Usb extension cable recommendations

FlightAware ADS-B Flight Tracking
1

Hi,
I am using an RPi3B with the FA pro stick Plus. I get pretty good reception from my garage but would like to improve it by moving my setup. Ideally I would like to use a USB extension cable.

I purchased this one: monoprice 32 ft 2 port active usb cable When I use it, I see a tremendous loss in range and aircraft counts. I even bought a power adapter for the extension end to eliminate power drop issues over the cable. (i also tested it on some other rtl-sdr’s on my pc and had the same sort of issues)

I also tried this on my other rtl-sdr’s: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KKZAIU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3ft monorpice usb extension cable… I also had issues with data reception…

Are there recommended or known good cables? Any thoughts on why I am having issues?
Thanks!

2

I’ve used USB extension cables as short as 200mm and seen the same drop in performance.

You are far better keeping the Dongle to Pi interface short and extending the CAT5/power (maybe as PoE for convenience).

1 Like
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I agree. USB cables are the worst to extend.
Either move all the contraption away (Pi+dongle) and remotely fed it, or move just the antenna and use a long coax cable.

Personally I have moved the antenna, and used a preamp/filter at that end with power over the coax cable. To be cheaper, I have used RG6 cable with SMA-F adapters at each end.

2 Likes
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Thank you very much for your input!

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6

Any hints what you used?
(and did you confirm no significant drop in messages? - side by side receives or similar)

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@geckoVN
I am not the one who used it. I have quoted someone else from another forum. To see details, please click the two Click here in my above post.

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It unfortunately looks like you are endorsing it.

I had success with a 5m passive USB extension cable with no discernible loss. That is only a 50% success rate.

I have had 100% success with PoE (Power over Ethernet) out of three installations. One of these was for power only with the data still communicated over Wi-Fi.

I use these which have the added bonus of being cheaper than the genuine Raspberry 2.5Amp powersupply.](Raspberry Pi 3 Board Power Over Ethernet Kit Poe(injector Splitter) 5v 2.4a for sale online | eBay)

Unterminated Ethernet also goes through a much smaller hole than a terminated USB cable.

S.