Question Connect two webcams through USB hub?

[EssKayKay]

I have two webcams and an external USB audio interface connected to my HP laptop. Because of very limited space, I connect them all through a USB hub. However, when I have the two webcams plugged into the hub, one of the webcams either distorts or does not connect at all. If I plug one webcam into the hub and the other directly into one of the laptop’s USB ports all works fine. Does this sound logical? Is this doable? Could there be something wrong with my USB hub? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve K.

 

[CountMike]

All plugs in USB hub share one USB plug in the PC so signals may be mixing. It could also be a power problem as they also share power from only one USB port. A powered USB hub can save that problem but not one with mixing channels.

 

[EssKayKay]

All plugs in USB hub share one USB plug in the PC so signals may be mixing. It could also be a power problem as they also share power from only one USB port. A powered USB hub can save that problem but not one with mixing channels.

Thanks Count. I didn't really want to go the "powered" route as I am really limited with space but that may solve the problem. Regarding the "mixed signal" issue, is there a way to test for that before I go buy another hub?

 

[CountMike]

Thanks Count. I didn't really want to go the "powered" route as I am really limited with space but that may solve the problem. Regarding the "mixed signal" issue, is there a way to test for that before I go buy another hub?

Good ones, powered or not already have an active switcher for USB ports but they also use only one PC port. USB port replicators may do better job: https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Usb-Port-Replicator/3709/bn_7023536603

 

[EssKayKay]

Good ones, powered or not already have an active switcher for USB ports but they also use only one PC port. USB port replicators may do better job: https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Usb-Port-Replicator/3709/bn_7023536603

I will most certainly take a look at this. I was simply hoping for a better USB hub but apparently that's not the answer - oh well. . . .

Thanks again,
Steve K.