5m USB 2.0 extension cable problem.

chid76 · 9 Aug 2013 at 11:54

I just picked up a 5m USB 2.0 extension cable to use with a pc xbox controller and I am having problems. Once I plug it in it's not stable and keeps turning it's self off and on every few seconds.
The controller is fine if I plug it directly into the pc and the cable is fine when I connect other devices like an MP3 player.
Any idea as to what's going wrong?

Thanks

d_brennen · 9 Aug 2013 at 11:58

Probably a dodgy connection/fracture in the wire somewhere. Bin it and get another, they're only cheap

chid76 · 9 Aug 2013 at 12:02

The confusing thing is that the cable works with other devices like my MP3 player that draws power to recharge from the USB port. I was just wondering if there is something special about running a controller over an extension maybe?

Tackle_Berry · 9 Aug 2013 at 12:06

I thought 5M and above USB extensions were meant to be active to amplify the signal?

d_brennen · 9 Aug 2013 at 12:08

5m is the official passive limit. Some devices are fine over 15-20m. YMMV

chid76 · 9 Aug 2013 at 12:12

Ok my bad, I have just realised that the on and off sound that I am hearing when I plug the controller in is for my keyboard (sidewinder x4).
If I use the cable the it turns the power on and off on my keyboard. The keyboard is backlit so I tried with the back light off in case it was somehow a power draw problem and it made no difference??

I have a powered usb hub somewhere, maybe I will give that a shot.

chid76 · 9 Aug 2013 at 12:21

The powered USB hub seems to have solved the problem. Cheers for the response