USB extension cables

[Professor_Fate]

Have any of you guys used USB extension cables in your pit?  If so, have you had any problems with the longer cables?

Fate

[JBaymore]

Professor,

I have a bunch running.  No problems.  I do use only powered hubs though.

best,

................john

[Professor_Fate]

Sounds good.  Aside from power reductions, I was worrying that longer cables might pick up some interference.  I don't have much option other than to use extensions, so I'll give it a shot with the powered hub and see how it goes.

Thanks!

Fate

[beaky]

Another solution, about the same cost as powered USB hubs, is to use converter/extenders that kick the signal over Cat 5 cable. I use this technology at work all the time for keyboard/mouse signals as well as audio and video. Definitely more solid over longer distances than any kind of USB setup.
If you've set up an ethernet network between multiple machines for your 'pit, this type of interface can also allow you to buss those signals over the network, if that would make things easier or more streamlined.

There are single-channel, multichannel, powered, passive... I could only recommend prosumer-priced stuff, so I'd suggest Googling "Cat 5 USB extender" for a look at more reasonably-priced stuff.


On a side note: your avatar triggered a very dim memory that recently erupted fully when I recently watched The Great Race for the first time in something like thirty years... LOL!! I think the best part was the bomb stuck in the dirigible... or maybe the rocket sled... yes, the rocket sled...