Does a long active USB 3.1 cable affect capture quality?

[Menno555]

I am using a 15 meter active USB 3 cable (Club 3D USB 3.2 Gen1 Active Repeater Cable 15m/ 49.2 ft) to transmit data directly from the Zwo ASI 385MC camera to my high-end PC, no hubs involved. In SharpCap I can have the full 120fps the camera can do.
But till now I never wondered if it can affect the quality in any way? Maybe it delivers full speed but the signal degrades so data is lost?
And yes, I know: the are plenty of wireless solutions available. But I'm a Cable Guy Even my mouse is old fashioned wired.

Menno

[turfpit]

Menno

Are you using the included 1x Power Supply Input 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.35A max-Output 5V 2000mA?

Dave

[Menno555]

Dave

I did try with and without it and there was no noticeable difference, so for now without.

Menno

[BlackWikkett]

Hi Menno555

I've found these USB extension cables to be hit and miss even comparing the same model cable from a manufacturer. The advertised speed is 5 Gbps which is no where near the 252 Mbps your 385 will output at 120 FPS. If and when you get a higher resolution camera that exceeds the bandwidth available you will know right away. The behavior I've seen in SharpCap when the extension cable or standard cable has a problem. You'll notice image drops or if you watch the progress bar as the camera captures frames it'll freeze. I've not seen image degradation. It usually just works or doesn't.

-Chris

[admin]

Hi,

because the data transfer over USB is digital, long USB cables will not degrade the image quality. They may stop the camera from working entirely, or make it less reliable, but if the images do get through then they will not have been reduced in quality at all.

Cheers, Robin

[Menno555]

Okay, thanks all!

Menno