Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: ann32428 on February 08, 2009, 08:57:40 PM

Title: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on February 08, 2009, 08:57:40 PM
I have a dell ultra sharp genisus monitor It has 2 usb ports on the side and for some reason do not work. am I missing a connetion, driver etc or something ? thanks
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: Broni on February 08, 2009, 10:00:01 PM
Brand new monitor?
What are those ports for?
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: mroilfield on February 09, 2009, 02:57:10 AM
How many cable are connected to your monitor? You should have three cables coming from it if you want the usb ports to work.

one is the power cable, one is the cable that is plugged into your video card, the last one should be plugged into a usb port on your comp. The third cable is the one that allows the usb ports on the side of the comp to work.

Of course this info is taken from my own experience with monitor setups that have usb ports on them.
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on February 11, 2009, 09:26:08 PM
thank you for the reply I only have 2 cables and really can't see where a third one would go but then I do have  2 usb ports on the left side of the moniter and no is not new my son passed it on to me when he got a new one, and no he doesnt know either but thanks any way maybe I can figure it out eventually  :)hey just turned it up side down sorta and DID see another connection port kind of like a moniter plug ?? that would be it huh?? an where would I plung it in on the computer ?? sorry to be so dumb never owned a flat screen moniter befor haha ???
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: BC_Programmer on February 12, 2009, 04:55:17 AM
it would be a USB cable going to a USB plug likely on the rear of the monitor- usually a smaller plug as well. (Either a small square USB-B connector or a USB Mini-B connector (smaller still)).

you are using two plugs on the monitor- this third plug sounds like a standard VGA plug, how many pins does it have and what shape is it?


does it look like this:

(http://dsnimg.dell.com/images/external/images/Monitor/VGA%20Port.JPG)


or perhaps like this:

(http://media.digikey.com/photos/Assmann%20Photos/AU-Y1007.jpg)
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on February 12, 2009, 09:35:32 PM
It looks like the first one  cant tell how many pins at this time without really turning it upside down thanks
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: alexK on February 17, 2009, 07:45:42 PM
Those plugs are mostlikely used for a Gaming Device Input. Joystick?
I saw one monitor with 4 flat USB ports.
Search the Internet for that particular model/brand for details.
You may need a driver, look at Device Manager for unresolved entries.
 ;D
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: BC_Programmer on February 17, 2009, 07:58:56 PM
It looks like the first one  cant tell how many pins at this time without really turning it upside down thanks

That's would be the VGA connector- you are apparently using the DVI connection to the conputer. the VGA is simply an older way of doing so.


This is odd how you don't have a USB connection on the monitor but USB ports, there must be a connection somewhere. Is there a plug like the second picture anywhere on the monitor (perhaps grouped with the other USB ports?)
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on March 03, 2009, 06:34:15 PM
sorry I took so long to answer  life interuptis  the cable is like the blue one in the picture it has a plug in the middle of the moniter on the bottem to plug it in  I just need to know what to ask for when I go to buy it.  thanks for all your help
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: BC_Programmer on March 03, 2009, 06:37:48 PM
the blue plug with 15 pins is an alternate way to plug the monitor into your video card.

what should be on the monitor is a plug similar to the second image- or a very small plug (mini-b)... or heaven forbid a proprietary connector.


Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on March 03, 2009, 08:34:35 PM
well  I took a much closer look and it is neither of the pic above It seems to be 21 pins with white space on the left with a - beside it  ?? how do I up load pics  and I will try to send you one  thanks
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: BC_Programmer on March 04, 2009, 03:04:45 AM
one of these?:

(http://dsnimg.dell.com/images/external/images/Monitor/277px-DVI_Connector_Types.svg.png)

That would be a DVI connector. I'm not sure if it can be used for USB, but I know it gives superior picture quality compared to VGA.
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on March 04, 2009, 09:16:50 PM
It would be the DVI -D dual link. so that is what I ask for ? thanks so very much
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: BC_Programmer on March 05, 2009, 12:34:44 AM
I'm not sure- it's simply an alternative to that your already connecting with.

It will give better picture, but I don't know wether it will get the USB ports to work.
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: quaxo on March 06, 2009, 06:55:22 AM
I've attached a picture of the back of one of Dell's monitors. It might not be your exact model, but it'll give you a better idea.

Notice the SECOND port from the RIGHT side. This is where your monitor would have a cable to connect to a USB port on your computer so the USB ports next to it can operate.

If you know the exact model number of the monitor, I'll see if I can fish up a picture of the back of it.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: ann32428 on March 08, 2009, 08:56:36 PM
That is exatly what it looks like I never noticed the usb  slots befor so all I need is a cord with ausb plug on each end ...right ?? thanks so much
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: BC_Programmer on March 08, 2009, 08:59:47 PM
yes- you need a USB B plug. This is the same plug that most USB printers connect with as well, so you can ask for that.

Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: truenorth on March 09, 2009, 09:07:44 AM
ann32428,Hope this catches you in time before the purchase. It is important to know what the other end of that "B" usb cable is connecting to. It may be an "A" connection . In which case the cable you will want to buy is an "A/B" usb cable.They are very common and can be found online for under $2.00 U.S. However retail computer stores will probably want 3 times that much.truenorth
Title: Re: flat screen monitor
Post by: quaxo on March 09, 2009, 05:21:35 PM
Just for clarity, here's a picture of the ends of the type of cable you need. The end that looks like a normal USB goes into the computer, the other end connects to the plug on the back of the monitor.

[attachment deleted by admin]