Altair Hypercam 183c [fan cooled] - cable issues

[brenski]

I'm a bit bemused by this one.

Recently bought a Hypercam 183c [fan cooled] camera from Altair, however the USB lead I'm trying to use cuts out at random intervals.
this is the one i currently use with my Zwo183mc and SVBony 205 without any issue at all
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-43098-Active-Cable-Type/dp/B07B95S2NP/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=lindy powered usb 3 cable&qid=1690280715&sr=8-5&fbclid=IwAR3wlozee6DQpRT3ecoQPXG661zN4O5UQxRZ2IV-bJ1oBBE0oRjuI4jcTFg

However, the Hypercam is a frustrating story and Altair are suggesting my only way forward is with one of their cables meaning another outlay of £125

https://www.altairastro.com/altair-5m-usb30-optical-cable-for-cmos-cameras-type-ab-12309-p.asp?fbclid=IwAR0DG1cRVY4ntQW-AtijTHCGh-Owclsoghs7niy6tykmftkOa8VJbnZH3h8

why are Altair cameras different with regard to cable compatibility? Anyone know a way to get the Lindy cable working?

If not, does anyone know of a cheaper-priced cable that does work with the 183?

[Budgie1]

How do you have this connected? Is the active USB cable running direct from a laptop/PC to the camera or are you running it through a powered USB hub at the mount? 

I used to run a 15m USB3 cable which was connected to a laptop at one end and a powered USB3 hub at the mount. This used to run just fine, with no drop outs, because it was powered from both ends.

The maximum recommended unpowered distance for USB3 is 5m, so if you're only connecting direct to the camera without any power injection at the mount then it's likely to suffer drop outs, even though you're using an active cable.

This is the 10m version of the cable I bought. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BLPSVFS/ref=twister_B079WCPST4?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

[brenski]

Hi Martin

 

thanks for your reply. it's direct PC to camera (no usb hub). This is the same setup that runs the Zwo and SVBony cameras without issue. The Altair, though is a different outcome.

[Budgie1]

It's likely that the Altair requires more power to run the camera and the fan. The power drop over the 10m length of the cable may well mean that not enough is getting to the camera.

I take it the ZWO ASI183MC & SVBony 205 don't have fans and or coolers fitted?

Edited July 25, 2023 by Budgie1

[brenski]

Hi

the Zwo definitely has a fan, but runs off a separate cable.

I've heard from others that their Altair cameras work with a 10m USB  - so it's a mystery.

 

[nitram100]

17 hours ago, brenski said:

I'm a bit bemused by this one.

Recently bought a Hypercam 183c [fan cooled] camera from Altair, however the USB lead I'm trying to use cuts out at random intervals.
this is the one i currently use with my Zwo183mc and SVBony 205 without any issue at all
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-43098-Active-Cable-Type/dp/B07B95S2NP/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=lindy powered usb 3 cable&qid=1690280715&sr=8-5&fbclid=IwAR3wlozee6DQpRT3ecoQPXG661zN4O5UQxRZ2IV-bJ1oBBE0oRjuI4jcTFg

However, the Hypercam is a frustrating story and Altair are suggesting my only way forward is with one of their cables meaning another outlay of £125

https://www.altairastro.com/altair-5m-usb30-optical-cable-for-cmos-cameras-type-ab-12309-p.asp?fbclid=IwAR0DG1cRVY4ntQW-AtijTHCGh-Owclsoghs7niy6tykmftkOa8VJbnZH3h8

why are Altair cameras different with regard to cable compatibility? Anyone know a way to get the Lindy cable working?

If not, does anyone know of a cheaper-priced cable that does work with the 183?

I have the 183c fan cooled also and use the amazon basics cable and it works perfectly.

 

This exact cable i used last night, https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NH144GK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

I only use the 1.8m version so length may be your issue? The basics cable is cheap though so may be worth a try!

Edited July 26, 2023 by nitram100

[brenski]

hi, Nitram.

cable length is important as the location of the imaging camera is >5m from the imaging PC located in our garage.

so the 1.8m basics cable won't do

[brenski]

just an update to this:

 

for anyone with similar issues, this was my fix:

1] Lindy 10m active usb extn with 5v connector  https://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-10m-Active-Extension-Cable/dp/B00B9G4AZ0?th=1

2] USB Type-A Male to 3.5 x 1.35mm DC 5V 1A Plug Barrel Connector   https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08JKQHVFD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

♦ Connect 1 to PC and camera usb cable

♦ connect 2 to 10m 5v connector and other end to power tank.

So far, so good - having taken 100x captures it appears none have yet been dropped. Next step: try again longer exposures at night!