External iSight problems revisited

My original post here: http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10805558
After further research, I actually have the exact same problem detailed in this topic: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1014900 ("Your camera is in use by another application" error message persists after exhausting all troubleshooting options)
I went to the Genius Bar with my iSight thinking it needs a firmware update. The Genius found out he could not apply the update unless he was booted into 10.3.9, and their OS install disks did not go back that far. So I went home and clean installed 10.3, the 10.3.9 Combo Update, and all other updates listed in Software Update (including a fresh iSight Updater 1.0.3!) onto a new partition in my Mac Mini G4.
After attempting a firmware update and looking at /Library/Logs/iSightUpdater.log on my 10.3.9 system, I believe the reason my iSight is not recognized is that it cannot read the Serial Number or Firmware Version of my iSight, and therefore does not add it to the device list. Here are the Console messages from iSightUpdater.log running on my 10.3.9 system:
2010-12-11 13:09:10 -0800: iSightUpdater was launched by Finder.
2010-12-11 13:09:10 -0800: iSight Updater will install firmware version: 1.0.3
2010-12-11 13:09:10 -0800: UI: Plug in an iSight to update its software.
2010-12-11 13:09:16 -0800: UI: Plug in an iSight to update its software.
2010-12-11 13:09:36 -0800: iSightDevice::initWithService: Open produced error 10000003.
2010-12-11 13:09:36 -0800: UI: Plug in an iSight to update its software.
*2010-12-11 13:09:47 -0800: iSightDevice::initWithService: Couldn't read serial number.*
*2010-12-11 13:09:47 -0800: iSightDevice::initWithService: Device not added to device list.*
2010-12-11 13:09:47 -0800: UI: Plug in an iSight to update its software.
2010-12-11 13:10:17 -0800: DEVICE REMOVED:
2010-12-11 13:10:17 -0800: Product: iSight
2010-12-11 13:10:17 -0800: Vendor: Apple Computer, Inc.
*2010-12-11 13:10:17 -0800: Serial Number:*
2010-12-11 13:10:17 -0800: GUID: a270000001b2a
*2010-12-11 13:10:17 -0800: Firmware Version: (null)*
"Couldn't read serial number" happened after I turned the iSight on. "DEVICE REMOVED" happened after I turned the iSight off and unplugged it from the Mac Mini. Notice that the Serial Number and Firmware Version were not retrieved by the system. The system recognizes that an iSight has been plugged in, but will not release it for use with other applications since its Serial Number and Firmware Version cannot be determined.
My iSightUpdater.log file dates all the way back to when I updated my iSight's firmware to 1.0.2 and 1.0.3. For comparison, here are the Console messages for those updates:
2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: iSight Updater will install firmware version: 1.0.2
2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: DEVICE DISCOVERED:
2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: Product: iSight
2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: Vendor: Apple Computer, Inc.
*2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: Serial Number: W93254B3MZL*
2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: GUID: a270004001b2a
*2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: Firmware Version: 1.0*
2004-02-20 01:29:58 -0800: iSight device count: 1
2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: UPDATING DEVICE:
2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: Product: iSight
2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: Vendor: Apple Computer, Inc.
*2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: Serial Number: W93254B3MZL*
2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: GUID: a270004001b2a
*2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: Firmware Version: 1.0*
2004-02-20 01:30:06 -0800: Initiating software installation...
2004-02-20 01:30:11 -0800: Software installation terminating with error 00000000.
2004-02-20 01:30:11 -0800: Flashing firmware onto iSight...
2004-02-20 01:30:34 -0800: Flashing iSight terminating with error 00000000.
2004-02-20 01:30:35 -0800: UI: The iSight software cannot be installed while the iSight is in use by another application. Close any application using the iSight and try again.
2004-02-20 01:30:46 -0800: iSight Updater quitting...
2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: iSight Updater will install firmware version: 1.0.3
2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: DEVICE DISCOVERED:
2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: Product: iSight
2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: Vendor: Apple Computer, Inc.
*2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: Serial Number: W93254B3MZL*
2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: GUID: a270004001b2a
*2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: Firmware Version: 1.0.2*
2005-04-15 00:51:03 -0700: iSight device count: 1
2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: UPDATING DEVICE:
2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: Product: iSight
2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: Vendor: Apple Computer, Inc.
*2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: Serial Number: W93254B3MZL*
2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: GUID: a270004001b2a
*2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: Firmware Version: 1.0.2*
2005-04-15 00:51:11 -0700: Initiating software installation...
2005-04-15 00:51:27 -0700: Software installation terminating with error 00000000.
2005-04-15 00:51:27 -0700: Flashing firmware onto iSight...
2005-04-15 00:51:56 -0700: Flashing iSight terminating with error 00000000.
2005-04-15 00:52:56 -0700: iSight Updater quitting...
Aha! The Serial Number and Firmware Version were present in both of those updates, and I didn't need a firmware update after all. It seems that somewhere between the last firmware update and now, the iSight forgot its Serial Number and Firmware Version numbers -- or the last firmware update inadvertently flashed those two pieces of information from the iSight's memory.
I think if I could plant those two numbers back in the iSight's memory, I think I could get it working again. Problem is, Apple doesn't support scheduling repairs or Express Lane callbacks for the external iSight. Sooo... I, and all other external iSight owners with this problem, are stuck.
I'd love to get this repaired and use my external iSight with my Mac Mini G4. I just wish there was a next step, now that I have potentially identified the problem. Any ideas out there? I don't want to pay $150 to receive a reconditioned iSight for what appears to be a much simpler software/firmware fix. I do live in the San Francisco Bay Area, so driving to Cupertino and handing off an iSight for a quick repair by an iSight engineer would be an easy solution for me.
Thanks for listening, and I hope that this post sheds some light on other people with persistent "Your camera is in use by another application" error messages.
Message was edited by: A-Jay85
EDIT: Here is another post that appears to be similar to my problem:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12263773

Hi,
I am not going to override EZ Jim's advice on this as I do not know any way of recovering the lost Serial Number of Firmware version the devices is currently at.
Mostly it is for other readers but may provide clues.
The iSight Updater for Firmware 1.0.3 is included in the OS files as a Standalone Updater in Leopard
It seems it is also activated if the camera is Plugged In when Software Update is run. (I don't have enough info if it is specific 10.5.x Updates or just a General thing that happens.)
It is also present in the same place in 10.4.11 (I do not have copies earlier that this of Tiger that I can check)
In Use By Another Application.
It could actually be so.
Check:-
Comic Book if bundled with your Mac.
System Preferences > Accounts > Changing the Account Pic can invoke the camera for A Snapshot.
Any other app that can capture Video or a Pic. (iMovie, Quicktime Pro in Leopard and below, PhotoBooth. Don't forget Image Capture or your Browser if using Flash Chat sites or using the Google Broswer Plug-in installed in Chrome or as a Standalone (Intel only) and many others)
Check that in System Preferences > Accounts > Login Items does not list any app that can use the camera.
It seems that if an App that uses the camera (and was using it at the time) "Unexpectedly Quits" the System in general will think the camera is still in use (Possibly because that app's .plist will say it is)
The most common fix for this if you cannot find which App is using the camera is to do a SMC/PMU restart. (this link has three expandable areas that look like Links near the bottom of the page for various Macs).
Most Times the System will catch which apps have "Crashed"/Unexpectedly Quit and they are recorded in a Log. Open Console in Application/Utilities and then the Reveal Triangles to see ~/Library/Logs/Crash Reporter and see if any app is listed.
SEEK ADVICE on deleting .plists if you think you have identified the culprit, as doing so for some apps is more destructive than others.
Summary so far.
The Genius could have done it with a Tiger Install or Leopard Install Disk.
If you have a Retail Copy to do your Updates or either you can invoke the Update yourself (Providing you can get System Profiler to "See" the camera correctly)
A SMC/PMU reset maybe enough to "Clear" the System of what Apps it thinks is using the Camera.
There are some unexpected places and apps that can cause or actually use the camera.
A Fresh Install, as seems to be the case here, would have created a new set of .plists anyway.
I would also suggest that any other Firewire device is removed.
The External iSight should not be Daisy Chained with other items such as External Hard Drives as they run at different Data rates.
If you have a Computer with tow of more Firewire Ports I would suggest trying another port.
Some Towers have Firewire ports front and back and these have separate Firewire Controllers. This may isolate whether it is a Firewire port issue.
USB and Firewire Ports can be reset if the Power is removed from the computer for 15 Mins (power removed if a Laptop as the Firewire ports can still be active if the power cable is still connected)
I will state again that in this case I think EZ Jim has the right, quickest and simplest answer.
I have posted this mainly for other readers that may have something similar but not quite the same.
10:40 PM Sunday; December 19, 2010

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External isight problem

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Hi,
a FW400-to-FW800 adapter like this http://www.amazon.com/Firewire-800-9-6-Adapter-Rohs/dp/B000LGGAD4/ref=sr110?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1273579030&sr=1-10 for example should do the trick.
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Huge problems using external iSight or DV video camera on my MPB DCD...

Ok, so I am developing some applications that make use of a video camera for motion tracking, and I have run into a huge problem when trying to use any external video camera. I have both an external iSight in great working order (I have tested it on my tower, which is also brand new, but on 10.4 for reasons of other applications not yet supported on 10.5.1) and also a Sony DCR-TRV520 NTSC Digital Handycam. (Once again, works perfectly when plugged in to the tower.) But if I plug either of them in to my MBP, no programs recognize their existence at all, be it iChat, iMovie, or my application. Nothing shows up in system profiler either. I try reboots, I get nothing... the internal iSight constantly takes over or is my only choice in applications.
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Cycling 74 has not yet finished evaluating Mac OS 10.5, aka Leopard.
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New External iSight & still same problem

I just got my external iSight camera replaced because I was haveing a issue that whenever I plugged it in, the light would turn on for about 2 seconds, then it would make a noise and shut off. Rotating the ring in the front was of no help either. I sent in for a replacment and now the new one has the exact same problem.The only thing that I can think of is that there is some kinnd of compatability issue or something. Any suggestions are aprecheated, thank you.
System Specs:
Powermac G5
DualCore 2.0Ghz
2.6GB RAM
OS X Tiger 10.4.6
PowerMac G5 2.0Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Cujo,
Thats common. Plugging the iSight in to the firewire port results in the green light coming on and it makes a little noise, thats the camera itself being detected by OSX. Then the little light goes off.
When you open iChat, and open the preferences for Video/Audio, the light will come back on, maybe make the same noise, and should be working.
The green light and associated iSight noises (auto focus), are only present when the camera is in use.
IE: in a video conference.
Otherwise, the light is off.
It is not a problem, its how the camera works.
Also, turning the front of the camera only enables or disables the privacy shutter.

Audio problems with external iSight

Hi guys,
I have been racking my brain with a problem that I have (I think) narrowed down to my external iSight.
It initially showed up in Skype, but have confirmed in iChat also.
The problem is no audio. I do have video in both apps.
I have:
1. deleted the com.apple.audio.devicesettings.plist
2. reinstalled OS via Combo update
3. unpluged firwire multiple times - plus restart
4. repaired permissions - multiple times
5. Checked that iSight is recognized in System profiler>FireWire
6. deleted Skype and reinstalled an earlier version (2.7.0.330)
7. other things that are a blur now!!!
One key may be that every time I restart, my sound preferences>input is alway reset to lowest (off) position - even though I reset each time - even after deleting the .plist file above.
This outfit has been set upon this machine for years and never a problem until now.
Whew...
Any ideas?

John Dotson wrote:
Jim,
Tried both. Neither worked.
Tomorrow I will try an even older audio pref file.
I do not have another firewire device to trade out to check the connection, but since I have video, and confirmation in System Profiler, I am supposing it is good.
That sound input is still "resticking" at 0 at every restart.
Any other suggestions gentlemen? or Ladies...
Thanks for the thought process.
John
You're welcome, John.
Here are three more:
(1) Use Disk Utility to repair permissions. Then download and apply the 10.5.8 COMBO update:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_8_ComboUpdate
Repair permissions IMMEDIATELY again after the restart that finishes the installation.
Then test again to see if it helps the problem.
(2) If properly applying the Combo Update does not resolve your problem, you may have problems within the basic system software.
Reinstall OS X 10.5 (Leopard). If you need help, see the instructions in the user manual that came with your Mac if it originally shipped with Leopard. If you Mac came with an earlier version of Mac OS X, follow the instructions that came with your Leopard Upgrade DVD.
After reinstalling 10.5.x, you can update to the latest version (10.5.8) Leopard in one update step by using the process in (1) above. Then check again for proper function of your system settings.
(3) If none of the suggestions you get resolve your problem and you do not want to continue reconfiguring your settings each time you restart, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External iSight camera problem solved!

Hi all,
Hope this will help some of you.
My iSight camera works fine with G5 PPC but on my new Intel Mac Pro - nothing, not seen in System Profiler or Skype - I don't use iChat . I tried everything suggested here to no avail, until while looking on Amazon for something else I found a company selling 9 Pin to 6 Pin FW leads, who stated that often FW800/400 adaptors with FW400 leads do no work. They quote "Ours are guaranteed to work". I bought one plugged it in and success iSight now seen in both System Profiler and Skype.
It is supplied by Neet and its description is "Firewire 800 to 400 cable -(2M)- 9 Pin to 6 Pin - IEEE1394b(for Mac & PC) 2M FLX Pro lead. Cost £7.95 + £2.75 special P&P.
Many thanks to all on these forums for so much help
John Caswell

John Caswell wrote:
Hi all,
Hope this will help some of you.
My iSight camera works fine with G5 PPC but on my new Intel Mac Pro - nothing, not seen in System Profiler or Skype - I don't use iChat . I tried everything suggested here to no avail, until while looking on Amazon for something else I found a company selling 9 Pin to 6 Pin FW leads, who stated that often FW800/400 adaptors with FW400 leads do no work. They quote "Ours are guaranteed to work". I bought one plugged it in and success iSight now seen in both System Profiler and Skype.
It is supplied by Neet and its description is "Firewire 800 to 400 cable -(2M)- 9 Pin to 6 Pin - IEEE1394b(for Mac & PC) 2M FLX Pro lead. Cost £7.95 + £2.75 special P&P.
Many thanks to all on these forums for so much help
John Caswell
You're welcome, John.
Cheers for your solution for using your old external (Firewire) iSight with a new Mac.
I have gathered my personal experience and the successes of others who post here. To your recent success story, I add the options I know for ways to connect your FW400 external iSight to a FW800 Mac port:
• This Firewire 400-800 cable can work: http://store.apple.com/us/product/TP320LL/A
(I use this one.)
• Some report that this low-priced alternative cable works:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189097"
• To use your FW400 6pin-6pin cable, you can use a 6pin-9pin adapter like one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/ydsbb6m (I use this one.)
http://tinyurl.com/cgll7o
http://www.sonnettech.com/product/fw_adapter.html
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.5); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.5)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod4touch4.2.1

External iSight no longer recognized, built-in iSight works - how to fix?

I have a new MacBook Pro with Leopard and both the built-in iSight and my external iSight were recognized and I could switch between them. This past week or so my external iSight became no longer recognized even after unplugging and re-plugging in. When I plug it into the Firewire port, the green light goes on and it makes a whirring sound, but my computer does not recognize it in iChat, in PhotoBooth, nor in iMovie. I repaired permissions and it still doesn't get recognized in any applications. Is there a setting someplace that needs resetting? Or do I need to bring it into the Apple store for technical help?
Richard

Hello Richard
I wonder how many others have this problem?
A search or look through iSight Discussions will show you that a few of the many users of external iSight have reported problems using their Firewire iSights with MacBook Pro. I will leave it to you to try to determine whether that might be because few external iSight users have problems, few have MacBook Pros, or few use their external iSights with their MacBook Pros.
I agree that the system should allow both to co-exist.
Any other suggestions before I go to the Apple Genius folks?
If you have already considered all the suggestions about cables, connections, Firewire ports, possible conflicts, and the relevant suggestions in Apple's How to Troubleshoot iSight without success, you can also try the following:
• Backup your Home Folder, or at very least, your important files.
• Repair permissions. (Click here if you need help.)
• Then download and apply the Mac OS X 10.5.2 Combo Update.
• Finish with another Permissions Repair, and then check your iSight again.
Users have reported fixes to a variety of audio, video, connectivity, and software conflicts and unreliability issues after properly applying Combo Updates.
Please let us know how it goes.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2) External iSight.

HT2090 External iSight camera video feed working fine but mic is not working Mac Pro 2009 and Mountain Lion 10.8.4

Finally I decided to move forward and installed Mountain Lion 10.8.4 (with all the updates). Now I am facing a dilemma, my external iSight Camera is working fine regarding the video fee but the Mic is useless. I am using a Mac Pro 2009 and a Apple Cinema Display 30". I checked all the trends about iSight External devices but no one has a really specific solution for my problem. Firewire is not longer supported with Mountain Lion? By the way my iSight was working perfectly before. So I am wondering if something wrong happened with the OS and the support for this kind of device?   I reset the PRAM, the SMC, even I reinstalled the MAC OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4) from scratch. So I am wondering if the problem is that ML is not longer supporting this device or what is the issue here.
Hope someone can help me with it!
Thanks
Jalcom

Jalcom wrote:... Firewire is not longer supported with Mountain Lion?...
Not true. External iSight works fine with my '09 Mac Pro and 10.8.4.
Jalcom wrote:... So I am wondering if something wrong happened ...
So it must have.
Jalcom wrote: ... help me with it!...
You have tried several good things, but there may be other suggestions from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 that you have not yet considered. Be sure to check more than one Apple app in more than one user account to help you pinpoint the cause of your trouble. Then you will know what to fix.
In addition to the Apple troubleshooting, check your  > System Preferences... > Sound > Input to verify that your iSight's mic is selected, not muted, and that its volume setting is properly adjusted. You may need to check this again after restarting Mac or changing apps that use the mic.
Also, be certain that the apps you are testing are configured to use iSight's mic. Different apps select the mic in different ways. For example, QuickTime X allow selection among various microphone alternatives via one of its preferences as shown in the image below:
(I was using my Display microphone and did not have my external iSight connected when I made this image. Therefore, there is no iSight mic shown in my list of mic choices above. If your iSight's mic is properly connected, turned on, and recognized by your Mac, iSight will show in your QTX microphone preference choice list.)
If you are trying to use your iSight with a Flash based web site, also check your Mac's  > System Preferences... > Flash Player > Camera and Mic settings to verify that your Flash system preferences are not blocking your mic.
Some other apps may offer mic and or camera selection via their application menus. If you have trouble finding out how to select the iSight internal mic in other apps, check each apps' Help or post back the name of the app whose selector you cannot locate here so we can try to help.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early09) 2.93Ghz OSX 10.8.4 24" LED Cinema Display          External iSights

RE: I need drivers for an external isight camera on windows 7 64-bit

IRT http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11515278#11515278
Are the drivers from boot camp only for the internal isight camera or should the drivers work with the external firewire camera?
I installed the drivers without a problem on Windows 7 64-bit. However, windows 7 didn't recognize the drivers (either automatically or when manually found). The installer placed them in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
Of note, the camera does work. Using skype, the camera's LED lit up. However, the generic driver wouldn't allow the camera to "talk" with windows. The aperture opened to the max setting and "whited out" the video. Thanks!!

witkewoo wrote:
IRT http://discussions.info.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11515278#11515278
Are the drivers from boot camp only for the internal isight camera or should the drivers work with the external firewire camera?
I installed the drivers without a problem on Windows 7 64-bit. However, windows 7 didn't recognize the drivers (either automatically or when manually found). The installer placed them in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
Of note, the camera does work. Using skype, the camera's LED lit up. However, the generic driver wouldn't allow the camera to "talk" with windows. The aperture opened to the max setting and "whited out" the video. Thanks!!
(1) External iSight is, as you recognize, a Firewire webcam. It has its own built-in microphone.
Built-in iSight is a USB camera. It has no mic of its own.
Windows® video drivers for both iSights are included. However, as explained in the following link, there are no Windows® audio drivers for external (Firewire) iSight’s internal microphones:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISight#iSightonWindows
(2) If you can track your problems to your Boot Camp or Windows installation, see FAQs and troubleshooting here:
http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/
As reported by user mikkel_nielsen here:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=11953256#11953256
you may merely need to update and reinstall the drivers.
I do not use Windows®, but if you get no better help here, the best I have to offer is:
Check iSight with OS X apps and user accounts: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
If all works there, consider Boot Camp/Win7 FAQ & links: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3986
Also Boot Camp 3.0, Mac OS X 10.6 FAQ & links: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3777
If all else fails, this search in Boot Camp might give you some ideas or an idea for a new topic there:
http://tinyurl.com/39lu9fn
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.4) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

What cable do i need to use to connect my grandson's old style external isight webcam to his 2014 Mac mini in order for him to be able to FaceTime me

what cable do i need to use to connect my grandson's old style external isight webcam to his 2014 Mac mini in order for him to be able to FaceTime me

You need either a FireWire 800 to FW 400 cable or a FR 800 (male)/FW(female) adopter.
However. it the Mini (note that you still have the late 2012 Mini, Apple has not updated the Mini since then) has Mavericks it may not work satisfactorily. I tried it on my 2102 and I get abount 1 frame every 20 seconds. Another uses posted same problem.
However, it it work fine on my late 2009 Mini with Mavericks

External iSight not working on iMac, works on Macbook despite same software

Hello!
I have an External iSight that when I plug into my Macbook (running latest Mac OS) works just fine with iChat AND Adobe Flash Webchats...
However, when I plug it into my new iMac, the green light will turn on, but the it doesn't show on ANY applications that there is an External iSight available.
The only difference is that I am connecting the iSight with an 4 to 8 pin adapter: When I plug it in, it acts the same as it does with the MacBook--the green light turns on, it makes a sound, and is ready for usage. However, I can't get it to work with any programs on my iMac.
My PRIMARY concern, is I need it to work with Adobe Flash Webchats. Help!

Hello, macboyme
Consider the following in any order you find relevant for your system:
(0) You write that you are using a 4pin to 8pin adapter. However, I think you mean 6pin to 9pin adapter.
External iSight is a Firewire device that uses a 6pin Firewire 400 connector.
Newer Macs have only 9pin Firewire 800 connectors, so it is common to use 6pin to 9pin adapters similar to the one I normally use:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/FIR1369AD/
The only 8 pin cables and adapters I could find were USB. They won't work on Firewire devices.
4pin Firewire is a mini connection that I have only seen in cameras. If you really are using a 4 and/or 8 pin cable, I suggest you try a different Firewire adapter method.
My suggestions below are based on using a 6pin to 9pin adapter like that mentioned above or cable like this one I have also successfully used:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TP320LL/A
(1) Test in another User Account on your iMac. Be sure to also consider all the other suggestions for external iSight from:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
You do not say which of your Macs has only FW800 ports that require a Firewire adapter. To remove as many variables as possible, test the same cables and Firewire 400-800 adapter on both Macs if it is possible to do so. If you only use the adapter on one Mac, it is possible that the adapter is the cause of your trouble. If one of your Macs has only FW400 and the other has only FW800, test with a different adapter or use a 6pin-9pin cable to test both your Firewire iSight. Also, test another Firewire 400 device to eliminate the possibility that your problem is caused by one of your connections.
(2) For additional ideas on how to test external iSight, consider the additional suggestions here:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
Unless the software and connected peripherals are EXACTLY the same on both your iMac and your MacBook, be sure to consider possible hardware or software conflicts with something else installed in or connected to your iMac. A link to more info about conflicts is included in the "How to test..." page.
(3) If you can rule out both possible conflicts and connection problems in the iMac, the problem must be either in your iMac's user account or in the system software used to operate your external iSight.
You can rule out problems with the user account by testing in several different accounts.
If the problem is EXACTLY the same in any user account you test on your iMac, your system software is suspect. Backup all your important files, repair permissions, and apply the 10.6.4 Combo Update:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1048
Follow the restart that completes the Combo Update with another permissions repair. Then test iSight again.
(4) Once your external iSight works correctly with your iMac's QuickTimeX, iChat, etc., it will work as well with Flash video websites as it does when you are running it from your MacBook.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.4) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External iSight not recognized

I have been reading up on iSight connection troubles for a while now, to no avail.
My *external firewire isight* stopped being recognized and/or turned on from one day to the next.
It *does not function in any software* (iVisit, iChat) i have been using it in (for years).
I have repaired permissions, thrown away plists and such.
*System Profiler* identifies the isight as an *'unknown device'*, which i find quite disturbing since i have not downloaded and/or installed anything prior to the malfunction and the subsequent lack of recognition of this cam.
This is certainly *not a User specific* issue, certainly *not a software specific issue*, certainly *not a problem with the cam* (unless it dies without even being touched of course)
Any further advice Very Welcome, i use this cam daily for my work.

Welcome to Discussions, Floatstone
You can use the suggestions in How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional to try to identify and correct the user-repairable issues I know about for external iSight.
Anything that people make can fail. Based on the troubleshooting you have already done, if your issue is not cables, connectors, or Firewire, it may be that your iSight itself needs repair. In that case, you will need the help of Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider. There are no user-serviceable parts in iSight.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2) External iSight

External iSight not working on Powerbook G4

Hi,
I have had an external isight for awhile, however recently it has not been working. When I plug the camera into the firewire port the green light at the top lights up, then the camera makes a shuttering noise and then the light goes off. Twisting the lens to try to turn the camera on or off does nothing. The trouble shooting does not seem to work either. When I look to see if the firewire cable fuctions properly I go to the system profiler while the cable is inserted and all it says is, firewire bus speed 800mb/sec Speed. Should it tell me if a firewire cable is plugged in or not?
So I was wondering if i need a new cable, my firewire port is defective or if it is the camera.
Thanks
Ckwillia

Welcome to Apple Discussions, Ckwillia
You have done some good troubleshooting. The other suggestions in How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional should help you track down your problem with external iSight.
The fact that your iSight does not show as a Firewire device in System Profiler is a problem. Rule out the easy-to-fix possibilities like cables, ports, or connections. If necessary, try resetting the Firewire ports, and check your ports with another Firewire device if you have one or check your iSight on another OS X Mac.
When you get things working, with a working external iSight connected, your System Profiler should show iSight info like that in the following partial screenshot:
If it turns out to be the camera, you will need the services of an Apple Service Technician. There are no user serviceable parts in iSight.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

External iSight microphone not working with Mac Pro

i have researched this extensively to no avail.
i have an external iSight camera plugged into a pci express firewire port (i got one hoping to solve the problem). the camera works fine except for the mic. it shows up in audio inputs in system preferences but will not produce sound.
i have troubleshot it by plugging it into a Powerbook G4 and the mic worked perfectly. i have also tried different firewire cables and plugged the iSight into the firewire ports on the machine.
does anyone know if there are know bugs with leopard and external iSight...seems so weird that it would work on a G4 and not my Mac Pro.
any insight or help would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to  Discussions, bigboi78
I do not have an iNtel Mac, but external iSight, including its mic, work fine on my 10.5.6 G5 DP tower.
As I understand, you have checked System Preferences, found external iSight as a Sound > Input device, and selected iSight's Mic. However, adjusting the "Input volume:" slider there while you make some sounds does not effect the fact that the "Input level:" digital VU meter there never flickers regardless of input volume setting.
I also understand that you used the same Firewire cable with your external iSight on both Macs, so we can eliminate a possible cable problem.
If my understanding is correct, I can think of two possibilities that may give you a fix before you seek help from an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP.)
(1) Be sure to test with ALL other Firewire devices disconnected to avoid Possible Hardware or Software Conflicts with iSight. If you have any untested third party iSight or AV software, you might even consider whether that could be causing a conflict.
(2) Applying the latest Combo Updater often solves strange problems. Do it this way:
• Download http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_6_ComboUpdate
but do not install it yet.
• Disconnect all Firewire devices (if not already done) and restart your Mac
• Repair permissions
• Apply the 10.5.6 Combo Updater
• Immediately after the restart that finishes the update, repair permissions again
• Reconnect iSight (only) to test whether the problem is solved
• If so, reconnect your other Firewire devices (if any) one at a time and test again
• If the problem returns when you have multiple FW devices connected,
you need to keep the others disconnected while using iSight's mic.
(3) My only remaining suggestion is to seek help from an AASP.
We will watch for your status update.
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.6) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

My external iSight works in iChat, but NOT quicktime 7 pro

I'd like to get in on this...
My external iSight works in iChat, but NOT quicktime 7 pro when i try to make a movie recording. No audio, no video, nothing. But, iChat works. This is on a brand new mac pro with the latest leopard. Any ideas????

Hello Tommy Igoe
With no other video capable apps running and your working iSight connected and turned on when you launch QT 7 Pro, try these suggestions to see whether one of them fixes your problem:
(0) Try all suggestions applicable to your system from Apple's How to Troubleshoot iSight.
(1) Check that your QuickTime Player > Preferences > Recording settings are correct.
(2) Repair Permissions and test to see if iSight works with QT Pro now.
(3) Disconnect all peripheral and test again to check for hardware or software conflicts.
(4) Download and reinstall QuickTime 7.4 for Leopard. Repair permissions and test movie recording.
If you must post back for other suggestions, please clarify and expand on your QT problem. Please be specific. For example, can you see but not execute the QuickTime Player > File > New Movie Recording menu command? Can you execute the menu command but find that the recording window does not open? Does the recording window open but you find the "Record" button is not clickable? Etc.?
Also please tell us whether you found that QuickTime is the ONLY problem app in EVERY user account you tried when you used Apple's Troubleshooting suggestions.
Finally, if you currently have ANY other problems with your Mac, please describe them all.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1) External iSight

External iSight problems revisited

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