USB extension cable

[shufflebeat]

Hi, Folks

(Possible dumb question alert)

I use a USB number pad as a remote control (quite useful since I discovered macros in Reaper). I have a short USB extension and haven't seen any much longer so wonder:

Is there a maximum length I can expect to work reliably?

Can I cobble together a couple of adapters to stick on either end of, for instance, a midi lead for whatever various situations might arise (well, you never know).

[GPLaudio]

Your answer with great detail can be found here.
http://www.usb.org/developers/usbfaq/

The very short answer is 5m but read the fine print in the above link for workarounds.

[ef37a]

There is this
http://cpc.farnell.com/_/psg02502/usb-2-0-repeater-cable/dp/CS14520

I was sure CPC did a pair of passive usb-LAN cable-usb converter boxes but either I dreamt it or they have ceased to stock them!

BTW you can send MIDI a heck of a long way over LAN, CAT5 cable, 30mtrs easy.

Dave. http://www.amazon.com/HDE-over-Extension-Cable-Adapter/dp/B002WJ9S6Y

BTW! I did not tell anything to "go bold"!

[ef37a]

Ha!
Missed a good'un there. I should have said "Boldy go"!

Dave. (ok I will shurrup now)

[Folderol]

{mutter}{mutter}
USB
{mutter}{mutter}
A perfect example of design by committee. So full of compromises it isn't actually best at anything!
{mutter}{mutter}{mutter}{mutter}

[John Reid]

I use a USB number pad as a remote control

Bravo, and a much under-utilised device if I might add! Just an idea, but if your computer accepts the PS/2 connectors, you could consider extending that for remote control instead -- and use a replacement USB or wireless keyboard/mouse at the actual computer.

[Steve Hill]

I've used a 10 metre Lindy cable before... and stuck a powered USB hub at my end of it. No guarantees. but it worked for me.

See for example this product.

Presumable you can extend further than 10m with any additional cable you plug into it....

[chris...]

Presumable you can extend further than 10m with any additional cable you plug into it....

Yep.

[shufflebeat]

Cheers folks for all the great advice, particularly the informative links. I now have the capacity to bore the arse off the whole band, and intend to make full use of it.

JR, I agree this is a much underused trick, I have suggested it to a few buddies over the years and always to the response - "why didn't I think of that?"

It's the combination of the pad and the use of macros which has made my system "mine".

[maskedwarrior]

I concur on the USB Repeater cable as I recently went through the same process of looking and realising the MAX cable 5m thing. I bought the repeater (they're often sold with a 5m cable to make 10m) I used it with a 3m cable and it's fine for midi. I also believe you can connect up to 5 of them in series.... ??

If you're ever connecting power hungry things like HDDs my online research tended to point toward 'expect varied results'.

Tony

[ef37a]

http://cpc.farnell.com/_/usb-busboost/usb-extender-low-power/dp/CS1423204?Ntt=CS1423204

NEW! I had seem them before!

Dave.