Running a QuickStart over cat5 (USB extender)

kochevnik

I saw another post here where a user want to chain multiple props over a single USB (couldnt find it using search)

I am taking another approach that others might find interesting - the 'cost' of losing all of my connections if one wire goes down is too high
so I am using a single usb port for each prop and for those that are far away I'm using USB extenders over cat5 cable which claim a
distance of about 150 feet. I've had these in a box for like a year and just got around to hooking one of them up - seems to work fine
I've got it over 50' of cable matched together with a keystone and the one of the cables is Smile and it still works fine.

Ebay a set is about $6 delivered - search usb extender cat5

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150ft-USB-CAT5-CAT6-RJ45-Lan-Extension-Extender-Adapter-Cable-Cord-for-Printer-/110887898846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d16f0ede

I've got 7 usb ports and plan on adding more if need be - a QS on each one.

Just an option.

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

I've used another brand of USB extender over Cat5, and it works great -- totally transparent. I wondered about the voltage drop, so I took both units apart. The PC end of my set has a boost regulator that raises the +5V to a much higher voltage. At the other end is a DC-DC converter that regulates it back down to 5V. Problem solved!

-Phil

Sariel

I also have nothing but good things to say about this approach. I use one (as intended) to bring USB from my media center to my couch where I have a keyboard and mouse hooked up. Even going through an unpowered hub works like a charm. I would think that the Propeller would not even notice the difference.

martinbush1986

I use KVMSwitchTech for all my video and KM extension needs. They offer a wide range of USB Extender solutions.