[mythtv-users] Maximum length of cables for USB<>Serial DirecTV control?
Scott Harris
mythtv at webhounds.net
Sun Apr 4 22:35:41 UTC 2010
Yan Seiner 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.
>
> The limit is 14 feet and the signal is digital. It either gets there or
> not. There is no difference in quality.
>
> I use some repeaters with pretty good luck. I have 4 repeaters (I think
> - it's been a while) and a hub on the end. You need a quality powered
> hub; I went through a few before I found the one that works.
>
> Most things work fine. I have 2 DVD players, a bluetooth keyboard, and
> a few other things that work fine.
>
> A USB sound card failed to work. My Sansa mp3 player connects but fails
> to transfer. So some things will work, some won't.
>
>>
>> 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.
> A single repeater shouldn't give you any problems.
>
> --Yan
>
>
Excellent info, thanks, Yan.
Scott
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