Problem with Epson printer working with iMac

[markthedoc]

Hi
I bought an Intel iMac machine a few months ago but I'm having a few problems getting my Epson CX6400 printer working via USB.
When I connect the USB lead into the slot on my keyboard the printer works fine. However when I connect the USB lead directly into my Mac it doesn't work and I get a 'communication error'. It's not a faulty socket on my Mac because the keyboard works on all 3 sockets.
Anyone else had this problem or has anyone got any ideas on how to solve this?

Cheers.

Mark

 

[Mac21ND]

Interesting...

I'm guessing it has something to do with USB 1 versus USB 2 and/or powered USB ports. The keyboard isn't powered USB and I think it's USB 1. The main USB ports in your iMac are powered and USB 2.

Have you tried using a new, USB 2 cable with your printer? USB 2 should be backwards compatable with USB 1. My hunch is perhaps your USB cable is old USB 1 and doesn't like the USB 2 powered connection.

Anyways, just an idea. Hope it helps.

 

[markthedoc]

Interesting...

I'm guessing it has something to do with USB 1 versus USB 2 and/or powered USB ports. The keyboard isn't powered USB and I think it's USB 1. The main USB ports in your iMac are powered and USB 2.

Have you tried using a new, USB 2 cable with your printer? USB 2 should be backwards compatable with USB 1. My hunch is perhaps your USB cable is old USB 1 and doesn't like the USB 2 powered connection.

Anyways, just an idea. Hope it helps.

Hi Mac21ND thanks for the reply.
I haven't tried another USB lead because the lead I'm using is a 10m lead because my printers over the other side of the room. I'll try a USB2 lead though out of interest. I'm guessing the lead is USB1. I'll try and locate a 10m USB 2 cable I think!
Thanks for your help.