usb3 over 3m

[alacant]

Hi everyone.

I've a mount hub to computer connection with a usb3 female on the mount. i want to connect this to a computer around 3m away. 
A 3m usb3 cable doesn't work.

A 0.5m usb3 cable connected to a 3m usb2 cable works.

Apart from moving the computer closer to the mount -which puts it out of reach of the guy's vnc over wifi- what options do I have for usb3 between mount and computer?

Cheers

Edited April 4, 2023 by alacant

[Budgie1]

Use an Active USB 3 cable. This powered and will transfer the data without issue. 

I had a 15m Active USB 3 cable which was powered by a laptop at one end and a USB3 hub at the other. This worked fine, even down to -5°C in the winter.  

[malc-c]

As Martin has mentioned, anything over 3m ideally should be an active cable regardless of which USB standard is being used.

[alacant]

4 hours ago, Budgie1 said:

Active USB 3 cable

OK and thanks for the reply.

I'm being particularly thick today so I can't find one.

It appears simple enough now I know what I'm looking for, but seems impossible to find.

A 3m active usb3 cable with these plugs at either end.

I've tried in English and Spanish... nada.

Any ideas?

TIA

 

Edited April 4, 2023 by alacant

[doublevodka]

Shouldn't need an active cable for only a 3M run really, FLO has some non-active ones going up to 5M

 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/search/for/usb+a+to+b+cable/

[malc-c]

2 minutes ago, doublevodka said:

Shouldn't need an active cable for only a 3M run really, FLO has some non-active ones going up to 5M

 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/search/for/usb+a+to+b+cable/

The post title states the OP is looking for cables over 3m.

I found this 5m one with the same type B plug but at 100 euros it's not cheap !!

But then found this for £7.34, but although 5m it doesn't state if its an active cable or not.  The Start Tech active cable is £85 off Amazon  or £42  from this listing on Amazon, but stock is limited  Or a 10m Active USB 3 cable from Lindy for £30.84 here

Hope that helps

[scotty38]

Do you need or want USB3? If there's no real need then why not just use a USB2 cable? I know folk have mentioned the distance but if the USB2 works it'll certainly be more cost effective than an active cable.

Forgot to say and it may be obvious but a USB2 cable will fit and work fine in a USB3 port.

Edited April 4, 2023 by scotty38

[alacant]

6 minutes ago, scotty38 said:

Do you need or want USB3

For taking video of a planet, it would be nice. Otherwise 5 minute frames of a galaxy present no problem over usb2.

Dunno. Still thinking...

 

[Carbon Brush]

To add....

USB2 is slower data than USB3. That makes it more tolerant of cable losses.

If you are sending relatively few commands, like controlling a mount and sending a few camera commands, a slow data rate is fine.
If you want to live stream high resolution video, you need a high data rate.

Cheap cables often give problems when pushed to the limit.
A 'known name' screened cable is essential.
The cheap stuff is best regarded as OK for low power charging, or a short length.

In the grand schemme of astrophotography spend, and few clear nights, why chance it?
If you have spent >£1000 on a scope, mount and camera, why fuss about even £100 on decent cables?

HTH, David.

[scotty38]

4 minutes ago, alacant said:

For taking video of a planet, it would be nice. Otherwise 5 minute frames of a galaxy present no problem over usb2.

Dunno. Still thinking...

 

I was hoping you wouldn't say video but you just had to didn't you 🙂 🙂 

[Budgie1]

1 hour ago, alacant said:

OK and thanks for the reply.

I'm being particularly thick today so I can't find one.

It appears simple enough now I know what I'm looking for, but seems impossible to find.

A 3m active usb3 cable with these plugs at either end.

I've tried in English and Spanish... nada.

Any ideas?

TIA

 

StarTech do this 5m version: StarTech.com 5m 15 ft Active USB 3.0 USB-A to USB-B Cable

Strangely, their 10m version is cheaper on Amazon's UK site.

I got the 15m version of THIS ONE which came with a PSU, but I use it as an extension between the laptop & USB hub, rather than a direct connection to a camera or other piece of kit. 

Edited April 4, 2023 by Budgie1
Helps if you actually add the link to the text!

[bomberbaz]

I have used a cable similar to this although it's 5 metres.

Cable. It isn't a powered cable, but I have streamed video with it although as yet not recorded high speed video.