quote:Originally posted by Alexi_Alx_Anova:
I'm considering upgrading my TrackIR1 to a TrackIR2 but am somewhat put off by this USB1.1 vs 2.0 business (I currently have problems with my TrackIR1 recognising the USB port with the 2.11 drivers).
Unfortunately, my mobo (Gigabyte 8INXP) has ONLY USB 2.0 ports.
Is this TrackIR problem a HARDWARE or DRIVER problem? i.e., to fix it, will NP need to produce a TrackIR3 unit or do they only have to redesign their drivers?
If it is the former, I will not buy a TrackIR2, but if it is the latter I will purchase.
Lastly, can you get a converter or hub that will change a USB 2.0 port exclusively into a 1.1 port? If so, could someone post the details?
Thanks in advance,
AlexiAlexi,
Im not in position to speak from NP's support perspective. I can only give you what Ive learned from first hand experience and from what Ive read from the others.
The point here is that many (what ever a "few" is that is low enough to ignore) of us are experiencing the same USB device not recognized failure on many types of motherboards and USB subsystems. The problem is likely a complex mix of factors instead of one simple cause, which is why NP is slow to respond. They pushed their design to the edge of the spec by their own admission, and so now we have to deal with it.
We are just the vocal "few" that have spent the time to post here our troubles in hope of a solution and NP support. In time, Im positive that NP will have to rise to the occasion and offer us a solution or free upgrade if they want to have a positive reputation in our closely nit community. What NP needs to do is to satisfy their customers, and not to marginalize this issue as just a few bad customer systems. You can betcha that alot of potential and current customers are watching as to how NP is going to deal with us. The ball is sqaurely in their court. Inaction is going to be percieved as negative.
As for you, I would think that as long as NP stands by their money back policy within a certain time period, you can give TIR2 a try. But its buyer beware (Caveot Emptor) and know that its a crap shoot. Another method would be to borrow a friend's hardware and give it a try, if you are lucky to have someone nearby. If you are patient, then waiting is the safest bet.
Ive tried with and without MS WinXP USB 2.0 update patch, with and without the BIOS enabling USB2.0 and enabling USB1.1 compatibility. None of these did the trick. I dont believe the problem is patching or USB BIOS compatibility settings.
As for USB hubs, I tried a PCI addon USB1.1 hub (with industry standard OPTI USB chipset) and still it did not work. Ultimately, even the hub will have to go to the MB's onboard host controller, so Im not sure how this is an universal solution.
Im starting to educate myself on this topic. Its actually quite interesting. Ive learned that not all HUBs are made alike. Some use one TT and the better ones use MTT (Multiple Transaction Translation) which makes a big difference in speed and USB1.1 vs USB2.0 compatibility. Then theres the issue of the Mother Board's onboard USB handler or "Host Controller". Then theres the issue of how the system BIOS enables 1.1 or 2.0 compatibility. Some good references:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwdev/bus ... pport.mspx
http://www.intel.com/technology/usb/ehcispec.htm
http://download.microsoft.com/download/ ... /hci_1.exe
from this system architect drawing, one can begin to see the file structure that goes along with the USB compatibility issue.
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwdev/bus ... upport.gif
I would recommend you post your system specs and OS configuration so that other may learn from your experience.
AV8R
[ January 07, 2004, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: AV8R ]