[Canadian Girl]

Ok, I just bought a digital camera and I wanted to put some pics on my computer at work. When I plugged the cord in, my computer started beeping and this thing popped up and said something like, "Power surg in hub".

I researched this a little on my own and discovered that I probably have too many things plugged in as USP's. I had tried to plug it into the front, and then read it was better to go in the back, but when I looked at the back, my mouse was plugged in there and this big blue cord that, I believe, goes to our main computer in the office to connect everyone to the system, so I don't want to unplug that. I unplugged my mouse and put the camera in the back, but it still started beeping.

All I can figure is that maybe that blue cord is taking up all the power and I can't use anything else in there other than my mouse. I really really want to put my pictures on my computer, but I don't want to ruin anything in the office at the same time. Is there anything I can do to get more power or something? I probably shouldn't unplug the blue cord though I don't think.

Any help would be appreciated Thanks.

[Canadian Girl]

BUMP

Can anyone help??

[vreyens]

Hi and Welcome TSG, Canadian Girl
One question what is your OS.
Barry

[Canadian Girl]

Windows XP Professional

[vreyens]

Not knowing what kinda of camera you have.
I think you should invest in a card reader.
Barry

[Canadian Girl]

Ok, I've never heard of that. The camera is a FIGIFILM FinePix A205.

Does a card reader help with the power surg issue?

[xgerryx]

Does the camera work alright on your home computer. Maybe write the photos to cd or to a usb flash drive. Or you could perhaps talk to the IT person at work for advice before unplugging anything.

[slipe]

If the front USB plug bypasses the hub it might be better. Worth a try.

[Canadian Girl]

Thanks for your help guys. I don't have a home computer so I put them on at home.

I tried putting the camera in the front but it didn't work. I guess I'll just have to check with someone at work the next time someone comes in.

[kiwiguy]

The message indicates that the camera requires more power from the USB hub than it is capable of delivering. This could be a limitation in the type of computer installed at your work. Before you ask for help, make sure that you are actually permitted to connect your own camera to the company computer. In some companies that would not be permitted. Might save embarrasement to find out first?

It has no relevance to the "big blue cable" at the back, that will be the network connection and not a USB connection.

[Canadian Girl]

Oh wow! Thanks a lot.

Yes, I am allowed to use my camera at work.

So, it means it's something to do with my camera, not my computer??

[cwwozniak]

Originally Posted by Canadian Girl

So, it means it's something to do with my camera, not my computer??

It may be impossible to say for sure. As kiwiguy said, your camera seems to be attempting to draw more power than what is available through your computer's USB port.

That could be because:
a) The power supply in the computer feeding the USB port may have a problem putting out the maximum power of 2.25 Watts per USB standards
-or-
b) the camera is trying to draw more than 2.25 Watts permitted from the USB port.
-or-
c) Both a and b

Case "a" is a computer problems while case "b" is a camera problem.

If you can not test the camera on any other computer, there is one way you can eliminate the computer as the possible cause of the problem. You would need to add a self (not bus) powered USB Hub (One that requires a separate power adapter that plugs into an AC outlet) between the computer and the camera. The hub would then be the source of the camera power and not the computer.

Here is an example of a powered USB 2.0 hub that is selling for about $11 US:

http://www.xpcgear.com/palmsize4pus.html

[Canadian Girl]

Thank you guys so much. I'll give it a try! Wish me luck

[slipe]

There is a good discussion here: http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7590-0....ssageID=622109

From what I read there is a possibility of disabling the message and fixing the problem. That seems like taking the bulb out of your warning light to fix a low oil pressure problem on your car, but evidently the message can be spurious and turns the port off. There is also a fix from Dell if your computer is from them.