QuickStickTX 0 Posted August 29, 2018 When I connect my Graphtec FC5100-75 plotter to my laptop running Windows 8, I get an error message saying: "Power Surge on the USB port, Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply" and it will not connect. My old Dell desktop, running windows XP, will still connect with the plotter if no other USB devices are plugged in. If I plug in a USB drive and the plotter, I receive a similar error message and they will not connect. I've used the plotter frequently over the past 10 years and the problem just started about a month ago. I've tried several devices and cables and run through all of the driver troubleshooting on two devices with no luck. The problem still occurs with the plotter powered off and unplugged from the wall. I have not tried a factory reset on the plotter and assume it is an electrical malfunction in the plotter. The plotter is still working properly otherwise. If anyone has any experience with this, let me know, I would like to get it sorted out. Thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darcshadow 1,625 Posted August 29, 2018 Do you frequently plug and unplug the USB from the plotter? Sounds a little like the USB port on the plotter is starting to fail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted August 29, 2018 You could try the serial port and see how that goes. A Tripp-Lite Keyspan Adapter would probably work. USB end to to your computer. then serial connection to the cutter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickStickTX 0 Posted August 29, 2018 I've only removed the usb from the plotter a handful of times. I'll try the adapter to the serial port right now and report back. I have tried a parallel adapter that I use with a printer, it registers in my devices as a controller but does not connect the plotter for some reason, cutting master "cant open port". Not sure what's going on there, hope the serial one works. I'm going to try to use a powered usb hub as well, maybe it will produce the milliamps needed. Thanks for the input. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted August 29, 2018 Maybe switch the cutter over to HP-GL command and see if you can use a different cutting software. Signblazer is a FREE unlimited trial. and your cutter is listed in the set up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted August 29, 2018 You can do a Google search for your problem online and it tells you how to fix it. For different types of Windows programs. Have you tried this? a) Click Start and type devmgmt.msc, and then press Enter.b) Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section.c) Uninstall each of the devices under the USB Controller section by right-clicking on each one, and then clicking Uninstall.d) Close the Device Manager and restart your computer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites