Does NOT work. I did not like the pivot of this unit (I know a lot of other people do) - but it has questionable quality for me. It may be good for those "tight" corners. (**OF NOTE: that above USB 2.0 THUMB DRIVE - inserts EXACTLY flush with the MBA... so that the base is EXACTLY even with the base of the MBA)

4. LaCIE Core 4 USB 2.0 HUB - Does NOT work with SD. This is an "interesting device"... it includes a min-USB cable, so you dont have to bring one for your mini=USB devices...which is neat. It has a top loading port for USB devices, which is very handy, and 2 additional USB ports on the side. HERE'S THE PROBLEM : this unit will NOT work with my External (Western Digital 500gb) hard drive. PLUS it does NOT include a power adapter...but does have a hole for one.
*NOTE: look at LaCie's website to better understand the device... the pictures may be a bit confusing at first. If it worked with my Hard drive I would keep it in a second
Click to expand...

B. Cardette USB Card Reader and HUB (REVIEW)

This is a nice and well built unit. Very simple and straight forward.
It gives you :

2 USB 2.0 ports,
a dedicated CF card reader,
and a dedicated SD card reader
a USB extension cable
a velcro looped clip on / key chain hook

What I like about the unit, is that the USB cable "tucks in" on the case itself (why arent more hubs / devices designed this way)
1. When it is plugged in the "moshi" logo lights up... nice
2. When a CF or SD card is inserted, there is a status light that also lights up
3. It works with my external WD Hard Drive

What I do NOT like about it :
1. There are only] 2 USB ports...which basically means you will only be gaining 1 additional port
2. There is NO place for a power adapter to plug into it....why???... I dont have trouble using it with the current devices I am using with it... but maybe there will be an issue down the road.

Bottom Line :
I am KEEPING this unit.... it does basically what I need to do, even though it does not have an additional port, which I would like. However, the added Card Reading ability is a plus for me.
 
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Good news, got the MBA SD to work with every USB hub I've tried, even on my MB, MBP's and PC's with & without a hub.:eek:


Bad news is, you do have to perform the hardware mod.
Not that hard and only costs $10.
 
NC MacGuy said:
Good news, got the MBA SD to work with every USB hub I've tried, even on my MB, MBP's and PC's with & without a hub.:eek:


Bad news is, you do have to perform the hardware mod.
Not that hard and only costs $10.
Click to expand...

I have read about the modification...but all the follow up reports state that

reading and writing CDs works ok
reading DVDs are hit or miss
writing DVDs does not work.

can you confirm any of the above, and provide a link for which mod you did?

alf
 
alpinadvl said:
I have read about the modification...but all the follow up reports state that

reading and writing CDs works ok
reading DVDs are hit or miss
writing DVDs does not work.

can you confirm any of the above, and provide a link for which mod you did?

alf
Click to expand...

I've been able to read every DVD I've put in it. I tested by ripping a bunch of DVD's and using the MBA SD to install SL on my MBP twice. Also used it to make a copy of SL & Leopard to USB drives. No problems writing CD's either.

Have not tried burning a DVD yet. Don't have any media and frankly have burned around ten in 5 years.

Here's the $10.00 part:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Laptop-Notebook...ltDomain_0?hash=item27ab29dac3#ht_3231wt_1032

Did it myself in about 1/2 an hour. I had to sacrifice a USB cable to make sure the wires were correct on the new board. You have to unsolder the USB/DC IN board from the new adapter. Pretty much along the same lines as what tankgirl did only you don't have to move the crystal.

Took it over to a friends house and it worked there too on three different Macs and played every DVD the doubter put in.;)

Matter of fact, I'm supposed to mod. that one as a favor. Maybe I'll take pic's this time and do a step by step if I feel motivated or there's enough interest.

On playing DVD's with anything but an Air from the MBA SD:
You have to use VLC unless you do another hack of the DVD Frameworks file in System. That hack will allow you to use Apple's nifty DVD Player app.
 
NC MacGuy said:
I've been able to read every DVD I've put in it. I tested by ripping a bunch of DVD's and using the MBA SD to install SL on my MBP twice. Also used it to make a copy of SL & Leopard to USB drives. No problems writing CD's either.

Have not tried burning a DVD yet. Don't have any media and frankly have burned around ten in 5 years.

Here's the $10.00 part:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Laptop-Notebook...ltDomain_0?hash=item27ab29dac3#ht_3231wt_1032

Did it myself in about 1/2 an hour. I had to sacrifice a USB cable to make sure the wires were correct on the new board. You have to unsolder the USB/DC IN board from the new adapter. Pretty much along the same lines as what tankgirl did only you don't have to move the crystal.

Took it over to a friends house and it worked there too on three different Macs and played every DVD the doubter put in.;)

Matter of fact, I'm supposed to mod. that one as a favor. Maybe I'll take pic's this time and do a step by step if I feel motivated or there's enough interest.

On playing DVD's with anything but an Air from the MBA SD:
You have to use VLC unless you do another hack of the DVD Frameworks file in System. That hack will allow you to use Apple's nifty DVD Player app.
Click to expand...

You had to do that to get your MBA SuperDrive to work through a hub? Mine works fine through most right out of the box. Do you have the older A126xx model? Or the newer MBxxx model?
 
Scottsdale said:
You had to do that to get your MBA SuperDrive to work through a hub? Mine works fine through most right out of the box. Do you have the older A126xx model? Or the newer MBxxx model?
Click to expand...

No, it doesn't. If so, you've got magical hubs and a truly Super, SuperDrive.
Have you read this thread. No hubs work with unmodified MBA SuperDrives.
 
NC MacGuy said:
No, it doesn't. If so, you've got magical hubs and a truly Super, SuperDrive.
Have you read this thread. No hubs work with unmodified MBA SuperDrives.
Click to expand...

That's just not true. Mine has worked with more powered USB hubs than not. Usually not with unpowered but even so with one unpowered.

What version do you have? A12xx or MBxx? The A starting MBA is original. The MB is the newer one which I have. There have been reports of MBA SuperDrives working with powered hubs all over these threads. Also that the original doesn't but newer one does. Others have reported exact same findings as I have reported here. I am not crazy here, it simply works in most powered hubs I have tried and works on a few ports in non-powered hubs.

Hate to disagree with you but seen with my own eyes. One thing to note, a few people have reported losing capability after certain updates to Leopard. I told someone I would try mine on Snow Leopard as hadn't used MBA SD since upgrade to Snow Leopard. Perhaps you either don't have newer SD or tried in early version of Leopard and not since as you have altered your SD?
 
Scottsdale said:
That's just not true. Mine has worked with more powered USB hubs than not. Usually not with unpowered but even so with one unpowered.

What version do you have? A12xx or MBxx?
Click to expand...

Most likely have an Axxx since I bought it with my Rev. A.

Unless they changed something since the end of June, Apple support says they won't work on a hub either and doesn't differentiate between the two versions. So if yours does work, it's broke!:p Hold on to it.:
 

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MY CONCLUSION :

1. USB hubs in my experience do not work with the Apple Superdrive and the MBA.

2. Of those who have said that it does work - it seems they either were mistaken or it was working previously with Leopard....but the drive must be the "MB39" variety

3. I have to make a lot of USB hub returns this week ! lol...

4. I am going the "NC Macguy/Tankgirl route" (just ordered the part to swap with the internal apple one) - so hopefully I can put this all to rest.

5. Apple crippled the drive for restricted use - it seems that this was done to prevent the need to support it on other computers / platforms - when it is essentially a "money loser" for them.

6. My Recommended hubs :
moshi cardette (pos: built in card readers, small, tuck away usb plug neg: only 2 usb ports, no external power option)

belkin 4port thumb hub (pos: simple, fits, neg: none)

iogear usb 5 port usb hub with 4 dedicated card slot readers (pos: many ports, card reader, external power, designed like WD Passport drive neg : unecesarily bulky, gets "needs external power supply" error - even though device works perfectly fine without the included power supply)


ps: one final thought - Apple superdrive has been made to work with the new mini servers... I wonder if this is a newer designated model, or if it is the same drive just enabled in the firmware/software of the mini server?

ps: this thread can now be buried ! :)
 
First, my original MBA SuperDrive didn't have the part NC MacGuy reported installing.

I have previously reported my MBA SD working with powered and even non-powered hubs. Unfortunately, my SuperDrive broke a month or so ago, and I bought a new MBA SD. Not thinking anything about the possibility that the new SD wouldn't work, I tried it with a hub to report to the OP here. Unfortunately, the new SD is not working through a powered hub. The only difference is my MBA now has Snow Leopard on it. My old hub did work on the same MBA before Snow Leopard was installed and on my rev B MBA.

So, can anyone report their MBA SD working on Leopard through a powered or non-powered hub? I am wondering what the deal is... or if this is a result of Snow Leopard?
 
alpinadvl said:
ps: one final thought - Apple superdrive has been made to work with the new mini servers... I wonder if this is a newer designated model, or if it is the same drive just enabled in the firmware/software of the mini server?

ps: this thread can now be buried ! :)
Click to expand...

The new mini servers don't have a built in optical so I'm betting Apple allows them to use the same old MBA SuperDrives. There's nothing stating otherwise.

I did get mine to write to a DVD, actually two of them. Now I remember why I hardly ever burn opticals - takes for freakin' ever. Worked on two out of three DVD+RW discs which is something else I remember - the flakiness of the media.:rolleyes:
 
Scottsdale said:
So, can anyone report their MBA SD working on Leopard through a powered or non-powered hub? I am wondering what the deal is... or if this is a result of Snow Leopard?
Click to expand...

I have an unmodded MBAir SD. I just plugged it into a Mac Mini with Leopard installed via a powered USB hub and it did not work.

My SD was purchased the first week of February 2009. Fortunately, it matters not because I am going to have mine modded to work just about anywhere I need/want.

alpinadvl said:
-snip-
4. I am going the "NC Macguy/Tankgirl route" (just ordered the part to swap with the internal apple one) - so hopefully I can put this all to rest.

-snip-
ps: this thread can now be buried ! :)
Click to expand...

Don't bury it. It is great to have a user here who knows what he is doing so we can learn. I think this topic is rather important for some.
 
Superdrive Not Working With Any USB Hub

If this issue has been ongoing for years, why hasn't apple addressed the issue in making a hub of their own that will fix the issue. I guess I need to take my Apple Superdrive back and get a different model. I have way to many USB devices and thanks to Apple on their new MBP for only having two USB 3.0 ports.
 
sdlnxgk said:
If this issue has been ongoing for years, why hasn't apple addressed the issue in making a hub of their own that will fix the issue. I guess I need to take my Apple Superdrive back and get a different model. I have way to many USB devices and thanks to Apple on their new MBP for only having two USB 3.0 ports.
Click to expand...

Why did you reply to a 5 year old thread?
 
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