HP 7550 upload photos from compactflash very slow

Hi everyone,

I have a HP7550 with built-in card readers. It is connected to my computer (P4 2400 + 512 MRAM) through a USB2 port. I also have a Canon A70 with a DaneElec CF card.

When I use my printer as a card reader it is slower than connecting my A70 directly to my PC. This is the result of tests with a 16MB CF card.

With a big amount of data (240 MB on my new 256MB card) it is worse : after a few minutes waiting without any results, I just gave up and connected instead the A70 to my computer. The process began immediately (no waiting time) and the upload was done in a few minutes.

I am very disapointed as the specs of the HP 7550 say that it has a USB2 connection to the computer so I was expecting very good transfer performance. By the way my computer Mainboard has USB2 ports.

Any of you have experience with tranfers with the HP7550??

Tx,

Salgado

Yes it seems to work this way I have a D60 and 340Mb IBM compact disc

and it work weeeeery slowly- The files I have is about 1.7-2.3Mb and and this take about 8-10 second to download to the computer.If I download (USB) from D60 the same pic take 1-2 seconds.

H this help

Salgado said:

Hi everyone,

I have a HP7550 with built-in card readers. It is connected to my
computer (P4 2400 + 512 MRAM) through a USB2 port. I also have a
Canon A70 with a DaneElec CF card.

When I use my printer as a card reader it is slower than connecting
my A70 directly to my PC. This is the result of tests with a 16MB
CF card.

With a big amount of data (240 MB on my new 256MB card) it is worse
: after a few minutes waiting without any results, I just gave up
and connected instead the A70 to my computer. The process began
immediately (no waiting time) and the upload was done in a few
minutes.

I am very disapointed as the specs of the HP 7550 say that it has a
USB2 connection to the computer so I was expecting very good
transfer performance. By the way my computer Mainboard has USB2
ports.

Any of you have experience with tranfers with the HP7550??

Tx,

Salgado

Click to expand...

--
per

Salgado said:

I am very disapointed as the specs of the HP 7550 say that it has a
USB2 connection to the computer so I was expecting very good
transfer performance. By the way my computer Mainboard has USB2
ports.

Click to expand...

Beware! The term "USB 2.0" can refer to any of the following signalling rates:

480 Mb/s = USB 2.0 High Speed
12 Mb/s = USB 2.0 Full Speed
1.5 Mb/s = USB 2.0 Low Speed

If you look carefully, you'll see that the specs for the HP 7550 state "USB 2.0 Full Speed". This corresponds to a signalling rate of 12Mb/s, the same as the old USB 1.1!

Tony

Cerfcanuck said:

Beware! The term "USB 2.0" can refer to any of the following
signalling rates:

480 Mb/s = USB 2.0 High Speed
12 Mb/s = USB 2.0 Full Speed
1.5 Mb/s = USB 2.0 Low Speed

If you look carefully, you'll see that the specs for the HP 7550
state "USB 2.0 Full Speed". This corresponds to a signalling rate
of 12Mb/s, the same as the old USB 1.1!

Click to expand...

From the HP support site:

Introduction
This document discusses procedures for troubleshooting basic USB issues.

USB connectivity requirements

To achieve proper USB connectivity, five basic system elements must be present and working correctly. The following lists the most common USB issue causes and the estimated percentage of issues observed:

Support from the BIOS
Support from the operating system
Physical USB ports
A USB device
Drivers either from the OS and/or the peripheral maker
Verifying USB compatibility

To download the program that will verify whether a system is USB-ready, go to http://www.usbman.com/WebDrivers/Intel USB System Check/USBREADY.EXE.

Identify the USB host controller

Identifying the USB host controller is an important part of USB troubleshooting. For more information, go to http://www.usbman.com/Guides/HowTo_Identify_HostController.htm .

Cleanup the Device Manager while in Windows Safe Mode

Cleaning up the Device Manager in Safe Mode is the first step in determining the nature of USB issues. A number of hardware related problems in Windows can be traced to ghost devices and duplicate device entries. Obsolete and/or duplicate devices can only be seen and removed in Windows Safe Mode. This procedure must be performed in Safe Mode. For information about cleaning the Device Manager, go to http://www.usbman.com/Guides/Cleanup Device Manager Safe Mode.htm.

USB software

An operating system needs the correct software for USB communication to function. Depending on the USB chipset in the computer, the software may need updating.

For an Intel chipset, please visit the following Web site and download and install the patch for the appropriate operation system.
http://developer.intel.com/design/software/drivers/platform/inf.htm

For a VIA chipset, please visit the following Web site to download and install the patch.
http://downloads.viaarena.com/drivers/others/usbf108.zip

The computer may also qualify for the Microsoft USB patch available at the following Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q240/0/75.asp
BIOS settings
Common BIOS problems

Many USB Problems result from improper settings in the BIOS. To achieve proper USB connectivity, the BIOS needs to be working properly.

Enable USB in the BIOS

Most manufacturers ship PCs with USB disabled in the BIOS. To enable USB, one or more of the following statements must be valid:

USB Keyboard - DOS or Enabled (even if there is NO USB Keyboard).
Legacy USB Support - Enabled.

Assign IRQ for USB - Enabled (some combinations of OS and BIOS version require this setting to be disabled).

NOTE: If there are no references to USB in the BIOS, the BIOS version needs to be updated.

The BIOS version does not support USB

Vintage 1996 -97 motherboards, even those with USB pinouts (AT Style) almost always require a BIOS update to achieve proper USB connectivity.

Helpful BIOS link
http://www.badflash.com - good information and help

BIOS settings affecting USB
BIOS settings affecting USB operation, when optimized, are:

Plug and Play OS - Enabled.
IRQs Assigned - Auto.

Power Management - Disabled. The operating system should control power management.

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) enabled in the BIOS can be the source of many USB problems. When USB problems arise, ACPI should be disabled. Unfortunately, simply resetting the switch in the BIOS may not be enough. Normally, reinstallation of the operating system will be required. Remember to backup the data before reinstalling the OS. A clean installation to a newly formatted hard drive is recommended.
USB Keyboard - Enabled or DOS

Assign IRQ for USB - This setting varies by motherboard type: Enabled for Win2000 and Disabled for Win9X. When problems arise, try both settings.
BIOS date

If USB is being installed for the first time, a BIOS update may be needed, especially if the motherboard is vintage 1996-97. The leading cause of USB failure in these motherboards is a BIOS version that predates Windows 98, June 1998. If updating the BIOS to June 1998 or later is not possible, the chances of successfully installing USB are greatly diminished. For more information on determining the motherboard type and updating the BIOS, go to the BIOS help site located at: http://www.wimsbios.com

Once the motherboard has been identified, go to the manufacturer's Web site and check for a BIOS update.

IRQ Steering

Properly installed IRQ Steering is critical to a properly functioning USB. If IRQ Steering is disabled, the most likely cause of a USB issue is improper BIOS setting. See the section on BIOS Settings in this document. To see how properly installed IRQ Steering appears, go to http://www.usbman.com/Guides/irqsteeriing.htm

to be continued...
--
Fotografer
...like, a total himbo

IRQ conflicts with USB

USB controllers have trouble sharing an IRQ with another device, however, the IRQ Holder for PCI Steering is not considered another device. If the USB is sharing an IRQ with audio, video, NIC or a modem, problems with USB may occur. The solution is to free up as many IRQs as possible in the BIOS. If no external serial device such as a serial mouse or digital camera is attached to the computer, a good place to start is COM1 and COM2.

After disabling devices in the BIOS, access Windows Safe Mode and delete the device from the Windows Device Manager. If the device is not removed from the Windows Device Manager while in Safe Mode, Windows will continue to recognize the device and assign it an IRQ.

Moving peripheral cards to other available slots is also an effective method of resolving IRQ conflicts. Each PCI slot is assigned an IRQ by default. Check the owner's manual of the main board for this information and use it as a guide to avoid IRQ conflicts.

If freeing IRQs in the BIOS does not produce the desired result, manually assign an IRQ for a conflicting device in the Windows Device Manager while in Safe Mode. If manually assigning IRQs, disable the Plug and Play function in the BIOS by following the steps below. Otherwise, Windows will continue to override the BIOS assignments.

Access BIOS setup and disable ACPI.

Go to the Integrated Peripherals section and disable both serial ports, if not being used.

Go to the PnP/PCI section and enable PnP OS, Auto and Reset Configuration Data. Reset Configuration Data is a momentary switch and will be disabled each time this section is accessed. It releases the BIOS lock on IRQs and lets Windows take over.
Go to the Power Management section and disable all power management.

Access Windows Safe Mode and unplug any USB devices. Remove all USB software in Add/Remove Programs. Open Device Manager. Remove the USB root hub and host controller in that order. Remove all USB drivers. Look for duplicate or erroneous drivers and remove all of them. Windows will reinstall genuine devices.

If any SB16 emulation drivers are present, disable them in the hardware profile (do not remove).

While still in Safe Mode, go to System Devices and disable Advanced Power Management support.

Remove the drivers for sharing devices. Windows should reinstall the drivers automatically. At this point two or three IRQs have been freed up and Windows IRQ assignments have been reset. Restart the computer and reinstall devices as per manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: If USB still has not been isolated to its own IRQ, try changing the I/O range of USB.

Older Intel USB host controllers

Vintage 1996 - 1997 motherboards, even those with USB pinout arrays, nearly always require a BIOS update to achieve proper USB connectivity. BIOS versions dated before June 1998 seldom provide acceptable USB support. If the BIOS properly supports USB, installation of a motherboard cable assembly will allow implementation of the USB capability built into the motherboard.

Belkin Model F3U001, Motherboard Cable Assembly has been tested and approved by USBMan for use with most 2 x 4 and 2 x 5, USB pinout arrays.

Identifying USB 1.1 and 2.0 cables
Checking the cable
A USB 1.1 cable will not have any identifying marks on it.
A USB 2.0 cable will either have USB 2.0 or High Speed printed on the cable.
Check the cable packaging (see Figures 1 and 2)
Figure 1: USB 2.0 cable



Figure 2: USB 1.1 cable



--
Fotografer
...like, a total himbo

fotografer said:

... several pages of tech notes ...

Click to expand...

And your point is?

As far as I can tell, your posting doesn't provide any new information. Does the HP 7550 transfer data at a maximum rate of 480 Mb/s (USB 2.0 High Speed) or 12 Mb/s (USB 2.0 Full Speed)? (The online manual for the 7550 suggests the latter.)

Sure, I know what a Hi-Speed USB2 symbol looks like and what it means, but a lot of people don't. I think it's fair to say the most folks will equate "USB 2.0" with "new and fast" and "USB 1.1" with "old and slow". But it ain't necessarily so!

By quoting "USB 2.0 Full Speed" in their product specifications, HP is conforming to the letter of the law but not the spirit. I'll bet a lot of people would be surprised to learn that their fancy new USB 2.0 printer is intrinsically no faster than a USB 1.1 model.

I've no idea whether other printer manufacturers play the same game but, IMHO, it's a sleazy way to sell a product. Hopefully, this will become a thing of the past (see http://www.usb.org/info/usb_nomenclature ).

Tony

Ahhh, so you also noticed the 'dishonesty'... Yes, it's the Full Speed USB2 that HP ps7550 (and I think 7350?) is specified, I was confused myself, until I read sometime ago in this forum the difference between them (was it you who posted the original USB nomenclature link? Can't remember...)...

Actually, it was partly to help to see if the original poster might want to check their other areas as recommended by HP.

Cerfcanuck said:

fotografer said:

... several pages of tech notes ...

Click to expand...

And your point is?

As far as I can tell, your posting doesn't provide any new
information. Does the HP 7550 transfer data at a maximum rate of
480 Mb/s (USB 2.0 High Speed) or 12 Mb/s (USB 2.0 Full Speed)? (The
online manual for the 7550 suggests the latter.)

Sure, I know what a Hi-Speed USB2 symbol looks like and what it
means, but a lot of people don't. I think it's fair to say the most
folks will equate "USB 2.0" with "new and fast" and "USB 1.1" with
"old and slow". But it ain't necessarily so!

By quoting "USB 2.0 Full Speed" in their product specifications, HP
is conforming to the letter of the law but not the spirit. I'll bet
a lot of people would be surprised to learn that their fancy new
USB 2.0 printer is intrinsically no faster than a USB 1.1 model.

I've no idea whether other printer manufacturers play the same game
but, IMHO, it's a sleazy way to sell a product. Hopefully, this
will become a thing of the past (see
http://www.usb.org/info/usb_nomenclature ).

Click to expand...

--
Fotografer
...like, a total himbo

mentioned which is not really very fast at all. I got a card reader with the last CF card I purchased (Lexar 512k) and I just use it now. Also another gripe, although this printer produces the BEST inkjet photos I have ever seen, the thing only has 16mb of internal memory - and it's not upgradable!
--
JLC
MyWorld Studios - Madison,MS

I have the baby brother, the Photosmart 130. The card reader is a joke. I contacted HP technical support and was told that it is a printer first and a card reader second.

Case in point: a few weeks ago, we used DPOF and inserted a 128 MB SmartMedia card into the printer to print photos. The printer was not connected to the computer! After waiting an hour, we gave up. Next, I copied the card to the computer and printed to the computer, and the whole job was done in a few minutes.

I also did some simple benchmarks with a SanDisk ImageMate CompactFlash reader that is USB 1.1. As best as I can remember, the SanDisk was about 10x faster than the HP USB 2.0 printer. And yes, yes, yes, I have a P4 2.4GHz with 768 MB RAM, USB 2.0 on the motherboard, etc. etc. etc. This computer is way overpowered for simply reading 1MB JPEGs off flash memory cards!

The card readers in the current line of HP Photosmart printers are worthless.

gglockner said:

I contacted HP technical support and was told that it is a
printer first and a card reader second.

Click to expand...

Here is my email discussion with HP technical support:

1. My original question

Card reading is PAINFULLY slow for PhotoSmart 130, about 10x slower than a standalone USB 1.1 CompactFlash reader (Sandisk Imagemate). I have upgraded to the latest 4.2.41 drivers from the hp.com internet site.

2. HP's first answer

The symptoms you describe occurs when the system not having an optimal environment for the printer. I have provided step by step instructions below in order to clean the system of unnecessary files and also with the information to save images from the memory card to the computer.

[instructions deleted -- basic advice to close all background applications and system tray icons before using the printer]

3. My response

Sorry, this answer is not helpful. There is absolutely no problem with system resources on this computer. The computer is a Pentium 4 2.4GHz with 256MB RAM [ed: at the time, now upgraded to 768MB] running Windows XP/Home SP1. When I was trying to copy files from the CompactFlash card in the Photosmart 130 to the computer, the CPU usage was at 2% and the PF usage was at 135MB, giving about 120MB free RAM and plenty of free CPU resources.

Additionally, the system has USB 2.0 and nothing else was competing for the USB resources.

Finally, the files took about 7 min to copy via the Photosmart 130. In comparison, a SanDisk Imagemate USB 1.1 CompactFlash reader takes about 45 sec to copy the same files on the same cartridge.

4. HP's response

I understand that while unloading images from your HP Photosmart 130 printer card reader the unloading process takes quite a time then that from CF card reader.

The main function of the printer is to print and it is designed keeping that thing in mind. However, the memory card reading feature is an additional feature that is incorporated with the unit. The printer will take some time to unload the images to the PC depending upon the resolution of the image.