Long USB and high data connection issues - Page 2

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #21 22-07-2011, 12:19 AM

I have also seen these products as well. I still have my reservation on remote control of Canon or any other DSLR but I wait abated breath. I consulted a couple of specialist computer stores and they have not been able to say that DSLR or any other device can be controlled this way either.
I have no doubt that the long cable will work.

I hope with the weather being quite poor here that I am going to modify my Bluetooth EQASCOM connection to remote control DSLR, but that will be another test.

rogerg (Roger) · #22 22-07-2011, 09:47 AM

Isn't Bluetooth too low a bandwidth for it to be worth using ?

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #23 22-07-2011, 10:58 AM

Possibly but Canon already make a wireless interface for the DSLR camera but at $600.00 each is a bit much. Fortunately it won't cost me much to find out.

rogerg (Roger) · #24 22-07-2011, 11:09 AM

In theory you should max out at about 3Mbps as compared to the canon one which runs on ABG wifi at 54Mbps ... but like you say, will be interesting to see what you get.

Roger.

BlueAstra (Graham) · #25 27-07-2011, 10:28 PM

I’ve been following the conversation on long distance comms with some interest. I’ve had some success with USB repeater cables, but it was a bit hit and miss, depending mainly on the manufacturer of the cable. You could never be sure it would work until you tried it. In my case by far the best solution was a local PC, operated by remote desktop over network cable. It’s not without some issues of its own, but avoids many of the common USB issues.

The equipment setup is a ZBOX HD-1D11 (Atom D510 @ 1.66GHz, 2GB ram, 64GB SSD, XP operating system, 6 USB2 sockets) Nettop running:

Direct USB to Hitec EQDIR module/EQ6
Direct USB to Lodestar guide camera
Direct USB to SX-H16 CCD camera.
Direct USB to Canon 1000D (if fitted) or DMK camera (if fitted)
Direct USB to Powered 7 port Hub running:, SX Filter wheel, Gamepad, Shoestring FCUSB
Direct USB to Memory Stick

Software:
Maxim DL v5.14 running SX-H16 camera, SX filter wheel, EQ6 mount via EQMOD/POTH hub (sometimes EQ6 direct), Gamepad
PHD running Lodestar guide camera
FocusPal running FCUSB focusser
Windows remote desktop software
Canon camera control software
IC Capture (DMK)
Starry Night

The USB cables are generally 1-2m long. I current run the remote PC over a 10m network cable from a local (house) PC. Everything works well, and images are stored to the memory stick at the end of a session. I set up and tear down each session, and the PC stays with the scope in the shed. I’ve not had any issues with cold, moisture, etc, probably because of the heat generated within the Nettop. My only issue has been with trying to operate Starry Night, Windows remote desktop doesn’t like OpenGL. TeamViewer works though.

So from my personal point of view I can recommend the remote PC solution to long cable operation.

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #26 27-07-2011, 10:42 PM

Hi Graham,

Good observatory set-up. Local network is good for Remote desktop application although I am considering field operations. Minimal cabling to a single computer. I don't have an observatory as I rent so the only dark skies I can get when not raining is away from the burbs.

I am though considering redesigning my van to take a PC installed with wiring to the mount in a single cable loom and run a wireless keyboard and mouse and gamepad controller for EQMOD. I have just removed one of my 12V PC from duty going to clean it up and install in the car.

alistairsam · #27 27-07-2011, 10:45 PM

Hi graham

the remote PC is a workable solution but i think if we get the canon and other usb working over 802.11a/b/g/n wireless would be ideal.
I'll be testing it soon.
much higher bandwidth than bluetooth.

I use lantronix terminal servers for serial to ethernet over wireless and it works fine. as it has 16 ports, a number of serial devices can be interfaced.

I like teamviewer as well but for light connections, i find ultra vnc much quicker.

alistairsam · #28 27-07-2011, 10:51 PM

Malcolm,
the wireless kb/mouse is a good option as well, why not look at wireless kvm's? that way you'd need just one pc.

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #29 28-07-2011, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alistairsam

Hi graham

the remote PC is a workable solution but i think if we get the canon and other usb working over 802.11a/b/g/n wireless would be ideal.
I'll be testing it soon.
much higher bandwidth than bluetooth.

I use lantronix terminal servers for serial to ethernet over wireless and it works fine. as it has 16 ports, a number of serial devices can be interfaced.

I like teamviewer as well but for light connections, i find ultra vnc much quicker.

I have to agree that USB over Ethernet would be a far superior option for bandwidth although size and expense is a bit of a problem. I have a couple of Bluetooth modules that spec'd up to 3Mb/s throughput on USB 2.0 so I am hoping this will be enough for typical Astro applications. Just having problem getting it interfaced at the moment. Nothing available off the shelf either. Maybe it is not very popular for the majority of people.
Time is another issue as I have just commenced Uni studies (full on) although had enough time to make a small light-box tonight

spine · #30 28-07-2011, 05:49 AM

I use the Lindy USB extenders (at home and in a work enviroment) At home My runs are around 20 meters, and both work fine.

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #31 28-07-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spine

I use the Lindy USB extenders (at home and in a work enviroment) At home My runs are around 20 meters, and both work fine.

All nice options although for 20m for single or 4 port USB port the powered cable with a hub is far cheaper. There is no requirement to protocol change USB because the speed restriction are based on the end points. Will go no faster than the equipment that outputs at USB data rates.