My powered hub - I need a longer cable!

[swag72]

Only the second outing in my obs, so some teething problems are coming to light, mostly concerning cables!

I have a powered hub, but the USB cable from the hub to the PC isn't long enough. I have looked on ebay and see thatt here is 2m and 5m cables.

Would either of these be OK or is there a maximum / optimum length of cable from a powered hub to the PC?

[Johnboy2011]

Have a look at Modern Astronomy, Bern is very helpfull, or pehaps Astronomiser.

John

[Macavity]

Make of it what you will? USB - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The following is also a handy thing to have around though:

5M USB 2.0 Active | Telescope Accessories | Rother Valley Optics

[Merlin66]

I went for a Lindy powered 5mtr USB cable for my powered hub. Seems to work very well.

[Stephen]

For USB2 the maximum length is 5m - over that and you're going to run into issues.

Belkin gold plated 5M go on eBay for about £5 and I use them all over the place.

[swag72]

Excellent, thanks for the replies folks - Have just ordered a Belkin cable off the Bay, should be with me in a few days - Cable issue will be sorted, almost - Just need to find some sticky back velcro out here now!!

[Merlin66]

You mean like this?

Velcro Black Stick On Tape 60215: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

[swag72]

Yep, just like that!! Going to see if I can find it out here next time I'm out and about.

[mark7331]

I use 2 x 5m active repeater cables for a 10m run. You can chain up to 5 together without problems.

One of the cables I use is from Amazon: 5m USB 2.0 Active Repeater Extension Cable - Premium Quality / High Speed: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

You can get active repeaters up to 25 meters but I haven't tried these.

Mark

[antimorris]

I have a 20m Active USB cable that I got from Amazon and use it occasionally from my scope setup (and the powered hub out there) to my living room when I need to be in and can't stay out with the scope. Even at that distance the active cable works great - no drops of cameras, scope, filter wheel from the hub or computer. I don't always use it as I prefer to be out with the scope under the stars, but when I need to be in I am glad I have the cable.

[swag72]

20M!!! Blimey!! And to think I was worrying about 5M!!

[James]

Active extender cables are magic - I tend to use one when out imaging and observing - the imaging rig is usually about 10 metres away so that I can't disturb it and everything else is at a little table near my visual scope

James

[Stephen]

20M!!! Blimey!! And to think I was worrying about 5M!!

20M "Active" cable - not regular cable

[brantuk]

Yup - same here - I use active usb cables - usually 10m is enough for me - no probs whatsoever - got them from astronomiser

[Earl]

I would like to point out that.

With USB what works for one may not work for another, I have always found it trial and error.

[swag72]

Hopefully the 3m one will work when it arrives. If not I can always look into the active ones.

Thanks as always for giving me another option!!

[Starbabe]

USB Cables, USB Adapters, USB to SATA, Express Cards, Hard Drive Enclosure - USBNow.co.uk has cheap active long USB cables.

If you go to an telescope shop you will get ripped off.. AVOID them

Astronomiser -> 5m USB 2.0 Active Repeater Extension Cable ASTUSBX5 £23.95

USB Now -> £10.20

www.usbnow.co.uk/Cables-USB_Cables/c1_2/p1600/5M_(NEC_Chipset)_Active_Extension_Cable/product_info.html

Or perhaps I should get into the SpaceMonsterCable business too

I am sure everybody here will say Space USB Cables are special... but each to their own Everybody likes to feel special