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Using USB to Separate Computer and Keyboard/Mouse?

Posted by Cliff on from the gaining-some-distance dept.

Klaus Thorn asks: "As a member of a technical team that plans a radio station with several audio-editing cabins I'm thinking about separating the noisy heat-producing computer from the cabin using one VGA cable and one USB cable. The computer is in the computer storage room. In the cabin there is (besides LCD) an USB hub with keyboard, mouse, soundcard and CDR-drive. Has anyone tried this? I need to know whether this all-USB-solution is clean and stable or a bunch of problems. I need to know what distance I can put between cabin and computer-storage room. Let's assume USB 2.0 and amplifying USB cables and Windows XP."

"One more detail: When the admin changes some hardware in the computer store room he does not want to run to the cabin to push a button. He could plug out the USB cable and plug in another USB cable that is connected to mouse and keyboard in the same room. After he's finished he could exchange the usb cables again (to the one leading to the cabin). This is only sensible if the computer will accept all four USB devices without driver reinstall and reboot. Anyone tried this or can predict wether this will work?"

3 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. Just use this by GigsVT · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Here

    --
    I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
  2. Check first by segvio · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Look up specs on USB audio devices. Many (and I mean MANY) will not work at all on USB (power or unpowered) hubs and require a direct USB connection.

  3. Have you considered Firewire? by TorgoGuy · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The Firewire spec allows for much longer cables than USB. A bought two 32ft firewire cables that were guaranteed to operate at that distance (www.granitedigital.com) and put a firewire hub to connect the two together. That gave me 64 feet of distance.

    I have done CD/DVD burning, printing, and scanning, with no problems over this 64ft distance.

    I used a refurb Cybex extender for the keyboard, video and mouse over one CAT5 cable.