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Question

Connect USB2.0 webcam to system using USB2.0 active extensio

Nov 6, 2014 1:44AM PST

Hi All,

I have decided to have a small CCTV kind of a setup on my terrace. I have purchased a "Circle GAZE HD-R 1080p" USB2.0 webcam for this along with a USB 2.0 active extension (20 mtrs) to connect it to my laptop.

The Active extension is exactly like this - http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00KW68XNS/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=

The problem I am facing is, the Webcam gets disconnected quiet often while recording, also at times the systems gives an error as "USB device not recognised/malfunctioned).

Can I solve this issue by using a USB 2.0 HUB in between Cam & active extension. Moreover, once I use a USB hub, will it enable me to connect 2 to 3 USB cams.

Also, please advise a good video/audio recording application that is freely available online

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Have to go with no.
Nov 6, 2014 2:10AM PST

I've seen such over the years and few are trouble free. I'd ditch USB for this round and look at IP Cameras which can be over WiFi or Ethernet next.
Bob

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Answer
USB
Nov 6, 2014 10:12PM PST

20 meters is too long a stretch, you COULD try a powered hub, that is a maybe. As Bob Proffitt mentioned...wifi or Ethernet...better options.

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Answer
A firm "maybe"
Nov 7, 2014 12:08AM PST

Power from a USB port is limited and driving anything over some distance is going to be "iffy". Then you want to add mutli-cams from an ext. hub,which should provide capable power, but that's an open question, you can try. As suggested to you USB driven devices can be problematic for power alone but mutli-devices from same source maybe as well. if this was a single cam and only on a single port of a PC hub. Most PC USB ports are part of a hub, usually 2-USB per hub. Thus, leave only 1-device for that hub even if the 2nd is open, to reduce problems. For your orginal question a powered hub for 1-camera is very possible. At the same time 20m is pushing it, but supposedly it's supported, you will find out. Alas, laptops are poor sources of power for USB, other than directly and even then over time it may fail.

tada -----Willy Happy