14 replies to this topic

[COLTONK]

Has any used a USB extender?

 

I am just now starting to look at them and know very little about them. My mount (AM5) and accessories are all ZWO products (ASIAir, ZWO EAF and ASI2600duo). I am getting a lot of reconnect messages using the AsiAir app and system hang-up's using my laptop/remote desktop, ethernet cable and Mini-PC mounted on the scope so I am trying to find some way to get my mount and accessories connect to my laptop without using the ASIAir app/bluestack  or remote desktop (using the Mini-pc, ethernet cable to my laptop). I dont have any issues using my laptop, ethernet cable and the ASIAir and ASIAir app but I would like to use a different software than the ASIAir app.

 

Does the USB Extender allow two way communication between the laptop and scope, mount and accessories? I see them on Amazon and just looking at the pictures it looks more like a one-way control system. The transmitter has a USB connection and ethernet connection and the receiver has the USB ports and an ethernet connection (this seem typical for all the ones Ive seen). The receiver has to go at the scope end because of the USB ports and accessories. Since it is a transmitter/receiver combo this leads me to believe its a one-way control system.

 

Colton

[redcap1947]

Hello, Explorer1,

 

I use a long USB 3.0 extender between my laptop and my scope. I had not yet graduated to an ASIAir or any other wifi type communication. My 10ft extender connects to a USB 3.0 hub I have velcroed to my scope and attached my camera and focuser to it. My iOptron AZ Mount Pro is connected with the 9 pin serial to headphone jack supplied with the mount. I have had no problems with anything being degraded or dropping out.

[OregonAstronomer]

Has any used a USB extender?

 

I am just now starting to look at them and know very little about them. My mount (AM5) and accessories are all ZWO products (ASIAir, ZWO EAF and ASI2600duo). I am getting a lot of reconnect messages using the AsiAir app and system hang-up's using my laptop/remote desktop, ethernet cable and Mini-PC mounted on the scope so I am trying to find some way to get my mount and accessories connect to my laptop without using the ASIAir app/bluestack  or remote desktop (using the Mini-pc, ethernet cable to my laptop). I dont have any issues using my laptop, ethernet cable and the ASIAir and ASIAir app but I would like to use a different software than the ASIAir app.

 

Does the USB Extender allow two way communication between the laptop and scope, mount and accessories? I see them on Amazon and just looking at the pictures it looks more like a one-way control system. The transmitter has a USB connection and ethernet connection and the receiver has the USB ports and an ethernet connection (this seem typical for all the ones Ive seen). The receiver has to go at the scope end because of the USB ports and accessories. Since it is a transmitter/receiver combo this leads me to believe its a one-way control system.

 

Colton

Hi Colton,

 

When I am at my central Oregon dark sky site (not too far from you, btw) I run two rigs. The one outside the observatory via WiFi and Remote Desktop with a scope-side mini-PC and the one inside wired directly to the laptop in the warm room. Since I don't like to run the USB 3.0 data from the camera through a hub, the camera has its own dedicated, powered, USB3, sixty foot extension cable. All the other USB 2 connections (mount, focuser, guider, filter wheel) connect through a StarTech.com USB 2 powered extender (Model number USB2004extv). Since the extender works over Cat5 or 6 cable, I use a sixty foot ethernet cable to connect both ends. Been working flawlessly with multiple cameras, mounts, computers, etc for years.

 

Arnie

 

[COLTONK]

Hi Colton,

 

When I am at my central Oregon dark sky site (not too far from you, btw) I run two rigs. The one outside the observatory via WiFi and Remote Desktop with a scope-side mini-PC and the one inside wired directly to the laptop in the warm room. Since I don't like to run the USB 3.0 data from the camera through a hub, the camera has its own dedicated, powered, USB3, sixty foot extension cable. All the other USB 2 connections (mount, focuser, guider, filter wheel) connect through a StarTech.com USB 2 powered extender (Model number USB2004extv). Since the extender works over Cat5 or 6 cable, I use a sixty foot ethernet cable to connect both ends. Been working flawlessly with multiple cameras, mounts, computers, etc for years.

 

Arnie

 

usb2004extv.jpg

So you have no issues with the USB extender receiving the USB signals for the devices or sending commands to the devices via the USB extender? Before I order one, I want to make sure it isnt a one-way communication. BTW, I was at the star party this year, was my first one...

[Cey42]

Here is the 50' USB extender that I have been using for two years with no problems to control my AVX mount and cameras. I do have a powered USB hub at the scope that the extender connects to.

 

MutecPower 50 Feet Active USB Extension Cable 3.0 Male to Female

[Dynan]

I have this with 100 feet of Cat7 cable. Not a bobble with four inputs.

 

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[COLTONK]

I have this with 100 feet of Cat7 cable. Not a bobble with four inputs.

 

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That is the type I have been looking at. Thanks. I see the transfer rate is 480MB, is that fast enough for larger cameras like ASI2600duo?

Edited by COLTONK, 03 December 2023 - 04:28 PM.

[tjay]

I've had good luck with this one and my RisingCam IMX571 OSC: https://www.amazon.c...le?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

I actually run it to a Startech Powered USB Hub on my pier,and connect my RisingCam, ZWO ASI224MC, and my mount to the hub.

[Dynan]

That is the type I have been looking at. Thanks. I see the transfer rate is 480MB, is that fast enough for larger cameras like ASI2600duo?

I'm downloading 39MB images in seconds.

[OregonAstronomer]

So you have no issues with the USB extender receiving the USB signals for the devices or sending commands to the devices via the USB extender? Before I order one, I want to make sure it isnt a one-way communication. BTW, I was at the star party this year, was my first one...

No problems. Perfect two-way communication, nothing has ever dropped nor mysteriously disconnected.

[kaymann]

I have this with 100 feet of Cat7 cable. Not a bobble with four inputs.

 

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This unit is USB2 and most EAA cameras really need USB3 throughput.

[COLTONK]

This unit is USB2 and most EAA cameras really need USB3 throughput.

I know, but I havent seen an USB 3.X extenders

[kaymann]

I know, but I havent seen an USB 3.X extenders

Exactly...

[rgsalinger]

Unless you are going to do high frame rate planetary imaging, USB 2 will work just fine (in fact will be more reliable) with any APS-C or full frame CMOS camera. You will lose about 2 seconds per download. If you are taking 3 minute exposures it's a tiny amount of extra overhead. If you can find a reliable (I recommend the Tripplites) USB3 extender that cool. To me the more crap I add to my systems the more problems I have. 

 

Rgrds-Ross

[OregonAstronomer]

I know, but I havent seen an USB 3.X extenders

Here is the one I use. I get a frame rate of over 125 fps from my ZWO ASI178MM with an ROI of 800x600, and 35 fps when using the whole chip (3000 and something by 2000 and something) from 30 feet away.

 

https://www.startech...es/usb3aaext10m