D200: Trouble with USB cables.

AndrewC · Post by **AndrewC** » Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:29 am

So I run a D200 > 6' > unpowered hub > 6' to motherboard USB socket with no problems with CMN running inside Win7. However, I do run with an external power supply to the D200. It is not inconceivable that if you are on battery power (can't see if you said anything about that) that it is struggling with the USB connection especially if the camera socket is maybe dirty / tarnished. Worth trying anyway

Or it might just be your D200 has a problem with the USB port - camera USB ports don't typically win prizes for mechanical strength and reliability. If you could borrow a different body to test with it might be instructive.

Peter De Smidt · Post by **Peter De Smidt** » Thu May 03, 2012 1:35 pm

Update: Today some cables from Monoprice arrived. All of them work fine with the D200 and Win 7, including the 16ft USB-2 Active Extension. It works even without the auxiliary power supply. Thank you for the suggestion!

Rylee Isitt · Post by **Rylee Isitt** » Thu May 03, 2012 2:54 pm

USB cables have internal resistance that degrades DC signals over distance, and often aren't shielded to suppress noise. This resistance can be reduced by using highly conductive materials (gold) or very thick wires. Those little cores at the end are meant to suppress radio interference noise. So if you've purchased very long cables without them, then you've found yourself some pretty dodgy cables.

Look for thick, beefy, cables with cores. Even then, there are risks it still won't work - best to look up the manufacturers online and see if their long cables are known to be good.

Glad to hear you found some good ones!