USB port server, anybody use it?

[bojan]

I was wandering if a gadget like this one (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-4-Ports-USB-HUB-Lan-Network-Server-for-PC-HDD-Webcam-Printer-Scanner-EN24H-/141063361832) could be used as a remote USB port for things like USB -> RS232 port or this (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/8265)?

The idea behind this question is obvious: LAN cables could be much much longer than USB cable.

[2stroke]

Yes but bandwidth is limited, would be fine for rs232 like mount control ect, there was a thread made a few weeks ago about another one for $99 and it offered 1000mbps. I still think remote pc control is the way to go though but depends on your needs. If you get one let us know how it went :)

[wasyoungonce]

I reckon for the price.....go for it. Other options, LAN/USB to are known to work but they cost a lot more and are sometimes flaky on running things like webcams.

But as said for that price...why not try

[frolinmod]

I'm using a $29 WIZ125SR two port serial to Ethernet board for my Paramount ME and Pyxis rotator:

http://www.shopwiznet.com/wiz125sr

I put the board on 1/8" standoffs and made a clear acrylic plastic case for it using a rotary tool. It works perfectly with TheSkyX. Just have TheSkyX connect to via IP address and PORT numbers instead of COM ports.

They also have a 4-port model for $99.

Works well so long as you don't mind making your own case like I did.

I have not yet tried any of the USB IP hubs. Some guy on Cloudy Nights swears by this one:

http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-4NET&cats=104&catid=187%2C188%2C104%2C653%2C210%2 C212

[bojan]

Thanks for your input guys, I am already waiting for delivery.
I will let you know the outcome...

[wasyoungonce]

Any update?

I was looking at these again and were about to buy one when I remembered this thread.:D

[bojan]

Still waiting for delivery... expecting this week.

[bojan]

The gadget arrived.. and of course it didn't work straight out of the box.
The documentation is not very clear, but I can summarise the current status as follows:
- It seems the driver and firmware are open source (?)
- The default setting is automatic address, and the whole thing was appearing and disappearing in the server window, with error "not in local network".. but after fixing the server adresses (I am using Netcomm ADSL modem) to something like 192.168.1.6 .. I am not sure this is correct, but it has a positive effect - I finally have in inside local network, and I managed to have the USB HD properly identified and connected to the server...
- It seems it is connected to my desktop (judging by the sound prompt) but I still can't see the icon anywhere (even after updating the driver).
So, I still have some work to do..

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks for the update....lets hope you can run other USB stuff off it like WEB cam or auto-guider etc. It appears most of these type of things fail with running the above but here's hoping that it works for you. Watching with great interest.:thumbsup:

[bojan]

External USB HD (1 TB) and memory stick work OK on w'7 :D,
Speed is quite OK (there were some bad reports on this), good enough for watching movies.

But as far as XP Professional is concerned, it behaves funny.. :sadeyes:
According to USB server all is supposed to be OK, but there are no icons (sound prompt was there, but there were no drivers installed as is usual for USB device).. so HD can't be used.

Obviously, this is OS issue/problem.
I updated driver with the latest version (0.050 May-21-2012), but problem persists.
Anybody knows what is going on here?
..
Later I will try to use serial port (and what's most important to me, parallel port with some bit-banging.. I need to control individual IO's.. .)

[bojan]

After reading some comments on web, I went here:
http://www.elitesilicon.com/Support.html
and downloaded driver for XP... still no joy!

[wasyoungonce]

I looked at the product site and had a look at their driver install and operating manual...FWIW.

Is the firmware up to date? There is a log file generated on operation maybe this has some info. Appears most of devices used ate storage devices but they had it running under XP.

Is the XP problem a DHCP issue or driver issue?

[bojan]

Firmware is still the same (original) but since it works with w'7 (with DHCP there were problems, with fixed IP address is OK), I think this is not the issue..
Must be something related to my XP desktop..
I will try with another laptop (XP) later..

[bojan]

Update:

On w'7 (home edition) serial port works via USB server.
Windows sees it as COM10.

Mission accomplished.

[wasyoungonce]

Excellent...but just a question...can it run webcams via LAN?

Specs states it can but apparently these are problematic:shrug:

[bojan]

will try tomorrow and let you know.

[wasyoungonce]

Mucho gratis:thumbsup: