real techie question(coaxial cables, usb)

Patrick20

I'm making something at home that requires a long length of usb extension cables. Atleast 15m. Anyway its hard to find that amount of cable AND it would be better for my project if it was low loss cable. Now my question (I'm sorry if it seems stupid) is can I use coaxial cable connected to usb connectors?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

would something like this do?

nickcardwell

do a google search on cat 5 to usb extenders. for example this would do the trick

http://www.lindy.co.uk/usb-extension-cat5-usb-extender-premium-up-to-50m/42801.html

for your question on coaxial, im certain that usb cable has 4 wires, coaxial only has 1 ? so wouldnt work at all

or do a google search on wireless usb extenders (note though more expensive that the above one)

JasX

I agree with Nick, i'm pretty sure the standard/inductrial solution here would be to convert your USB to some form of ip extended over ethernet cable and then back to USB the far end.

davb

The USB 2.0 standard says that the max length of a single cable should be 5 metres, but you can daisy chain up to 5 USB hubs together to give an overall max of 30m.
There is some good reading here.

spud17

I've recently been using a certain website, which has several diy projects, there might be something useful HERE.

Depends on how techie you want to get.

aliEnRIK

Id definitely go the way of CAT5

timbim_2

aliEnRIK wrote: »

Id definitely go the way of CAT5

Another vote for the cat5 method, only sensible and affordable way to do it.

pcombo

What is the project your trying to do. Maybe give some more info.

Patrick20

pcombo wrote: »

What is the project your trying to do. Maybe give some more info.

I'm making a wifi antenna.
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/
Not exactly as big a project as that one, I've got an old sky dish and i'm going to stick a wifi usb stick to it which will then connect from a long cable to my laptop. It will sit on the top of my shed down the back garden so I reach the house wifi when i'm out in spring/summer.

I'll check out the suggestions.

EDIT: Sorry i forgot to say the project would be half outside and open to the elements. does that change the recommendation. Also for this project since it will be transmitting and recieving wifi sould i get shielded cable to reduce loss of signal?

Patrick20

davb wrote: »

The USB 2.0 standard says that the max length of a single cable should be 5 metres, but you can daisy chain up to 5 USB hubs together to give an overall max of 30m.
There is some good reading here.

those cables are like 20 quid each. Thats not within my budget.