USB printer cable...how long can I go?

[Cambridge PC Support]

not sure if these are any good, but might be worth looking into:

http://www.lindy.co.uk/usb-firewire/usb-active-extension-system/

 

[Appleby]

You can get usb to ethernet converters, we have used them to bypass this in the past.



Printer --- Usb --- ethernet adapter --- LONG ethernet cable --- ethernet adapter to usb -- usb -- computer


And they were pretty cheap as well.

Hey...I didn't think of that, but I have used them one time in the past and they worked great! It's been so long that I hadn't even thought of that. That should work....I think I'll give it a whirl! Thanks

 

[ZenTree]

It's easy to overlook but we started to use them a lot with cctv jobs. Glad I could help

 

[AdamsAPlus]

Oh wait...why can't I just use a long parallel cable, assuming his pc has a parallel port on it? I just did a quick search and saw info saying that 30ft parallel cables and under are not a problem.

Bad idea too?

I didn't see anyone answer this question. So, I thought I would even though you might have a solution you plan to go with.

The only problem I see with this idea is finding a 30ft cable. I have seen people in the past use 30ft and longer parallel cables with no problem. So this might be another solution that would work. If you can find a parallel cable long enough.

 

[Appleby]

Well I think I found a parallel cable long enough online..... hmm...decisions decisions!

 

[ATTech]

The problem with long USB cables isn't the power. It's the timing...

Actually, it's not timing. Serial communications have a negotiated baud rate, where both ends understand if the line is high, it is a 1, and 0 if low at a specific number of bits for second. There is no TTL so it's a power issue.

On that note, I've always wanted to create a small amplified transistor circuit to see if that would work.

 

[Appleby]

Thanks for all the help guys. I ended up ordering the USB to Ethernet adapters and a 30ft ethernet cable, all for about $20 from Monoprice. I could have made my own ethernet cable but for $6 with professional ends....my time is worth more than than $6.

I'll let ya'll know how this goes....