Cruisers & Sailing Forums - View Single Post - Long-Distance WiFi Device

s/v Jedi · 24-03-2009, 22:50

Well, there's more to it. You can extend that active cable with a regular (passive) 15' cable for a total length of 31'. So, it's about bridging distances between computer and USB device. If the active cable uses 50 mA you could still have 450 mA left for the device.

Also, not all computer USB ports are equal. They are supposed to be able to deliver 500mA each but many won't or burn up, especially with laptops. When that happens, the port is shot. So, this is why I advise a powered hub: it provides plenty power to the USB bus plus it protects the computer.

cheers,
Nick.

24-03-2009, 22:50	#96
s/v Jedi Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Boat: Sundeer 64 - Jedi Posts: 1,520	Well, there's more to it. You can extend that active cable with a regular (passive) 15' cable for a total length of 31'. So, it's about bridging distances between computer and USB device. If the active cable uses 50 mA you could still have 450 mA left for the device. Also, not all computer USB ports are equal. They are supposed to be able to deliver 500mA each but many won't or burn up, especially with laptops. When that happens, the port is shot. So, this is why I advise a powered hub: it provides plenty power to the USB bus plus it protects the computer. cheers, Nick.