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After much deliberation, decided on hard wiring between my laptop and DSLR for my 60ft Spiderbeam. I'm activating the camera via Canon's PSRemote software. Decided against wireless as I generally have more confidence in hard wired connections than wireless (Q: how many times does your laptop struggle with wireless internet routers?!). However, have just run into problems.
The cat5e cable length between the two connectors is 22 metres. It appears that the extender at the top of the mast will need a DC power source. My laptop doesn't seem able to power something 22 metres down the cable (which in hindsight is admittedly fairly obvious).
1. Is this a common issue with this type of extender?
2. Is anyone else's laptop able to power the remote extender at that distance?
3. How would you recommend powering the extender at the top of the mast (please provide a link/example).
4. Am I better off to cut my losses and order this: http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-usb2-ext-65ft.html
5. Would the above product need any form of power at the top of the mast or any other additional bits and bobs?
I would imagine that the above product (long USB extension cable) should have been the correct option all along. However, I want to be 100% sure that it will work.
After much deliberation, decided on hard wiring between my laptop and DSLR for my 60ft Spiderbeam. I'm activating the camera via Canon's PSRemote software. Decided against wireless as I generally have more confidence in hard wired connections than wireless (Q: how many times does your laptop struggle with wireless internet routers?!). However, have just run into problems.
The cat5e cable length between the two connectors is 22 metres. It appears that the extender at the top of the mast will need a DC power source. My laptop doesn't seem able to power something 22 metres down the cable (which in hindsight is admittedly fairly obvious).
1. Is this a common issue with this type of extender?
2. Is anyone else's laptop able to power the remote extender at that distance?
3. How would you recommend powering the extender at the top of the mast (please provide a link/example).
4. Am I better off to cut my losses and order this: http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-usb2-ext-65ft.html
5. Would the above product need any form of power at the top of the mast or any other additional bits and bobs?
I would imagine that the above product (long USB extension cable) should have been the correct option all along. However, I want to be 100% sure that it will work.
Thanks in advance.
I'm using that usb firewire65 with no problems, plug both USB terminals into your laptop for maximum power.
Steve
__________________ If there's a better way, find it. Thomas Alva Edison.
After much deliberation, decided on hard wiring between my laptop and DSLR for my 60ft Spiderbeam. I'm activating the camera via Canon's PSRemote software. Decided against wireless as I generally have more confidence in hard wired connections than wireless (Q: how many times does your laptop struggle with wireless internet routers?!). However, have just run into problems.
The cat5e cable length between the two connectors is 22 metres. It appears that the extender at the top of the mast will need a DC power source. My laptop doesn't seem able to power something 22 metres down the cable (which in hindsight is admittedly fairly obvious).
1. Is this a common issue with this type of extender?
2. Is anyone else's laptop able to power the remote extender at that distance?
3. How would you recommend powering the extender at the top of the mast (please provide a link/example).
4. Am I better off to cut my losses and order this: http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-usb2-ext-65ft.html
5. Would the above product need any form of power at the top of the mast or any other additional bits and bobs?
I would imagine that the above product (long USB extension cable) should have been the correct option all along. However, I want to be 100% sure that it will work.
Thanks in advance.
Dont get one with a Hub, it will need power being a hub.
You can just get a singular "bus powered" USB to USB over Cat5.
I had the same problem you did on my Canon. Got some cheap USB extenders off ebay and then some cat 5 cable but wouldn't work over 20ft or so. Good to see the "two male" option for more power - makes sense and might have to try that one Went back to wireless for now...
I'm using that usb firewire65 with no problems, plug both USB terminals into your laptop for maximum power.
Man this is just what I was looking for on this forum a couple of weeks ago. I'm wanting to control my Canon at the top of the mast with the laptop and the only solutions I could find were powered hubs.
Thanks Steve, I just ordered a 65' cable for my mast
__________________
Mark LaBoyteaux hawkeyemedia.com Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.
I use my PCM Futaba transmitter and a reciever for pan and tilt on my gimbal with a 2.4 video downlink. I guess I could bundle a video cable with the USB and ditch the downlink, but I don't plan on using the USB all the time, just for more "technical" shoots
I'm also adding a relay to turn the power to the pan and tilt servos on/off to disable them for a locking feature since the servos are 360 modified. It keeps them from creeping or moving if I want to do multiple exposures from the mast.....like hdr
__________________
Mark LaBoyteaux hawkeyemedia.com Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.
Thanks for the replies folks. Comforting in a sense to hear that others have had problems with dodgy USB extenders.
There is of course a compelling argument for wireless and it is in many respects a 'cleaner' solution than wired, although that 65ft USB cable may well be the answer. Slightly surprised that a camera can be powered 65ft away from just a laptop source but will take your word for it! I suppose even DSLR cameras don't draw as much power as other applications (scanners etc.)
Steve, how long did it take for your cable to reach NZ from Kansas? Could do with a speedy shipment here.
Thanks for the replies folks. Comforting in a sense to hear that others have had problems with dodgy USB extenders.
There is of course a compelling argument for wireless and it is in many respects a 'cleaner' solution than wired, although that 65ft USB cable may well be the answer. Slightly surprised that a camera can be powered 65ft away from just a laptop source but will take your word for it! I suppose even DSLR cameras don't draw as much power as other applications (scanners etc.)
Steve, how long did it take for your cable to reach NZ from Kansas? Could do with a speedy shipment here.
Hi Malcolm
Are you out here in NZ too?
My cable was shipped next day and typically I find that shipments from the US take 5 to 10 days. The rule of thumb is "if you need it urgently it will take 10 days, if you are in no hurry it arrives in 5"
Also a point to make, the USB cable only triggers the cameras controls, it does not power the camera itself, that still requires batteries.
Steve
__________________ If there's a better way, find it. Thomas Alva Edison.
Thanks for the reply. Not in NZ, although I did spend a year in Napier! Beautiful country, a lot going for it, even without a Rugby World Cup for a while! I'm based in Hong Kong. Shipping period seems pretty similar to what I've got here. You would think that a techno-crazy place like HK would produce a similar product to the one we mentioned earlier but it must be a pretty specialised piece of kit...
In terms of power, I was getting confused with the USB extenders which have failed me. The dongle at the top of the mast on those types of extender kits needs powering, whereas obviously a straightforward USB cable doesn't need power like that (although it does still need a power input). But thanks for clearing that up.
I just looked at my mast gallery and never updated the USB extenders that I use. I did have a couple extenders similar to yours that ended up going bad, could have been static from the fiberglass mast. I got a 'better' bigger cheap extender in a metal case off ebay and it works fine. However, I need to raise the mast before plugging it into the laptop. If I plug in and raise the mast I am assuming there is some static that breaks the connection. After raising the mast and plugging into the laptop it will work fine even when lowering.
The problem most likely will not happen if using an aluminum mast.
Be sure to support the cable so there is no pulling on the connections.
I do remember someone that was having power problems. It turned out the computer running on the battery wasn't powerful enough, but it worked fine when plugged into a wall or inverter in a vehicle. My battery is dead so I just sit in the van and run the 100' cat5 where I need it. Helps with challenging weather too.
__________________ Even if the Voices aren’t real they still have some pretty good ideas.
I just looked at my mast gallery and never updated the USB extenders that I use. I did have a couple extenders similar to yours that ended up going bad, could have been static from the fiberglass mast. I got a 'better' bigger cheap extender in a metal case off ebay and it works fine. However, I need to raise the mast before plugging it into the laptop. If I plug in and raise the mast I am assuming there is some static that breaks the connection. After raising the mast and plugging into the laptop it will work fine even when lowering.
The problem most likely will not happen if using an aluminum mast.
Be sure to support the cable so there is no pulling on the connections.
I do remember someone that was having power problems. It turned out the computer running on the battery wasn't powerful enough, but it worked fine when plugged into a wall or inverter in a vehicle. My battery is dead so I just sit in the van and run the 100' cat5 where I need it. Helps with challenging weather too.
Troy is dead right about supporting your cable, I do mine with a snaphook like so
__________________ If there's a better way, find it. Thomas Alva Edison.
'Challenging' weather! Understatement of the century! Hoping my laptop battery is powerful enough, will have to cross that bridge when the USB firewire arrives... There's (virtually) always a way!
Good tip on supporting the cable; makes absolute sense.
Steve, really, really liking your setup. Think 'sturdy' is the buzzword; was thinking of using a velcro strap(s) to support the cable but your solution seems like the optimum one.
As for those clamps though; wow! I found your previous post regarding them in these forums; looks very professional but just as importantly looks like a real time-saver. The resourcefullness of the folks on these forums never fails to amaze me. Is it simply a case of ordering them from FixtureWorks and installing them or do you have to then carry out any mods/engineering? Trying to picture how they actually function but mechanics isn't my strongest area!
'Challenging' weather! Understatement of the century! Hoping my laptop battery is powerful enough, will have to cross that bridge when the USB firewire arrives... There's (virtually) always a way!
Good tip on supporting the cable; makes absolute sense.
Steve, really, really liking your setup. Think 'sturdy' is the buzzword; was thinking of using a velcro strap(s) to support the cable but your solution seems like the optimum one.
As for those clamps though; wow! I found your previous post regarding them in these forums; looks very professional but just as importantly looks like a real time-saver. The resourcefullness of the folks on these forums never fails to amaze me. Is it simply a case of ordering them from FixtureWorks and installing them or do you have to then carry out any mods/engineering? Trying to picture how they actually function but mechanics isn't my strongest area!
Hope I've not strayed off topic here...
If you get the 10mm thread ones they should be a straight replacement for the 10mm allen bolts on your mast. In error I bought 8mm ones and therefore needed a nut on the other side to secure them, hey ho, you live and learn.
They work as cam handles, the same principal as the quick release spindles in most bike wheels.
I contacted fixtureworks, they put me in touch with their local supplier here in NZ and I ordered via them.
oh yeah and that snaphook works a treat and with a thin usb to the pan/tilt the camera has almost no weight on it !
Steve
__________________ If there's a better way, find it. Thomas Alva Edison.
Troy is dead right about supporting your cable, I do mine with a snaphook like so
Steve, so that I don't get this horribly wrong, are you able to tell me what model/part number of clamps you bought (notwithstanding the fact you got the wrong thread ). Not sure if I need stainless or plain steel, standard or adjustable.
TIA.
Steve, so that I don't get this horribly wrong, are you able to tell me what model/part number of clamps you bought (notwithstanding the fact you got the wrong thread ). Not sure if I need stainless or plain steel, standard or adjustable.
TIA.
I'm down in Tauranga.
Yes, sure I'll pass any local stuff up to you - it's a good way to work.
Coincidentally, I'm into web design and other graphic stuff as well. Busy trying to upskill with CMS stuff at the moment.
I'm down in Tauranga.
Yes, sure I'll pass any local stuff up to you - it's a good way to work.
Coincidentally, I'm into web design and other graphic stuff as well. Busy trying to upskill with CMS stuff at the moment.
Maungutoroto! You bad lad...
Are you a Geordie as in Broon Ale, the Toon, Jarrow, Blaydon races, Cushie Butterfields etc?
Steve
__________________ If there's a better way, find it. Thomas Alva Edison.
Wow a photo with Gazza himself, great player, shame about his private life
I was brought up in the land of Brown Ale and Whippets that is Newcastle on Tyne. It's a horrible place, bleak is the best word I know to describe it
Steve
Yep a great shame. Top bloke but someone needs to save him from himself - his old mates from Gateshead certainly haven't helped him. Worked in Newcastle on a couple of occasions, but lived with family in (whisper it) Sunderland!
Mast Wiring Issue: HELP!
Went back to wireless for now...
). Not sure if I need stainless or plain steel, standard or adjustable.
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