Has anyone tried using Ethernet USB Extenders? - Forums

Topic starter

Sep 15, 2020

Hi,

I have a portable astroimaging set-up and use a USB 2.0 extension cable to connect from my lap-top (indoors) to a HitechAstro MountHub Pro (outdoors on the mount).

Recently this connection method has become rather unreliable, mostly the Mount Hub Pro not being recognised on first connection and less often device connections failing during use, especially the filter wheel. I've tried different cables etc but not found a reliable set-up.

Instead of a USB cable connection I have been wondring if a better solution might be to purchase some Etheret USB extenders, for example:

https://cpc.farnell.com/unbranded/usb2-boost/extender-usb2-0-over-cat-5e-6/dp/CS26918?mckv=sfdf8o5rR_dc|pcrid|395592299468|kword||match||plid||slid||product|CS26918|pgrid|88373057208|ptaid|pla-862488043630|&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhOLHsafr6wIVjN_tCh3LDwnDEAQYBCABEgIh8PD_BwE

Hs anyone tried this approach and found it reliable?

Alternatively, I guess the more costly option is to purchase a NUC and use a Wi Fi based connection and remote desk-top.

Thanks for any helpful feedback or other suggestions.

Mike

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Oscar Petersson (Peson.Astro)

Sep 15, 2020

A cheaper alternative might be to get a Raspberry Pi and run Astroberry. Attach a powerbank (unless you have a power supply with a 3A@5V line), velcro it to the rig, and you're good to go!

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David Goldstein

Sep 16, 2020 · Edited: Sep 16, 2020

Make sure each USB hub you use is powered. I have 2 in my configuration. Very reliable, very inexpensive.

OutragedJW

Sep 16, 2020

Yes, the key is to get something good, vs mediocre. I bought one recently, distance isn't far. But was further than usb 2.0 spec. It works like it's connected direct. One end is powered from the usb port of the laptop, other is powered by an ac/dc adapter. It does power from the port, but I used the supplied adapter for reliability.

Richard Sweeney

Sep 16, 2020

I have two of these and no issues since they were installed about 3 years ago.

https://www.startech.com/en-ie/cards-adapters/usb2004extv

Ruediger

Sep 16, 2020

Hi,

I had medium success when using UBS-over-IP. Some cameras did not work with it. Also there is some delay.
Lately I have switched to extenders, which keep the USB protocol, but use different transportation media.

USB2:
I use Lindy USB Extender over CAT5 wiring up to 100m. Works excellent and completely flawless.
https://www.lindy.de/100m-4-Port-USB-2-0-Cat-5-Extender-.htm?websale8=ld0101&pi=42700&ci=5003

USB3:
I use Lindy extender over fiber optics: https://www.lindy.de/350m-Fibre-Optic-USB-3-0-Extender.htm?websale8=ld0101&pi=42708&ci=5003

Advantage you have a galvanic separation and huge range (350m).
Disadvantages: extremely expensive and I noticed after connecting my ZWO it fails for the very first download over native ZWO driver. All consecutive exposures or via ASCOM work flawless. So no issue, just needed to be aware of.

Conclusion: The Lindy extenders work quite well for me, though they are very expensive. But they do there job and you do not need any driver. It is a pure hardware solution. I had talked to technical support of Lindy to explained my needs and got there confirmation it works.

If you search the internet and do not buy in the Lindy shop you can purchase both units for half the price.

For me INDIGO was also an option, but download of the huge frames of the ASI6200 via WiFi was the show stopper. The transfer speed is definitely too slow. Otherwise any RasPi alternative would would be very seductive. Second, there are no real good Client Programs to handle all INDI/INDIGO devices. Most of the orchestral SW is based on ASCOM - unfortunately.

Cheers
Rüdiger

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David Goldstein

Sep 16, 2020

David Goldstein:
Make sure each USB hub you use is powered. I have 2 in my configuration. Very reliable, very inexpensive.

Correction to my post, I am running bookended USB hubs, I misread your post. Exactly how far are you having to run your cables and between what and what?

All my gear currently USB connects to a powered USB2 hub at the mount, (camera, guide camera, mount, electronic focuser), and then I run a single USB cable back to my laptop where it plugs into a USB3 hub.

Tolga

Sep 16, 2020

Why not use a local computer and remote into it? Many cameras run better and more reliable if they don't go through any hubs. I would highly recommend a small computer like Primaluce Lab Eagle or Intel Nuc type i5 and plugging the equipment directly to the computer. Most manufacturers won't even troubleshoot a problem if you are using a hub.

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Carl Weber

Sep 17, 2020

I use a powered USB extender with Cat5 cable in my observatory. I used a 15ft long USB cable coming from my mount, passing thru conduit under the slab and then up to the computer the connection was unreliable. I was constantly having connection problems and have a drawer full of used and spare USB cables. I don't know if it was humidity related or just a bunch of bad cables but I went thru a lot of them.
When I switched over to a powered extender there has not been a problem since. I even bought a second extender as a backup but haven't needed it (thankfully). They were bought from Amazon for about $60 each so not real expensive. For my setup, I will never be without it.

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KuriousGeorge

Sep 17, 2020

http://www.icron.com/products/icron-brand/usb-extenders/

Carl Weber

Sep 17, 2020

A number of posts are conflating powered USB hubs with USB extenders. They are not one in the same. The extenders use a CAT5 Ethernet cable between the transmitter and receiver ends of the unit. The benefit to that is that the CAT5 is much more robust as well as not having a total length handicap. You could run 300 ft of cable and it would still work. It uses it's own power wart so it is not dependent on power coming thru the USB connection. The Icron extenders that Kurious George referred to are probably the best there is but are pricey. If I ever have to upgrade my system I will definitely go that route. For now, the Amazon unit works fine.

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