USB cables-need longer length

hotspur (Chris) · #1 13-05-2011, 08:23 AM

Just wondering if its possible to buy or have made up,USB cables about 6 to 7 metres long.I have been slowly getting back into AP over last few weeks,setting up gear in observatory,I now have a hub on top of main scope,which has camera cable and SSAG going into it,and a cable from hube to lap top,but its not that long-if I have a longer one I can get more comfort and space around scope pier.

Also any hints or tips or images to post on clean tidy cable management please!There are certainly now more cables than I have ever had before! -Dew heaters,power supply,USB there everywhere!

Thanks Chris

Marke (Mark) · #2 13-05-2011, 10:05 AM

It sure is and up to just about any length.
Try Lindy at www.lindy.com.au/usb_firewire.htm

rally · #3 13-05-2011, 10:26 AM

Chris,

5m for USB is usually the maximum limit - line losses, electromagnetic interference and signal timing issues

You could make your own and see how you go with losses
Most electronics stores sell the USB connecters and USB cable.

Usually after 5m you need a hub or a USB extender cable (repeater) which can go 15m I think

But maybe you might get a bit extra with luck

Certainly if you start getting communications and USB errors and problems consider that as a possible first cause.

Otherwise for long distances look at the USB to ethernet to USB adapters - they are bought as a pair.

DavidTrap (David) · #4 13-05-2011, 10:53 AM

I've looked at the Lindy stuff and will probably get some in due course - as I want a 20metre cable run to go from my backyard into the dining room.

The cheaper alternative is a 5m powered or active extension from Dick Smiths or Jaycar and plug your hub into that.

Ideally you would get a powered hub as well, but see if the hub you have works with a 5 meter powered extension before committing more dollars to the problem. I think Mike W uses a 5 metre powered extension and a non-powered hub.

As for cable management - try starting with cable ties or strips of the velco that sticks to itself.

DT

Marke (Mark) · #5 13-05-2011, 11:53 AM

Actually the Lindy 8m Lindy cabels have electronics built into the connectors
to allow for the long lengths which is why you can join more than 1 together
without the need for a powered hub

multiweb (Marc) · #6 13-05-2011, 12:03 PM

Lindy does some good stuff. You have to be careful with those active USB extensions. They are detected as a hub when you plug them in so there is the USB discovery process involved and also they don't work with everything down the line.

hotspur (Chris) · #7 14-05-2011, 06:53 PM

Thanks all,Thanks Mark for Lindy link,that looks handy.

Looks like a 5m 'powered cable' will do the job.I currently have two 1.8 m cables from DS joined together with tape,so they do not pull apart,(starting to sound a bit dodgy!!).But after a few demos last Wednesday,it appears its worth the expense to get better set up in the observatory.

I should have enough slack at base of pier,for slewing,and enough cable to get me under roof part of observatory to a desk and out of a bit of the cold and dew. Chris

RobF (Rob) · #8 14-05-2011, 07:10 PM

I routinely use a Jaycar 5m active extender cable in my setup. Like Marc says it takes a few seconds to recognise each time, so I usually plug it in first then my (unpowered) hub. QHY9, EQMOD, SSAG and FCUSB all run happily. I have to re-register devices if I run without the extender though, so I leave it in "circuit" even if I'm working close to the mount.

Nice to be able to get me and the lappy inside when at home in summer or middle of winter though

multiweb (Marc) · #9 14-05-2011, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobF

Nice to be able to get me and the lappy inside when at home in summer or middle of winter though

I have the scope under the skies, the lappy under the veranda and I have a mapped drive via wireless network on a PC inside so I watch TV, and check the subs coming in. I try to keep the cabling between the laptop and the mount/scope simple and as short as possible.

RobF (Rob) · #10 14-05-2011, 07:51 PM

Yeah, I realise its a bit naughty Marc with the length and unpowered hub to boot, but it seems to work well, and I need the length to get my laptop inside where its secure if I go off to bed. I just don't feel safe leaving it outside, and figure all the alarms will wake me if someone messes with the gear hopefully. I have had ultraVNC going to run it all from the upstairs desktop, but usually I'm either imaging and sitting with the gear, or tired and off to bed to leave it do its thing in peace.

hotspur (Chris) · #11 17-05-2011, 03:06 PM

RE USB cables

how about his one?????

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5M-Metre-Hi-Sp...ht_2724wt_1089

or this one????

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-Metre-USB-2-...6#ht_500wt_922

I have spoken to quite a few Astronomers with EOS cam and SSAG and using the cheaper one here,and had no issues at all.

The top one looks like something people refer to in this thread,any advice on which one would be good.

Thanks-Chris

DavidTrap (David) · #12 17-05-2011, 09:02 PM

The 5 pound one looks like what you need Chris - only 4957 remaining though - you'll have to be quick!

DT

hotspur (Chris) · #13 18-05-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

The 5 pound one looks like what you need Chris - only 4957 remaining though - you'll have to be quick!

DT

LOL!