length of usb printer cable?

[m61376]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is there a maximum "safe" length for a usb printer cable? Trying to hook up an HP 1320 laser printer, in case that makes a difference. Can I use a 15' cable and a 6' extension cable which are cheap from Acortech, or do I need to buy a more expensive 20' cable...if I do, can anyone recommend a good site? Does the quality of the cable matter for this?

I was concerned because I read somewhere (don't know if it is bogus though) that 5 meters (16') was max. for usb unless you got an extension with a booster.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Big Lar]

You can read the link below, but it looks like 4 meters may be it.

http://www.interfacebus.com/Design_Connector_USB.html

 

[amdskip]

I've got a couple cables hooked together to make about a 15' long cable and it has never been a problem. I believe a booster would just be a usb hub with an AC adapter hooked up to it.

 

[m61376]

do you think I could use a 15' and a 6' extension cable?
The booster thing I saw was actually self-powered built into the cable- could have beena gimmick for all I know.
If I can use a 20' cable, anyone know of a good source that's not $30-40?

 

[montag451]

5 Meters is the recommended max for USB, but if you get a powered hub, then that might(?) act as a booster - If it ain't powered, I wouldn't be too confident on it's boosting abilities.
BUT, then again, if you don't mind a few hiccups, you aren't going to break anything by trying a longer cable.

 

[m61376]

So if I used a 20' cable into a powered USB hub connected to the computer I would hopefully be ok?
Would it make a difference if I used a 15' cable and a 6' extension cable rather than a more expensive 20' cable and/or is there a good place to get a 20' cable?

 

[Fardringle]

I would say that if you are going to use a powered hub, just use the 15' and 6' cables and put the powered hub between the two cables to amplify the signal on the 6' cable to the printer (it will be weak by the time it gets to the end of the 15' cable). It may even work better to have the 6' cable connected to the computer and the 15' cable between the hub and the printer but this is something you'd have to test yourself to see which way is more reliable.

 

[montag451]

Firstly, as I said, 5m is the recommended max.
It doesn't mean it won't work, but, someone else somewhere else might not be getting 100% on a 4 metre cable.

Each cable length, as i understand it, should be within the max length to increase the efficiency and decrease the amount of errors.
I think I would prob go for two 10 foot cables with a powered hub connecting them.
But, if you have other cables to hand, then base your preference on that.
Please do let us know how it goes, one way or the other.

 

[m61376]

Thanks for all the replies (even though they were not the simple solution I hoped for ;-)). I was trying to figure out what my daughter would need in her apt., so I was trying to keep the set-up as simplified as possible. She already has a powered usb hub on her desk, but wasn't sure if 15' would give her enough cable to thread it around things. From what everyone seems to be saying is that any more than that she'd also need a second powered hub in between, which would complicate things a bit. Nothing is as simple as it seems where computers are concerned....

 

[LiLithTecH]

If you purchase a 'ACTIVE' (sometimes refered to as "Repeater cable")
USB cable it will not be an issue.

Triplitte USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable

other companies have them as well, in varying lengths.
(have seen them up to 80ft)

 

[montag451]

Wow - never seen those before......

Must touch one

 

[m61376]

Thanks for the suggestion. One more stupid question though- can I just use this with a regular 6' cable to achieve the desired length, or must I use 2 active cables? It appears that I can use one of each, but figured I'd double-check with the experts.

 

[montag451]

"The cable must be plugged directly into a USB port (either on the PC or a hub). Use a standard 6' 10' or 15' USB cable to reach the desired distance."