Use ethernet extensions with flex:v100

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evaltuille
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:25 am

Use ethernet extensions with flex:v100

Post by evaltuille »

hello,

I'm working with two flex:v100 and i've got a question about using any component between the usb hub and the computer.

In the naturalPoint web the solutio is using a USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable from BAFO but I need more than the 15 meters able with this method; on the web from BAFO i've seen another product:

http://www.bafo.com/products_bf-4902_S.asp

using an ethernet wire to solve the distance problem.

has anybody used this method? it works?

thanks
VincentG
Posts: 7728
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:00 am
Location: Corvallis, Oregon

Re: Use ethernet extensions with flex:v100

Post by VincentG »

I haven't tried it here. The only thing they I could see that would be an issue, would be the amperage not be supplied to the cameras properly, but I couldn't say for sure without testing......
Jim
Posts: 1395
Joined: Mon Oct 14, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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Re: Use ethernet extensions with flex:v100

Post by Jim »

Hello:

We have tested some USB 1.1 over Ethernet extension cables which are not compatible with the OptiTrack cameras (since they are USB 1.1 Full Speed only). If it is a USB 2.0 High Speed repeater, it should work. These can be expensive, about $400-500. If the Ethernet repeater is about $150-200, then it probably is only Full Speed (USB 1.1) and might not work well, you would not get gray scale data for sure.

The link you have above looks to be a High Speed device, so I think it should work.



EDIT ---

I just looked up the price on the device linked above, wow, that is cheap, about $59. I haven't seen a real High Speed repeater for that price before. I am ordering one now for testing here.

It should only be used between the USB hub and the PC, not for the cameras, as it doesn't have external power inputs, or that is what the online material says.

Good find!

---- EDIT

The BAFO web site says it is 480Mbs High Speed, but all other online stores where you can buy it say it is only 12Mbs Full Speed. So, that is what makes sense because of the price.
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