Extending USB A cables

Tech Talk Hardware
1

I have a SmartBoard in my classroom. My laptop connects to it via a 15’ HDMI cable and a 15’ USB A cable.

The HDMI cable transmits the audio and video. The USB A cable gives me interactivity between the SmartBoard and the laptop (when I manipulate anything on the SmartBoard, the laptop screen is also manipulated; like a remote connection I guess is the best way to describe it).

Changing out the 15’ HDMI cable for a longer cable caused no issues.

The longest USB A cable I seem to have found is 15’. So I tried extending the setup by daisy chaining two USB A cables. But I lost the interactivity. I’ve read a few articles that say daisy chaining may cause a loss of power to transmit enough power through the daisy chained cables.

Does anyone know of any intermediary device that can boost the power through the two USB A cables?

1 Like
2

You may need an “active cable”. No guarantees, cause you’re definitely exceeding the spec, but maybe something like this will work.

2 Likes
3

the SmartBoard brings back so many memories for me. I’m sure they’re a lot different now; but I remember as a kid that was probably one of my first times interacting with a touch screen and it was soooooo cool. We had them in my elementary school.

I hope Paul’s suggestion helps you out.

4

Another option is to put in a hub every 5 meters. That should work for 7 hubs–IIRC.

3 Likes
5

I just got in a 20 feet Wyze Cable - USB A cord extension last night from Amazon. I tested it out, and it worked fine. So, you might gain 5 extra feet (over what you currently have) that way. About all I can suggest. Amazon.com

It’s still just a USB A cable, so it should work with other stuff besides wyze cams.

1 Like
6

Aren’t you just talking about a KVM extender? You can use a keyboard-video-mouse extender to run from a greater distance. They are engineered to do this job; they will certainly work better than cobbling together your own USB A cable. KVM Extenders extend both the input devices and the video signal.

I’ve never used one first-hand, but information is widely available. I’m sure some IT specialists here can tell you about them.