Since buyimg my RB I dont have enough money for an external aerial as yet, but just wondering if it would be a better idea buying a 10ft USB Cable and using that to gain extra length to site the original aerial on the flat roof above my dormer window?
I know that by using longer Coax will reduce signal so thought this may be a much better and of course considerably cheaper option?
James
I'm using a 4m USB cable successfully to connect from my PC in the study up to my Radarbox in the loft. Although I've heard reports of too much voltage loss down a long USB cable, but it works okay for me.
Gonna give it a go and see.
With the voltage loss, does that mean that the Box will only half work, or stop working completely?
My understanding is that if there's too much voltage loss, it just stops working, or occasionally drops connection.
I've never had any problems with my 4m USB cable, and when I first used it I compared reception performance with the original lead, and it was identical. I'm using what was a USB printer lead, so it's really thick - maybe that helps.
yeh I have bought this... I didnt know what one would call the USB connection into the unit as its small?
So this just acts as an extension
It's a B5 USB connector - see previous discussion at http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=409.msg3213#msg3213
My RB is connected with a 6m USB cable extension + the original cable and it works perfectly well.
What you have to be careful of on long cables is volt drop. If you were installing a lighting circuit over a long distance you would end up using a very large cable. (Volts are the pressure to push the amps)
I am not sure how USB actually works, maybe it uses frequecies which is a whole different ball game.
There is probably a maximum cable length they manufacture for USB, which maybe what you have all ready.
I use a USB extender that uses standard Cat 5 network cable. With this you can use up to 45m of network cable as an extension - that should be enough for anybody. See this FAQ for more information
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=635.0