USB hubs - what do I need ?

[astronobob]

Hi all,

I was once told many yrs ago when at my Obs out west at Leyburn, that if my USB leads (from cameras to lappy ect) were over 5mts in length, then they could lose transferring data bits due to the extended length ?

What was suggested to prevent this, was to employ/add a 'Powered USB Bus/Hub, multi-port" thingy :question:
Ive looked on web and am confused as most are only "powered usb bus's for charging stuff, ph's ect'
Apparently (if memory serves) I need one that adds 5volt power to the USB cables so the data transfer is Not lost !

Is this making sense, sorry for silly question, give me a ute and power tools and ill make something :work: but as for Puuta's ect, :rolleyes:

I have installed 3inch conduit from my Pier base under ground to Astro Control room; distance is only 3mtrs - 2mts underground and 1mt upto lappy. Then add 1mt up the Pier and another Mtr to scope cameras guiding etc, allowing slewing etc

I think it be wiser to run each camera, eqmod interface connection etc "separately" through the conduit, so the data transfering would be uncompromised and enter each dedicated separate USB port directly into the lappy :question:

I may need a few USB extension cables, some being 2mts, others maybe 3mts, depend on how long the cables are with each camera ect.

Any confirmations, Re: seperate cables', other thoughts or more tactful options would be appreciated !

Rgrds
Bob

[RobF]

Hi Bob

You need one of these. I've got a couple and they work well - let's me run things from the dining room table just inside.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Products/Connectivity/Cables-Leads/Powered-USB-Extension-Lead-10m/p/XC4120

There's a 5m model too, but 10m has always worked fine for me.
I don't expect to be running a superfast framerate planetary cam or similar mind you, but seems to cope with Mount hub pro controlling QHY9, QHY5II, and EQ6.

[Shiraz]

Hi Bob. I have a Belkin 7 port powered USB hub bolted onto my scope. All signals to and from camera, guider, focuser, filter wheel and mount go through a single lead between the PC and the hub - like Rob, I use a Jaycar extender cable for that lead. In this way, only a power cable and a single USB cable need to be free running up to the mount - all other cabling is tied down on the scope, leaving nothing much that can come adrift or snag on anything

[astronobob]

Thanx Rob & Ray,

Thats great Rob, I found this with-in the JCar Link, Active USB 3.0 Extension Lead 5m--> http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Products/Connectivity/Cables-Leads/Active-USB-3-0-Extension-Lead-5m/p/XC4126
Looks good so should handle the Zwo Asi usb3 cam, when i get one - soon !

Ray, your Belkin port hub I checked up with Office works, they seem to have them, tho not sure if handle usb3 rates, one person asked the question within their website, got two replies, one said it does support USB3 and the other says it doesN't, Lol.
Anyway, sorry, didnt think to mention the need for USB 3 in 1st post, (Only that Rob mentioned fast frame rates got me thunking further, Lol ) my bad ;)

Somthing like this -->http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/mbeat-stick-4-port-usb3-0-hub-ambhub43st
Only 4 ports, but should scrape it in, tho doesnt mention if its powered or not ? Ill make sure to mention need a powered one if they have in my price range & ill see if JCar has something whilst in there :thumbsup:

Appreaciate both your supporting feedback Rob & Ray :cheers:

[astronobob]

Cheers again Guy's
I got what I needed from Jcar today, a 5mt active extension cable USB3 and a 4 port powered USB3 Hub !
All up 53 bucks - one step closer to the nightmare of figuring ascomm and scope control :face::lol: