Hi Greg -I got sick and tired of USB problems - tried powered hubs and powered cables - etc --------- this is the solution I use, no more problems USB 2.0 or USB3.0 - it even has 2 serial outlets.
I use the Icron 2204 all the time. It was the very best hardware solution I have tried. It's currently running the mount, 2 imaging cameras, 2 guide cameras, and 2 focusers and a powered Digiport hub.
I use cables from Lindy, buy the most expensive ones with gold plating. Those seem to work really well.
I don't use hubs anymore. Cables to the computer but all nice and tidy. Hubs can and do frequently have problems in my experience. I tried a few but ditch them all and now don't have any problems.
Just to update this thread I thought I would pass on my results.
I ended up getting 2 powered USB hubs. One was a 10 port USB hub with only 3 ports of those powered from Jaycar.
I also got a powered USB extender cable , I think its 5 metres. Both of these worked fine.
I had already ordered online on EBay and got a Belkin 4 port USB hub. I googled best USB hub and it took me to a computer review site where they rated USB hubs. The Belkin was one of the top rated hubs.
Its smaller and lighter and I have attached it to the mount using Velcro straps also sold by Jaycar. It also works very well. So I plan to use it as its smaller and lighter and looks well made.
The powered USB extender cable I think was a key here. I must have been getting a voltage drop before as I could not connect an unpowered 4 port USB hub with a regular USB extender cable.
I've been using Belkin powered hubs since I first got my EQ6 about 6 years ago. Never had any issues with them. I use a 3m cable from the camera to the hub and then another 3m cable from the hub to the computer. I keep the imaging camera on its own cable/hub and everything else (guide camera, EQdirect, dew heater controller etc) on an another cable/hub.
The cables I'm using are also Belkin and I haven't changed any of them since I started. They have had a pretty hard life being out in the elements for many days/nights straight.
Use it to control imaging camera with integrated filter wheel, guide camera, mount, electronic rotator and electronic focuser. Never had any problems with it and run it in the past with a longish (5-10 m, don't remember exactly) extension cord too.
I've been using Belkin powered hubs since I first got my EQ6 about 6 years ago. Never had any issues with them. I use a 3m cable from the camera to the hub and then another 3m cable from the hub to the computer. I keep the imaging camera on its own cable/hub and everything else (guide camera, EQdirect, dew heater controller etc) on an another cable/hub.
The cables I'm using are also Belkin and I haven't changed any of them since I started. They have had a pretty hard life being out in the elements for many days/nights straight.
Peter
Belkin rate highly in comparisons on the net. Its a nicely made and compact little unit.
