USB strangeness

[kgdrum]

Hi this is a weird issue that started occurring recently
I am using the current Mac USB keyboard with numbers, it's plugged into a rear USB port in the rear of the Mac with an USB extender cable.
Every now and then the keyboard stops working, as soon as I replug into another USB port(usually try front port) it works again.
I hope this isn't a logic board issue developing , anyone see this type of thing?
I recently made the move to 64 bit and I've had some weirdness with my older underpowered stock video card which I intend to replace as funds allow.i don't know if this is a sign of 64bit conflicts or drivers etc... ,I am baffled.
This is intermittent , so hard to figure out.
I guess I can try another extender cable.
Ideas, suggestions appreciated.
Thanks

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I had that problem as well and I'm not sure why. I moved the keyboard to a different port and it works fine now. Go figure.

I suspect it is some kind of "polling" taking place, perhaps related to some other USB device.

[HCMarkus]

I have occasional issues with my USB-interfaced Yamaha keyboards not being recognized on boot up. A quick unplug/replug of the USB cable from the keyboard (same USB port) clears that up. MLC proposes what sounds to be a likely cause, but I'd try cleaning contacts in the extended cable... you could be getting a voltage drop at the connection that could cause a port to time-out.

CAIG DeOxit or Pro Gold work wonders for me on all electrical connections. Say goodbye to scratchy pots.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

HC may be correct. I believe in the process of switching ports I also replaced cables - so that is also a good plan and may be what solved my problem.

[kgdrum]

weird, I just booted the Mac, with the cable in a different port(both the keyboard and the cable are 8 months old)I don't see oxidation on plugs, I've also plugged & unplugged several times so I don't think it's oxidation , also wiggled wires to see if it's a bad connection,solder joint etc...
To make a long story short, after about 1 or 2 minutes in a different USB port, the same thing happened!
I pulled out a keyboard from my G4
& it seems OK so far & actually snappier(lol)
I'm starting to suspect it might be the keyboard.
Running for about 15 minutes, so far so good, I wonder if it's a bum keyboard?
Will keep checking & playing with it.
Thanks both MLC & HC for the info.
Let you know what I find.
Thanks
KG

[kgdrum]

3 hours later,still no problem.I'm really starting to suspect it's the keyboard........

[kgdrum]

Now over 24 hours with the old keyboard from my G4 w/ same USB extender cable & no USB dropouts!
So I think it's the 8 month old Apple keyboard with #'s.
I'm relieved it's nothing more serious,back to Tekserve it goes tomorrow.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

While we're on the subject, however, I have yet to find a really nice keyboard for my Mac. There some really nice ones for PCs - so what's up with that?

There used to be a very high end (too high end, actually) LED keyboard that had programmable keys. IOW, you could set up little words on the keys to remind you of features in various apps. It ran about $2k or $3k. Yeah, over kill - but I do think the Mac community is somewhat underserved in this area. So far my fav is an IcsKey from Macally. Something like $30. Great keyboard, IMO. I just hate those Mac thin keyboards.

OK, I'm done.

[kgdrum]

I have never checked out Macally's keyboards, will look at.
I am startled how bad the old kb feels but it's really snappier then the newer one.It's strange but even before the newer keyboard was having the dropout issues there was a very slight latency between tapping the keys and seeing the typing instantaneously on the monitor.
I wonder if there was some kind of issue with the kb I didn't notice until the dropouts.I do prefer the touch of the newer kb though.
Thanks for suggesting an alternative.

*On another note: any progress with Bitperfect?

[MIDI Life Crisis]

OK, I'm such a sucker... just threw down for this puppy...

We'll see, but looks pretty sweet.



Was looking at this but the "programmable" keypad wasn't as impressive in the Youtube demo...




Still, pretty cool,I must say. But Logitech has been very reliable so they get my money...

[kgdrum]

Looks nice,is wireless instead of wired usb or light dependent add any potential reliability issues or latency?
I have never used wireless technology or solar/ light dependent keyboards.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I've used a Logitech wireless (MX Revolution) mouse for years and would not be without it at any price. Well, almost any price. Response is super fast. As for the solar power, I don't see how that would be a problem. 3 months of power in the dar and the reviews are all stellar. Between that and my Mac connected label maker, I'm a very happy camper. Just printed out all the Finale little shortcuts and stuff. What a help that will be!

[kgdrum]

1st things 1st.
I'm a moron! lol
There's a reason why drummer jokes are so universal.
I used the old kb from my G4 for 2 days without the dropouts and it seemed all OK.
I went to Tekserve & they gave me an exchange on the kb & for 8 hours it was fine,
Than the USB dropouts started all over again! And seemed more persistent What the heck?....
Then after some google searches , I realized the 1 basic routine I hadn't tried yet and somehow overlooked was resetting the pram.
Well 15 hours later and it seems like things are back to normal, this basic routine seems to have fixed the issue.I guess I learned something and have a new clean kb from this but what I'm really in the mood for now is some good drummer or viola jokes.
Thank you very much

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I was so bad as a drummer they made me play the piano instead.

[kgdrum]

dude that can't be the best you got or is that not a joke? didn't expect a autobiographical confession