Hi everyone,
I have been using 13’ of usb 3 extension cables on my 533 camera. I know this is beyond the 10’limit but I needed a little more. I sometimes would get dropped frames so I bought an active 5m or 16’ cable which solved problems. Here is the amazon link if anyone out there is having the same issues.
https://a.co/d/gkvR6cI
USB cable for 16 ft run
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CrispyDragon
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2025 9:40 pm
Re: USB cable for 16 ft run
A few years ago I used USB to ethernet converters with about 50ft of cat5 cable from a PC to a Logitech C920 camera. I know the camera doesn't compare but it may work for your set up as well.
Re: USB cable for 16 ft run
I've been using active USB 3.0 cables for about three years with no problems at all. I have cables that are 15, 35 and 50 feet long and they all work well. Note that I do use a powered USB hub at the scope for scope-side USB distribution.
Re: USB cable for 16 ft run
The thread is a bit old, but maybe someone will find the information useful:
I use a so-called AOC (Active Optical Cable) with USB connectors. Instead of transmitting the USB signal electrically, it is converted internally into an optical signal and sent via fiber optics. This renders signal attenuation virtually negligible. The cable also contains electrical conductors alongside the fiber optics, but these serve solely to provide the necessary USB power supply (5 V). Such a cable is actually thinner than many standard USB 3.0 cables, and the connectors (housing the optical converters) are relatively compact. You simply need to ensure that the AOC you purchase supports the USB 2.0 standard in addition to USB 3.0; This is crucial because many cameras perform a handshake via USB 2.0 before establishing the USB 3.0 connection. Furthermore, these AOCs can span well over 16 ft—lengths of up to 100 ft (!!!) are reportedly possible. The advantage: the computer can be set up further away from the mount—for instance, you could keep it inside a warm car during the imaging session...
One such cable is available from FIBBR, for example. It features a USB-A connector at one end and a USB-C connector at the other. A minor downside is the cost: around €75 for the 5-meter cable. An additional USB-C to USB-A adapter is required.
I use a so-called AOC (Active Optical Cable) with USB connectors. Instead of transmitting the USB signal electrically, it is converted internally into an optical signal and sent via fiber optics. This renders signal attenuation virtually negligible. The cable also contains electrical conductors alongside the fiber optics, but these serve solely to provide the necessary USB power supply (5 V). Such a cable is actually thinner than many standard USB 3.0 cables, and the connectors (housing the optical converters) are relatively compact. You simply need to ensure that the AOC you purchase supports the USB 2.0 standard in addition to USB 3.0; This is crucial because many cameras perform a handshake via USB 2.0 before establishing the USB 3.0 connection. Furthermore, these AOCs can span well over 16 ft—lengths of up to 100 ft (!!!) are reportedly possible. The advantage: the computer can be set up further away from the mount—for instance, you could keep it inside a warm car during the imaging session...
One such cable is available from FIBBR, for example. It features a USB-A connector at one end and a USB-C connector at the other. A minor downside is the cost: around €75 for the 5-meter cable. An additional USB-C to USB-A adapter is required.
Re: USB cable for 16 ft run
Good recommendation
I just ordered the 5m
I just ordered the 5m
Re: USB cable for 16 ft run
A potential pitfall here is that USB-Adapters are generally passive and do not necessarily adhere strictly to USB specifications. While the pins inside a USB-C connector are arranged symmetrically—meaning orientation shouldn't technically matter—they must map to the asymmetrical USB-A or B connector; consequently, you might achieve USB 3.0 speeds in one orientation but only USB 2.0 in the other. So, if it doesn't work as expected, simply flip the USB-C connector over.