USB cable length limits?

[Mirlyn2000]

Are there any? I'm looking at putting a camera to see who's at the door without having to go upstairs. Are there signal loss limits like CAT5 has? Do they sell the cable for USB devices in bulk? In other words, the extensions I've seen are only 10'....I'd need several of those--do they just sell the cable? (I can splice for connectors, if its just a mulitconductor cable)

The reason I'm looking at USB cameras as opposed to a CCTV setup is the versatility. I can also use the camera for video-confrencing on the road.

Thanks guys, sorry if it's a bit OT

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~mir
P3-733@825 | Duron 700@700
Fighting for Peace is like Screwing for Virginity

[Sir Flannel]

Ok,
Here's the information according to Pocket PC Ref Ninth Edition. 15 feet. I don't know if that's 15 feet TOTAL (there's a 27 device limit per channel, which MIGHT fit in 15 feet), or 15 feet between devices. I just read it, I don't interpret it
As far as your problem, have you thought about a wireless camera? I don't know if there's one in your city, but there's a chain of alarm equipment resellers called ADI www.adilink.com , and they offer a wide range of video products, including wireless cameras, and adapters that change regular coax cameras to use CAT 5. Just a thought.
Michael

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Remember, NO man is a failure who has friends!

[Mirlyn2000]

Well, I did a little experimenting...

I've heard its around 80 feet for high power devices (cams) and 40 feet for low power devices (mice). Thats before it needs amplification. Now I decided to test this out a bit and sucessuflly used the Logitech Express Camera at 25 feet without any amplification, or problems. Do you think the device will work without a direct gound? I found out USB cable is merely four conductors and one ground strip that is shielded. If I can stretch this a little farther, I'm thinking about wiring a USB->RJ11 cable. This way I can just get a four-conductor phone cable and use it instead of several lengths of 10' extensions...The only problem I forsee is cutting this ground out. It is the metal casing around a USB connector, and I'm hoping I can just make a ground AT the camera, instead of running it back directly to the PC. I dunno, products of an idle mind

I'm going to try to get away with ONE hub for amplification and 50 feet or wire...and go from there. I guess I could just end up dropping my FPS sampling rate...we'll see. Thanks for the reply!!

PS: I already have this camera, and they're cheap for me. It's an option I want to prove invalid before I shell out lots more money...If this doesn't work, a small bare-board camera with RCA outputs is my Plan B

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~mir
P3-733@825 | Duron 700@700
Fighting for Peace is like Screwing for Virginity