USB extension cable question - Page 2

peter_4059 (Peter) · #21 29-08-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dugnsuz

I use 2 linked USB extender cables with no problems - Laptop to 3 port hub on telescope (DSLR/Webcam/GPUSB)

Approx $25 each at Jaycar.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView...e&form=KEYWORD

Doug

Thanks Doug - I had a look at the catalogue - do you know if these Jaycar devoices are USB2 compliant?

Peter

MrB (Simon) · #22 29-08-2009, 03:23 PM

Peter, USB1.1, 12Mbit/s max.

peter_4059 (Peter) · #23 29-08-2009, 07:06 PM

Thanks for the heads-up Simon. I'm assuming this one is really USB2 compliant based on the high-speed (480Mbps) support?

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.st...ct/View/XH8199

MrB (Simon) · #24 29-08-2009, 07:21 PM

Yep, that one looks like a goer

I'm kinda surprised the Jaycar one is not USB2 compliant(according to the website & printed catalogue anyway), will have a look at it's packaging on Monday, they were recently re-sourced.

peter_4059 (Peter) · #25 29-08-2009, 07:35 PM

Cheers Simon. I'm planning to pick up three tomorrow.

Peter

DavidU (Dave) · #26 29-08-2009, 07:39 PM

A tip for you fellas buying from Jaycar.
I purchace from Electus
http://www.electusdistribution.com.au/
They supply Jaycar and getting an account will give you quite a saving.
Note all the part numbers are the same. They are in Sydney. Buying from Electus has saved my company $++++++.

MrB (Simon) · #27 29-08-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidU

They supply Jaycar.....

Yes and No, 'tis the same company.
Jaycar was formed when Gary Johnston(a former Dick Smith employee, and close friend) bought John Carr Pty. Ltd in the 80's.
Electus was set up as the wholesale/distribution, Jaycar is now just retail.
There's also GadgetCentral.

peter_4059 (Peter) · #28 30-08-2009, 11:48 AM

Well I tried the DSE extender cable this morning and while it works with most of my devices the DSI II pro definately doesn't like it. The camera is recognised by the pc and the driver installs correctly however I don't get any signal on the live view screen. When I connect the camera the old way it works fine. Not that surprising - the DSI is a very fickle bit of kit.

troypiggo (Troy) · #29 30-08-2009, 12:28 PM

One word - DBK21

Sorry it didn't work out for ya. Man that DSI II USB connection is touchy.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #30 30-08-2009, 01:15 PM

try something SILLY

put a hub on the end of your cable - then attach your camera

geoff

peter_4059 (Peter) · #31 30-08-2009, 01:18 PM

Geoff,

I tried it with a powered hub on the end but still no good. I can make do with it as is so have decided to stop meddling (for now).

Peter

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #32 30-08-2009, 01:51 PM

Peter

did you try an unpowered hub ?

i had a similar problem with a webcam yesterday

cam connected to extension lead was not recognised
as soon as i put a four port hub on it (end of the lead then camera) - the camera was detected

geoff

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #33 30-08-2009, 02:16 PM

ok - retract a bit

i was using a usb extension cable NOT an EXTENDER cable

geoff

TheDecepticon · #34 30-08-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troypiggo

One word - DBK21

Sorry it didn't work out for ya. Man that DSI II USB connection is touchy.

As I've said before, and no it is NOT marketing, it is NOT the DSI that has the touchy connection, you are NOT using the correct cables. Do a thorough search around on the net and you will see what I mean. Many USB2 cables are only 1.1 compatible. High Speed for USB2 was an afterthought, so you will get cables that don't comply. If it doesn't have High Speed USB2 on the cable ends, it probably won't work. If it works, good, it is an unmarked compliant cable. But as I said, don't take my word for it, look it up yourselves.

troypiggo (Troy) · #35 30-08-2009, 02:41 PM

Err, I was using the cable that came with the DSI II. Are you implying they shipped incorrect leads with their product?

TheDecepticon · #36 30-08-2009, 03:00 PM

If you were using the cable that came with the DSI, it should be working. If it is not functioning correctly, it may be the port on your computer or a faulty cable. I'm sorry Troy, I've run DSI cameras a long time and it is generally user's lack of knowledge and a readiness to blame the product instead of looking past their nose and sniffing out the real faults.

Try another cable and another PC. Did you "hot plug" your DSI after the installation and do you always use the same port?

troypiggo (Troy) · #37 30-08-2009, 03:14 PM

I should point out firstly that it's Peter, not me, that's the OP in this thread.

Second, I'm not really having a problem with it. It works and communicates fine on any and every port on my netbook.

Thirdly, I think that by "flakey", Peter may at least in part be referring to it being very touchy and losing connection. I know that if I slewed to some weird angle and the cable was even slightly pulled in a certain direction, the connection would just drop. It's like the cable to camera connection is a little loose. I believe he is also having other issues, but I can't speak for him.

I mentioned the DBK21 as a bit of a private joke between he and I. You weren't to know that.

Tandum (Robin) · #38 30-08-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDecepticon

As I've said before, and no it is NOT marketing, Many USB2 cables are only 1.1 compatible.

There is no such thing as usb1 and usb2 cables, they are all usb cables.

Here is a cut/paste from usb.org.

2: Aren't the requirements for cables different at the new higher speed or will Original USB cables work with Hi-Speed USB?
A: Fully compliant Original USB cables will work fine at Hi-Speed USB speeds.

MrB (Simon) · #39 30-08-2009, 03:25 PM

Dunno, I think there's gotta be a difference for longer runs, better shielding from interference and better protection from crosstalk between wires within the cable.
Don't know that for sure... just guessing... but it makes sense.

peter_4059 (Peter) · #40 30-08-2009, 03:46 PM

The DSE cable makes all the right claims and works fine with my other devices. I use is successfully with Belkin 3m USB -> Belkin 4 port powered hub -> Belkin 3m USB cable -> Laptop no problem. I was hoping to swap the second 3m cable for an active 5m USB extender cable however despite the camera being recognised by the computer and the correct drivers loading I just get a black live view screen. I swap back to the old 3m cable and same setup works perfectly.

The issue Troy referrs to with the flakey USB connection is a common problem. If you disturb the USB connection at the camera end it drops out and then requires a reboot of the laptop for the camera to be recognised. I know Allan fried a camera this way and another colleague had a similar problem at astrofest with this. I think the issue is with the USB socket on the camera - it doesn't seem to be deep enough for a standard USB plug to make a firm connection.