USB hub

[codemonkey]

Any recommendations for a USB hub? Mount hub pro is way out of the ballpark price wise.

Looking for something either unpowered, vdc powered, or can be run via a cheap inverter.

I'll have 2 cameras, 1 mount and 1 filter wheel to run through it, although I could use my spare USB port on the laptop for one of those.

[DarkArts]

This one works well for me:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Products/Connectivity/Hardware/Mini-4-Port-HUB-USB-2-0/p/XC4864

It's 5vdc powered or can be used unpowered. I have mine mounted on a bracket on the side of my 'scope.

[codemonkey]

Perfect, thanks mate! :-)

I currently have a miniature 4-port and playing the "which ports are going to work tonight" game is getting a little old. Funny thing is, I paid about twice as much for it as the price on the one you just linked.

[Logieberra]

I have that same hub (rebranded Belkin) and have issues. I'm at the point now of going all out and getting something like this puppy: http://www.amazon.co.uk/CarNetix-DC-Powered-4-Port-CNX-P5USB-systems/dp/B004NDU37A

I love that she's 12v and all four ports have dedicated power.

The CarNetix CNX-P5USB is a DC-powered 4-port USB hub designed for automotive or embedded DC-powered applications. The P5USB includes and internal DC-DC regulator so that each of the 4 USB ports can provide up to 500mA of current to the downstream USB devices. The P5USB can be used in either a +12V or +24V automotive environment. It will operate down to 7V (survives engine cranking) and can withstand voltage transients typically found in a harsh automotive environment. The DC input includes reverse polarity protection, transient suppression, and an internal in-line, self-resetting fuse. A self-locking power cable is included. The P5USB can be turned ON or OFF either by the car's ignition line or by sensing the presence of +5V on the upstream host USB device (PC). This helps prevent battery discharge when the PC is left in Standby for extended periods of time. The P5USB includes an Shutdown Delay jumper which can be set to allow the P5USB to remain on for either 5 minutes or 25 minutes after the Ignition is turned off. This prevents the loss of USB connectivity during short stops if the PC is left running. The CNX-P5USB can be used in a variety of automotive, embedded, marine, mobile, or industrial applications that require the use of a DC power source (ie battery, solar). The internal DC-DC converter can stabilizes a source voltage from as low as 7 volts up to 32 volts and provide a clean +5V output for the connected USB devices. Each downstream USB port is independently current limited and provides an LED indication of USB enumeration. The P5USB comes in a compact plastic enclosure that measures 5.12" x 2.84" x 1.1" and includes mounting tabs. The P5USB does require a USB input voltage to be recognized (i.e. plugged into a computer) to turn on.

[codemonkey]

Cheers Logan :-)

That definitely looks like it'd do the trick, but unfortunately it's out of my budget for the moment. Not opposed to getting something like that going forward, but I'm also going to need to buy a new focuser, and ideally OIII & SII filters before lashing out on something like that, and I have money for none of the above just yet ;-)

[Logieberra]

No trouble. Give those cheapies a go - plenty to choose from - you might get lucky... :)

[DarkArts]

I gave a couple of cheap ones off eBay a go - a 4-port and a 7-port - and both had compatibility and drop-out issues. The one I linked to worked in Windows XP/7/8.1 and also Linux - it hasn't missed a beat.

[Shiraz]

I have had really good results with Belkin - originally a 4 port and now a 7, both powered by 5vDC, which is easy to get from 12v (I use a 7805 in the Sharpsky box, with an external heatsink). Not expensive, but both have worked perfectly. The 7 port is up on the scope right now, running the EQ8, SXH694, QHY5L2, Atik filter wheel and a Sharpsky focuser box, through one USB line to the PC :).

[Nico13]

I have one of these 5 port LAN based USB hubs from Belkin and it has its own software to control it showing whats on line.
You can connect or disconnect any single item and refresh the list as you go.
I run my EQ6 Pro, GPUSB, Canon SLR, QSI camera with filter wheel and cooling and also a wireless dongle for mount remote control oh and a USB focus control through it.

On the down side it doesn't like web cams or my SX Lodestar guide camera.
I don't use a web cam but the Lodestar I run an active USB lead.

So one LAN cable and one USB lead does it all.
Price is mid range, not sure if they are still available when I come to think of it but a pretty good jigger if you can get one, no port conflicts it just works.

Search for (Belkin F5L009 5 Port Network USB Hub)

[PeterM]

At $45 from Office Works with 7 switchable usb2 and 3 ports and a solid power supply I find the MBeat to the best I have used. Sorry its powered but maybe ok with an inverter.www.mbeat.com.au/product/mbeat-7-port-usb3-0-usb2-0-hub-manager-with-switches/

[Logieberra]

Nice. What equipment are you running through it?

[codemonkey]

Thanks everyone, some great info here! I went with the cheapo one first linked; it's cheap enough that if it doesn't work well I haven't lost much. If it doesn't work so well I'll eventually upgrade to one of the better ones when I have the spare change.

[rally]

+1
Been using these for a few years

[Logieberra]

Peter. I got the Mbeat over the weekend. Loving it! No funky dropouts. Devices start normally on Win8 system restart and power up. Devices operate as though they were plugged directly into the MacMini, as they should. I especially like the chunky (fixed) usb cable of the Mbeat. The only quirk? When using my Canon 6D and SBIG STi. When the Canon files download to cpu I see momentary interference on the STi image at that time. All other STi images during guiding are OK. I need to look into this. It's not hub related. I plugged the Canon directly into MacMini usb port and the problem persisted. That aside, thanks for pointing out the Mbeat!

[ZeroID]

Just a bit of advice here. Always plug the same device into the same port it used last time. Due to the port number re-assignment process changing ports can eventually cause some issue as the list of changes accumulates at the PC. Just good practice and reduces problems. :thumbsup:

[rustigsmed]

I need to invest in something like this, I have cords running everywhere and they aren't long enough, are there issues in using an extension usb cord to get the hub to a laptop?

cheers

[Shiraz]

I use a Officeworks passive extension cable to run to my Belkin hub and it works fine. Might be better to splash out on an active extender though. I have everything mounted on the scope and It is such a pleasure to have one USB and a power cord to connect to the system.

[codemonkey]

Thanks mate, appreciate that. This is probably a silly question, but is this something inherent in USB, or OS specific?

[Logieberra]

I added a 1m extension cable to mine. Nil issues. The hub is 5v mains powered. Perhaps that helps...

[peter_4059]

I've been using two of these for 4+years without any issues:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-4-Port-Hi-Speed-Mobile-F5U404-BLK/dp/B000SAB34O

[rustigsmed]

thanks guys, i'll give it a go, I've got no issue with using a powered hub as I rarely venture from home. any suggestions on how to mount the usb hub (plus usb shuttercontrol) on the scope/mount? i'm fairly handyman challenged and don't have a permanent setup.

[Slawomir]

Hi Russell,

I attached my USB hub to telescope rigs. It allowed me to use shorter cords and to have less cables hanging off the mount.

[Eden]

The majority of "unpowered" USB hubs are designed for basic peripherals like mouse, keyboard and USB memory sticks. If you're going to run your mount, focuser and several cameras at once, a powered USB hub is practically a must-have. If you need to run an extension from the hub which is longer than 2 meters, an active USB extension is recommended. It doesn't have to expensive or fancy, but getting a powered hub will minimize the chance of mysterious device drop-outs in mid session.

[Eden]

This shouldn't happen on modern iterations of Windows but folks who are still running Windows XP on their obs PC may encounter issues if you have a high number of USB devices with frequent port changes over a long period.

At worst it will just create superfluous registry entries, any other behavior is likely a fault of the USB device itself. On newer versions of Windows you can display these placeholder devices by selecting the "Show Phantom Devices" menu entry in Device Manager, but under normal circumstances there shouldn't be a need to remove them.

[PeterM]

My MBeat is securely held by heavy duty velcro to the back of the scope. Its much more tidy and usb cables can be kept to .5m. A 5m Lindy active cable then runs back to the laptop.

[rustigsmed]

thanks gents, it has given me some ideas, I might also look into incorporating a 'thermal sleeve' like on Greg's new scope. :thumbsup:

[Meru]

I tried many many different hubs, found the Belkin range to work without any hassles (recommended by another IIS member). Been using it with any and every USB peripheral for my imaging rig for over two years. They also offer a 7-port version too.

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/belkin-4-port-desktop-usb-hub-bef4u020

I personally avoid having anything on my scope to reduce the stress on the mount and have opted to use a single loom to feed all my USB cables from the scope to the hub/computer. By far the best investment ever made, not having to fumble around and connect 6-7 cables at every session!

http://www.jaycar.com.au/Wire%2C-Cable-%26-Accessories/Cable-Accessories/Loom-Tubes/WRAP-LOOM-BRAIDED-VELCRO-32MM-1-5M-BLK/p/WH5654

[Logieberra]

I do the opposite. My goal has been to reduce through the mount cabling to a minimum, to reduce any drag during tracking. I have two scopes with cameras + many bits operating from my mount and only 2 cables going through the mount. 12v accessory power and Mbeat hub. It also means that if I want to disassemble and do portable - less fiddling around. I'll take a pic later to explain. The Rigrunner and this new 7port Mbeat make it all possible (p.s. last night I realised I'm using 6 of the 7 ports on Mbeat and unpowered! Yet working perfectly with a 1m non-usb active extension! Funny how all our experiences differ on usb hubs. A bit like those of us who've owned magic refractors which allegedly outperform much larger scopes... :))

[Logieberra]

MBeat usb hub (unpowered) doing its job on the RC12":-

Single 12v cable distributing power to accessories through the Rigrunner:-

Only 2 cables travelling thought mount - USB extension for hub, and 12v cable to driver rigrunner (minimal drag on tracking):-

[nandopg]

Hi,
I use a powered (5 Amps) Anker 7 ports USB-3 hub. All my stuff like filter wheel, electric focuser, rotator, guider, main ccd, etc... are connected to this hub, which is attached to one leg of the tripod using large cable ties. The connection between the hub and the laptop is made through a 1.8m male to female USB-3 cable. This approach was the end of cables flying around.

Fernando

[peter_4059]

Logan,

I notice the MBeat has USB3 and USB2 ports - does it have a single USB connection to the computer or one for each USB3/2?

[Logieberra]

Single usb cable to the CPU.
All 7 ports also have a manual on/off button too.

[peter_4059]

How does it manage different USB speeds through one connection? Does it drop back the whole hub if you plug in a USB1 device? I've never worked out how to tell if a device is USB 1 or 2?

[Logieberra]

I don't think it drops back. It supports usb2 and usb3 connections, at the same time, depending on your device. All I can say is that it just works, which is a first for me on hubs.

[RobF]

Nice scope set up there Logan, on a great mount.

The MBeat certainly seems tempting - I guess the option to power is always there if need be. I don't think I could bring myself to cutting into power connectors to go all "rigrunner" though. Too timid! :eek:

[PeterM]

I have tried the MBeat with all USB 2 plugged in and with USB3 flash drive plugged in and it certainly doesn't drop the transfer rate on the USB3. I and several others I know have used them for astro for over a year and at the price with separate switches they have outperformed everything else.
I hope the OP has been able to get a good outcome for his needs.

[robgjames]

That's a lovely setup - thanks for sharing.

[Logieberra]

I made all my own cables and plugs, and used Rigrunner clips on the other end. Easy stuff. Jaycar have all the plug ends you could ever need. No need to butcher/cut the nice original cables that came with your accessories! :)

[acropolite]

Some heads up the afformentioned Mbeat is on special at the Mbeat site listed in PeterM's post, $29.95 free post.

http://www.mbeat.com.au/product/mbeat-7-port-usb3-0-usb2-0-hub-manager-with-switches/

[Logieberra]

You beauty. I'll be getting a 2nd, for my portable setup! Thanks Phil.

[PeterM]

Thanks for letting us know about this. Just ordered another for my Leyburn setup.

[rustigsmed]

Thanks for the heads up! Just ordered one :thumbsup:

Cheers

Russ

[RobF]

I see Kogan has these listed at $33 currently. Still very happy with mine. Works so well its never been dis-connected from the desktop for astro-duties actually :ashamed:

https://www.kogan.com/au/shop/tablets-laptops/