Per my previous post, I am trying to find a way to improve the signal transmission through my EQ8 mount's saddle. The saddle incorporates through-mount wiring to improve cable management, but in the process, at times does not let the signal pass through the mount effectively. The signal is sometimes frozen (as seen in a video) or at times there is a severe lag in time when using the gain and exposure controls. Or, the signal just plain doesn't get through and my software (Sharpcap) says the camera is disconnected.
I have read that this issue is common in other mounts (other brands). Some choose to ignore it and go directly from the laptop to the camera, bypassing the saddle entirely, or have tried to devise ways of improving signal transmission such as running a USB2 wire most of the way, then using a short USB3 cable the remaining short distance to the mount. Since I want to use the through-saddle wiring I want to try to find a way to solve this signal transmission problem.
I am now exploring using of a powered USB3 cable, or possibly an inexpensive powered USB3 hub. Does anyone have any specific suggestions for either of these (brand and model)? What have you used successfully? I see there are a lot of USB3 powered hubs on Amazon (say, under $50 or so), but I'm not sure which to try. Also- could a powered hub or cable which I plug into my laptop somehow adversely affect my laptop (i.e., produce voltage to the laptop through the USB port that would harm it)?
Note- some people have mentioned that they use large power boxes, but these typically have a high price tag (hundreds of $$) with many USB ports. I am just looking for something powered that is very simple and inexpensive for just one USB3 wire (for signal transmission). But if I have to buy a powered hub with a few ports I might consider it. Thanks in advance!
