Extending USB Cable For Web-Cam

Extending USB Cable For Web-Cam

There are a few ways you can extend your USB cable without receiving an error, " Device not found." There are a few users including myself that have successfully soldered USB cables to phone lines and coax cables. Due to the time and materials involved this is not the best way unless you have some soldering skills. I am assuming that your webcam is USB version 2.0, most devices like this are.

The problem with just connecting as many USB cables together as you can is that the inline power level to the device becomes so degraded that the device is no longer recognized. One device that allows you to overcome that issue is a USB Repeater. The maximum for this device is going to be about 65 ft. This allows you to add the length that you need without a great deal of additional wiring or the complicated task of trying to relocate your PC. The average price is anywhere from $60.00-$120.00 depending on where you make the purchase. They can be found reasonably priced at http://www.usbrepeater.com, or other retailers like Amazon and EBay. This device also eliminates the need for a hub.

The other option that may work depending on your webcam is by using a Coax USB Adapter. You still have to be careful how far you are extending the cables. You would need 2 Coax USB Adapters, and 2 USB Cables up to 16 ft. This is a simple installation.

1. Insert one end of the USB cable into the USB port on your pc.  Insert the other end into the USB port on the coax USB adapter.

2. Screw one end of the coax cable into the coax connector on the adapter.

3. Screw the free end of your coax cable into the second coax USB adapter. 4. Insert one end of the second USB cable into the USB port on the second coax USB adapter.

The 2 main factors are going to be the power and distance that the extensions on your USB cable are running. If none of the options above work I have tried the trick with the phone cord. It must be a 4-pin phone cord, I also suggest using RJ-11 cord as it is already shielded. I have never attempted more than 100 ft so I cannot attest to the fact that it will work for sure. You will also need: soldering equipment, USB cable, wire strippers/cutting pliers (scissors work as well), electrical tape, and if you want to use heat shrink tubing you can (it is optional).

1. Cut USB cable directly in half, this gives you room in case of a mistake.

2. Getting as close to the connector as possible cut both the ends of the phone cord off.

3. Remove only the outer jacket of the wire, if there is chance that you have damaged any of the wires, cut the cord again below the damaged area and remove the outer jacket again.

4. This step is optional but if you are using the heat sharing tubing, slide it over the end of the phone cord away from the working area. You will come back to it at the end.

5. Remove about 1 centimeter of the outer jacket from each of the wires, you should have 16 wires in all, you are ready to begin soldering.

6. Match up the colors of the wires, most phone cords use colors similar to USB cables. ex: If you match the black wire in the USB cable to the blue wire in the phone cord, you must do the same on the other end. Make a note of which colors you match up when you switch ends and begin soldering.

7. If you are not using the heat shrink tubing, wrap a piece of electrical taps around the soldered wires, ensure that no bare wires are exposed. If you are using the tubing, slide it up over the connections and shrink it.

8. Plug your device in as you normally would and make sure it tests data, if all wires have been matched up correctly and the solder is tight you should be done.

The last option really is for users that are comfortable with soldering equipment. If you aren't I suggest one of the others. Just remember that the key to your success is going to be the power level supporting the distance you are traveling. I think that a repeater is the best option if your pc is very much of a distance away from where you are mounting your webcam.