USB Hub Defective

[samcorp]

Our Targus USB Hub that came with the Kit of Parts seems to be defective. Are we allowed to use an outside USB Hub?

Thanks,

Sam

[Vikesrock]

From the manual (emphasis mine)

DRIVER STATION - The collection of the Classmate PC, FirstTouch I/O Module and breadboard provided in the KOP, and a USB hub (either the one provided in the KOP, or a team-supplied USB hub device).

[Alan Anderson]

Our Targus USB Hub that came with the Kit of Parts seems to be defective.

What seems to be wrong with it?

Ours didn't work properly either, until we plugged the mini-USB connector the rest of the way in. The last half millimeter makes a difference.

[sundancekid92]

My teams having a similar problem. The Targus Hub light turns on but data does not seem to pass through. (We get no recognition of joysticks or of the e-stop)

[Joe Ross]

My teams having a similar problem. The Targus Hub light turns on but data does not seem to pass through. (We get no recognition of joysticks or of the e-stop)

Make sure to use the black USB cable. The red one is power only.

[big1boom]

Also, try booting up the computer with the USB hub/joysticks/e-stop plugged in. We had problems recognizing the joysticks until we just restarted.

[sundancekid92]

We just got a different hub and its working. I'm just gonna forget about the targus hub :/

[Wiz]

Ours is dead too. It worked for a bit, but now the light comes on but no signal. Tried across multiple computers, PC and Mac.

So is Targus replacing??

[Dave Scheck]

As Joe said above. You need to use the black USB cable in order to get data since the red one provides only power, not data. We used ours for the first time last night with no issues other than confusion on which cable to use. The instruction manual in the box made mention of the two colored cables and their use.

[JamesCH95]

We've also noticed flaky performance of the Targus USB hub. I think we'll be replacing it with a more reliable one in the near future.

[Wiz]

As Joe said above. You need to use the black USB cable in order to get data since the red one provides only power, not data. We used ours for the first time last night with no issues other than confusion on which cable to use. The instruction manual in the box made mention of the two colored cables and their use.

No need to reply with what was said earlier in a short thread.

We had both of our cables plugged in from day 1, as we read instructions. It worked for a while and then stopped. As others indicated, the light works but no response otherwise.

[Chris Hibner]

Our USB hub stopped working in the middle of testing yesterday. We've used it without trouble since week 2. After about two hours worth of testing yesterday, we got a "No Stop Button" message on the dash board. I looked at the setup page and noticed that all of the joysticks were also shown as being disconnected. I tried plugging each component into the free USB port on the Classmate and they worked just fine. We never got the hub to work again. It's safe to say that we won't be using that one anymore.

[JamesCH95]

We've recently changed our USB hub and I don't think we've had any more failures since.

[cpeister]

Our USB hub stopped working on Sunday. The power light no longer comes on. We purchased a new hub and it works just fine.

[Wiz]

Our USB hub stopped working on Sunday. The power light no longer comes on. We purchased a new hub and it works just fine.

Any suggestions for what to replace it with?? I assume we won't have access to AC power at the driver station thus FIRSTs inclusion of a hub that included a special cable?

[MishraArtificer]

How many devices and how many ports are on that hub? I haven't gotten a close look at one, as I haven't been able to attend meetings as much this year as I'd like. You may be overdrawing power/current.

[mcbean]

our provided hub also died. we are using another hub and it works fine.

[dbarr4011]

Our hub worked for about 24 hours then it died. We are running with a standard 4 Port USB hub. We ordered two spare Targus Hubs from OverStock.com.

[SGK]

From my post to FIRST Q&A -

The hubs are under warranty with Targus. Please see the attached document regarding information on contacting Targus regarding a bad hub.
------
January, 2010

Dear valued customer,

You are invited to participate in the Targus Elite Support Program. Excellence in service and support remains one of Targus’ core values. We constantly strive to fine-tune our service delivery systems to meet our customer needs. Based on feedback from our corporate clients, the Elite Support Program was created to address their requirements.

A dedicated toll-free number (800) 506-6905, is available for these customers and is staffed by senior level support agents. Using a state of the art tracking system, agents log all calls and electronic messages, allow us to quickly identify and trends that may require attention. Callers need only give their contact information one time for any future warranty, parts shipments or product alerts.

You will also receive priority processing of your on-line requests for support, warranty and parts replacement. From the link below, select
“Ask a Question or Request Warranty” tab and identify yourself as a corporate customer. If you’re requesting a warranty replacement please be sure to choose “Warranty Replacement” in the “Category” drop-down menu. Your requests will be routed directly to our senior support staff with high priority.
Targus Elite Support Link:
http://www.targus.com/support

Our corporate customers designed Targus’ Elite Support Program. Please continue to provide your feedback so that we can ensure that it meets your needs.

Regards,

Matthew Nale
Manager, Customer Support
Targus, Inc.

[Wiz]

I called.

Be sure to tell them you are a corporate customer and ask for expedited service as if you are expecting a replacement, you'll want it before your competition (1 week for us), and they 'll arrange a cross ship RMA.

Now can anyone suggest an alternative that will work? It seems the hub is expected to need additional power. Is there going to be AC provided at the driver's station to power an adapter (and maybe plug in the laptop)?

[Mark McLeod]

I Is there going to be AC provided at the driver's station to power an adapter (and maybe plug in the laptop)?
No, there will not be additional power at the Driver Stations.
Your controls will need to operate off what the Classmate battery can provide - keep that baby plugged in while in the pits!

[BrendanB]

Our hub didn't work at first, we plugged the black cable in and it worked for a little while before dying. We replaced it with a hub our coach had and it works great.

Just head on down to Walmart and grab another. They all should work as long as they provide power and data flow.

[billbo911]

During the practice matches at the Fembot's facility last Saturday, our hub failed. Fortunately I had an old USB hub in my laptop bag that hadn't been used in 7 years. When the Targus failed, it literally wasted 2 hours of good practice time. That so irritated us that we decided to "T" it up and kick a goal with it.

http://billbo911.smugmug.com/Other/2010/0220001947/796862818_YmPsk-XL.jpg

[Chris Hibner]

Any suggestions for what to replace it with?? I assume we won't have access to AC power at the driver station thus FIRSTs inclusion of a hub that included a special cable?

Most USB hubs will power themselves through the USB port once you plug it in.

[longrange]

Ours also died in the second week when we plugged in our third joystick. The LED still lit but it was no longer recognized. I suspect it couldn't handle the current draw of three joy sticks. We are currently using another brand and have not had any problems.