Hello, me again: I finally have the 4 PS Eye cameras, I'm just wondering about setting them up.

The cameras are in a separate room to the one with my computer, So I know I will need a USB extension cable. The question I want to ask is; would it be possible to use a single extension cable connected to a USB adapter such as this? Or would I have to use a separate cable per camera?

Thanks...

That's a good question. Technically, you can use up to two PS3 Eye cameras per USB controller so I think it depends on how it all comes together at the computer.

IMO, it's probably more reliable to have a separate cable for each device and plug the cables directly into each controller (on-board or card) and avoid using a hub. I might be wrong about this but it just seems like the data streams will be cleaner this way (i.e, less chance of interference.)

Curious to hear what the devs say.

G.

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Greenlaw
Artist/Partner - Little Green Dog | My Demo Reels (2013,) (2015,) (2017,) and (2019)

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Technically, one USB hub per 2 cameras should work.
However, we had not ever tested this. Always using a separate extension cable for each camera that needs it. Only used hubs on the PC side.
Potential problems may arise due to quality of an extension cable, which may not be sufficient for throughput generated by 2 cameras.

I see; one cable per camera will be a bit more expensive, but thanks for the info.

EDIT: Could you recommend any cheap cables?

I've mentioned earlier a couple of cables we are using without issues, one costs about $10, another about $20:
http://forum.ipisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=18673#p18673
Depending on your room, you may try to place 1-2 cameras near the PC, so extension cables are not needed for them.

USB Active Repeater Cables are probably the least expensive component, costing about $10 to $15 for a decent one. I wouldn't go too cheap with cables--if they give poor performance, you're just wasting time and money. If you get a decent set, you can daisy chain them over great lengths and still get good signals.

I bought my cables several years ago on Amazon; Monoprice is a good source for inexpensive cables too. Be sure you're getting USB Active Repeater cables and not ordinary USB extension cable. Repeater cables typically have a small box or an oversized connector at one end. Get one with an LED indicator--it's helpful for troubleshooting.

Before doing any of this, be certain you have the necessary number of USB controllers in your computer to support the number of devices you wish to connect. I think most desktops computers have two built-in controllers and should be able to support four PS3 Eye devices(or two Kinect) but naturally they need to be available (i.e., not in use by external hard drives, etc.) Many iPi Mocap Studio users add additional controller cards to support more USB devices on their computer. Optionally, you can use multiple computers if you're using Mocap Studio 3.

G.

_________________
Greenlaw
Artist/Partner - Little Green Dog | My Demo Reels (2013,) (2015,) (2017,) and (2019)

Watch a one minute excerpt on Vimeo now!