[mythtv-users] Maximum length of cables for USB<>Serial DirecTV control?

[Scott Harris]

Kevin Ross wrote:
> Scott Harris wrote:
>> Howdy all,
>>     I've got three DirecTV STBs, all working great either via
>> the built in mini RJ-22 or the USB<>Serial connections.  They are
>> all connected with fairly short cable lengths, < 2-3 feet.  I'm
>> trying to un-tether the 3 STBs from the mythtv backend system,
>> mainly to seperate them due to heat building.
>>
>> I've read the various specs for USB cable lengths, and it seem that
>> going the 25-30 feet I need to go shouldn't be an issue, so long as
>> I'm willing to get better grade cable or add some sort of powered
>> repeater hub in the middle.
>>
>> Does anyone have any real world proof that this distance would work?
>> Is it even feasible with the type of "USB" connections the STBs have?
>> Is there possibly a better, wireless solution?  I've never been too
>> keen on the wireless stuff, as it would mean some type of non direct
>> wired connection, which would reduce reliability.
>>
>> Thanks for any help.
>>
>> Scott
> 
> I don't know about USB, but for serial, you can go up to about 50 feet 
> with no problems.  If you need to go longer distances, you can get 
> RS-232 to RS-422 adapters, which would allow for cable runs close to a 
> mile (if memory serves).


Thanks for the reply.  Do you know if that holds true for the serial
bits that sandwich this type of connection?

USB<>serial<>null modem<>serial<>USB

thanks,

Scott