USB extender cable?

[The Dude]

I need an extender cable for my USB keyboard - anyone know where to buy them from?

[ThePassenger]

maplins.
Novatech
PC World.

All should stock them, it's a fairly generic cable.

[The Dude]

Thanks.

Actually this is a more complicated problem.

I run my Mac and an XP PC on the same monitor/mouse/keyboard using a switchbox. I use a standard Apple keyboard and a USB mouse (which is plugged into the keyboard). I was having a reorganise of the deskspace today and moved both machines lower to the floor which meant that the USB lead from the keyboard wouldn't reach the switchbox any more. I had a root around in my big box of cables as I was sure I had what resembled a USB extension cable. I have no idea where it came from as I've never knowingly bought one. Anyway, I plugged up the Mac with it and it worked fine. However, when I came to boot the PC, it got to the XP login screen but I couldn't move the mouse pointer or use the keyboard, despite not getting a "missing keyboard" error on booting the PC. Thinking it was the switchbox at fault I plugged the keyboard USB cable (+extension) straight into the PC but the same result.

Anyone know why the PC wouldn't like the extension cable, whereas the Mac is perfectly happy?

That's the reason I want to buy another extension cable, in case the found one is not a "proper" one?

[ThePassenger]

The Dude said:

Anyone know why the PC wouldn't like the extension cable, whereas the Mac is perfectly happy?

That's the reason I want to buy another extension cable, in case the found one is not a "proper" one?

To be honest, no a clue. USB is pretty much universal. Hence the Mac keyboard will work on a PC and vice versa.

The only things that spring to mind are:
1. The port blew (try a different one).
2. Windows has decided it hates you (it hates everyone).
3. The USB port is running under voltage and the short length of cable is just enough for the keyboard not to energise (possible, but unlikely).
4. Windows, if it doesn't detect a keyboard, won't load keyboard drivers (try rebooting with it plugged in) Or have they fixed that issue in XP?

[magic torch]

It's a slightly different extension cable for the Mac keyboard, the cable is altered so it'll only work on the Apple keyboard.

As ThePassenger says, it's probably a voltage issue. I'd try a powered USB repeater cable.

[ThePassenger]

magic torch said:

It's a slightly different extension cable for the Mac keyboard, the cable is altered so it'll only work on the Apple keyboard.

Really? How so as the mac keyboard works on a PC with no problems...

This is USB and not ADB we're talking about here right? *confused look*

[The Dude]

ThePassenger said:

magic torch said:

It's a slightly different extension cable for the Mac keyboard, the cable is altered so it'll only work on the Apple keyboard.

Really? How so as the mac keyboard works on a PC with no problems...

This is USB and not ADB we're talking about here right? *confused look*

Before I had to add the USB extension the Apple Keyboard worked fine when using the PC. It's only the addition of the extension that has made it stop working.

[ThePassenger]

The Dude said:

ThePassenger said:

magic torch said:

It's a slightly different extension cable for the Mac keyboard, the cable is altered so it'll only work on the Apple keyboard.

Really? How so as the mac keyboard works on a PC with no problems...

This is USB and not ADB we're talking about here right? *confused look*

Before I had to add the USB extension the Apple Keyboard worked fine when using the PC. It's only the addition of the extension that has made it stop working.

On one had Magic might know something we don't, he is a mac servicing guy after all. But on the other a USB extension cable is just a length of 4 core with a USB socket and jack on the end. Doesn't even cross-over as far as I can tell... so hmmm....

Does other stuff work ok on the extension lead?

[magic torch]

ThePassenger said:

magic torch said:

It's a slightly different extension cable for the Mac keyboard, the cable is altered so it'll only work on the Apple keyboard.

Really? How so as the mac keyboard works on a PC with no problems...

This is USB and not ADB we're talking about here right? *confused look*

The cable is just a std cable, but the connection has a groove in it to stop it being used as an extension elsewhere, like on a printer for example.

It is fairly long so voltages could be an issue.

[ThePassenger]

magic torch said:

ThePassenger said:

magic torch said:

It's a slightly different extension cable for the Mac keyboard, the cable is altered so it'll only work on the Apple keyboard.

Really? How so as the mac keyboard works on a PC with no problems...

This is USB and not ADB we're talking about here right? *confused look*

The cable is just a std cable, but the connection has a groove in it to stop it being used as an extension elsewhere, like on a printer for example.

It is fairly long so voltages could be an issue.

Jusr checked on my imac... you're right, I seriously never noticed the groove on the bottom of the keyboard's socket.

[The Dude]

After some trial and error (hands and knees, plugging and unplugging bits), I had to connect another keyboard and mouse to the XP machine, boot it, plug in the keyboard+mouse+extension combo and eventually after about 5 tries XP finally got itself sorted out. I then had two keyboards and mice working at the same time, unplugged the temporary ones, reboot and bob's your uncle. Seems XP suffered a bit of amnesia, forgetting that it used to be friends with my mouse/keyboard/switch combo. Nothing to do with the extension cable at all.



So, remind me again why I switched to Macs?

ETA : thanks for all your suggestions/help

Edited by The Dude on Monday 8th January 08:10

[ThePassenger]

The Dude said:

So, remind me again why I switched to Macs?

ETA : thanks for all your suggestions/help

You say switched to macs, everyone seems to eventually. But go on, admit it, you miss Windows and it's jolly Plug N' Pray japes. You know you do.