USB Extension cable over CAT5/6

callisto

callisto

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I want to use my HTPC as a CCTV system as well. SO I got the software to see any connected webcam's feed via the web on my cellphone or work pc: it works!.
Now, I'd like to be able to move the webcams up to 20meters away. One for the driveway, one for the front door etc.

Apparently USB past 5m is not going to happen unless it is an active extension. How would i know it'll work anyway?

It seems you can do extensions using CAT6 STP. Does anybody know how to DIY a cable like that?
The local sellers of USB over CAT extenders don't mention whether it is USB2 or 1, which probably means it is USB1 that won't work.:confused:
 
callisto said:
I want to use my HTPC as a CCTV system as well. SO I got the software to see any connected webcam's feed via the web on my cellphone or work pc: it works!.
Now, I'd like to be able to move the webcams up to 20meters away. One for the driveway, one for the front door etc.

Apparently USB past 5m is not going to happen unless it is an active extension. How would i know it'll work anyway?

It seems you can do extensions using CAT6 STP. Does anybody know how to DIY a cable like that?
The local sellers of USB over CAT extenders don't mention whether it is USB2 or 1, which probably means it is USB1 that won't work.:confused:
Click to expand...

Check the review on the item online normally they will say which Usb version it is.
 
callisto said:
I want to use my HTPC as a CCTV system as well. SO I got the software to see any connected webcam's feed via the web on my cellphone or work pc: it works!.
Now, I'd like to be able to move the webcams up to 20meters away. One for the driveway, one for the front door etc.

Apparently USB past 5m is not going to happen unless it is an active extension. How would i know it'll work anyway?

It seems you can do extensions using CAT6 STP. Does anybody know how to DIY a cable like that?
The local sellers of USB over CAT extenders don't mention whether it is USB2 or 1, which probably means it is USB1 that won't work.:confused:
Click to expand...


Hey Callisto,
I have been looking at doing exactly what you have done for a while now, though have yet to come right with it. Could you perhaps post which software you are using? I think that would be awesome in pointing me in the right direction...

...if you feeling really generous perhaps you could give a quick rundown on how you got it working? I keep getting lost when it comes to setting up DNS and @$#%, so guess I am hoping for a easier way if possible...
 
I'm using http://jumitech.com/index.php?page=cam

Setup on the router: just follow jumi website instructions. Works like a charm. I've used my netbook and laptop's webcams so far, and will start purchasing webcams soon. The only caveat with jumi is that each webcam has to be a DIFFERENT MODEL, as windows will not allow Jumi to distinguish between 2 similiar connected models.
 
You'll need to build a custom amp and filter for the line, since USB is only like 3.5V.

There are two ways of doing this

The complicated DIY way:
You'll need to measure out the cat5/6 cable length to the play you want to put the camera exactly, and have an external DC amp to power the USB powered cables (red and black I think), giving enough volts to counteract the distance of both the wires so that you get exactly 3.5V on the end with the cameras. You'll then need a DC filter/amp for the signal cables (green and white/yellow, but check before you start snipping cables) on both ends (that's 4 filters in total, two for each side). If you have a friend that is an electric engineer, he'll sort you out in 2minutes flat. If you don't, well, then it is a lot of homework for you :)

Second option:

You could get a normal security camera and power-supply (cheap ones are around R300) and a TV tuner for your PC (anywhere from R100 to R450, depending on how fancy it is). Plug 'em into eachother and away you go :)
 
I can get a transmitter and receiver for you. However they are expensive.

The receiver was something like R500, the transmitter R1000 odd.
 
@Agentrfr: Would a 10m active cable with a externally powered hub at the end not suffice?
 
Adding some quality cable isn't going to be enough, buy some USB -> CAT5 extenders and be done with it. Note also that most of them are USB1.1 and don't support USB2.0

USB wasn't designed for distances more than 5m, hence the 2 data cable cables (VS 8 for CAT5e to reach 1gbit). It might work but it definitely isn't following the specification whereas purpose built USB extenders the manufacturer ensured that the device conforms to the specification.

Esquire sell active 10m extension cables that can be daisey chained up to 30m. You'll need to have a 5v power source at the camera end tho, the USB extenders are going to use most of the power.

agentrfr said:
since USB is only like 3.5V.
Click to expand...

:confused:

I hope that was a typo...
 
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I seem to have found an answer: using a usb server, which connects via CAT5 to my router, the devices plugged into the usb server is available to all PC's on the network. perfect!
 
The problem is that the USB signaling protocol is designed for high-speed (hence high symbol rates). The immensely increased parasitic inductance of the long cable will skew the clock and data signals so badly that what will come out on the rx end will be detected with high error rates. Another major limiting factor is the max round trip time specification allowed by USB (1.5 us if I remember correctly) will not be met with a really long cable.

Two ways to do this:

a) screw it all and make yourself an excessively long USB cable anyways and then realise that the device will be unusable most of the time.

or

b) convert the signalling to a lower-rate, robust signal (Ethernet is designed for this) which can handle longer distances.
 
UnUnOctium said:
b) convert the signalling to a lower-rate, robust signal (Ethernet is designed for this) which can handle longer distances.
Click to expand...

Yeah but which devices ACTUALLY convert to ethernet and back to USB? Do they exist at a reasonable price?
 
That's why they make [wired] IP cameras ;)
 
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They don't make decent 3G routers tho.

Would be nice to put a USB dongle where there is good reception but have the option of having the cable run to where you want the computer.
 
Gnome said:
Yeah but which devices ACTUALLY convert to ethernet and back to USB? Do they exist at a reasonable price?
Click to expand...

to make the "USB/LAN" cable cost a lot more than std USB would.

device - LAN cable - Device.

You will be looking at over R250 exvat. to make the cable. Price will also depend on length of cable needed.


Edit: Cables would normally be made up for you by the supplier. They only support USB1. So things like entry leven printers, mouse, keyboard etc.... = no problem. It can give problems with the very highend multifunction printers.
 
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Venomous said:
to make the "USB/LAN" cable cost a lot more than std USB would.

device - LAN cable - Device.

You will be looking at over R250 exvat. to make the cable. Price will also depend on length of cable needed.


Edit: Cables would normally be made up for you by the supplier. They only support USB1. So things like entry leven printers, mouse, keyboard etc.... = no problem. It can give problems with the very highend multifunction printers.
Click to expand...

Ok let me make this perfectly clear: I'm not speaking about a hack job "made up" cable. I'm talking about a device that converts USB to ETHERNET (notice the word ethernet, ethernet is not phyiscal wire). Calling UTP/STP ethernet is the same as calling telephone wire ADSL.

The hack job cables are a mess as was indicated by UnUnOctium.

You want something that converts to ETHERNET (eg. it can connect to a network switch, etc. because it uses ETHERNET). Even if it were powered that would be fine, so long as it can actually extend USB without the need for a dedicated cable that runs USB over UTP/STP.

My question is, does such a device exist? (probably but not cheap)
 
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Gnome said:
Ok let me make this perfectly clear: I'm not speaking about a hack job "made up" cable. I'm talking about a device that converts USB to ETHERNET (notice the word ethernet, ethernet is not phyiscal wire). Calling UTP/STP ethernet is the same as calling telephone wire ADSL.

The hack job cables are a mess as was indicated by UnUnOctium.

You want something that converts to ETHERNET (eg. it can connect to a network switch, etc. because it uses ETHERNET). Even if it were powered that would be fine, so long as it can actually extend USB without the need for a dedicated cable that runs USB over UTP/STP.

My question is, does such a device exist? (probably but not cheap)
Click to expand...

No this is not a hack job that I am talking about.

The suppliers(professional people & a long existing company) have the devices that is needed. They then place the quantity of cable you need inbetween the two units to allow it to work.

The max length of cable permitted is 45m.

& no I am not talking about myself making up the cable. I can source the unit from the supplier & sell it to you.


edit:
can also get the units that Jab gave a link too. Obviously the cable is then not included and you either need to make up the cable or get a cable made up somewhere...
 
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