USB cable length recommendation for ASI2600MC.

rockenrock

Hi ASI2600MC or MM users.
For the ASI2600MC, should the camera connect and function well with a good quality 5meter USB 3 cable direct to Windows laptop USB 3 port? I use the 12V DC power supply for the camera.
Would a 12V powered USB hub be better/worse than direct to camera?
Any others using long USB cables?
Thanks,
Roger

Tech@ZWO

rockenrock
Usually, we don't recommend use a USB cable larger than 2m.

starvoyager

rockenrock

I’ve used a Startech Active 5m long USB3 cable for 2 years now for my ZWO 2600MC and it’s been faultless with performance and connectivity ( laptop direct to camera )
I’ve tried so many different standard 5m long USB3 cables and they all have issues , intermittent drop outs , not connecting etc…
The Startech is the only one that works for me
Theres only one catch , they are extremely expensive , however if you divide the cable cost by the number of years of trouble free connection, then it’s a small price to pay for reliability
Just recently I bought a Startech 4 port powered industrial hub which is mounted on the underside of my Losmandy bar which eliminated 3 cables ( I use to run separate cables from laptop to equipment) Now just one Startech 5m Active USB3 cable runs from laptop to Hub and connects everything for trouble free operation ( mount, imaging camera , guide camera , focuser )

Hope this is helpful

Clear Skies

rockenrock

Starvoyager, Thanks for your message. This practical information is very useful. I am trying tonight my 5 meter Lindy brand cable USB 3 Type B to USB 3 Type A. I have used it several years with my old QHY camera. Now trying with my new ASI2600MC.
I will have 2 cables, one from mount to computer, and one from ASI2600 to computer. My guide cam is plugged to the USB A port on the ASI2600. I hope all works cleanly!

rockenrock

Starvoyager... Now I understand that is active USB cable. A different animal. And yes, I agree the price is up there!