I have been trying to get a little gain on my Kinect cable leads back to my workstation. Because of the power situation I was wondering am I able to simply go grab any USB extension cables or is there something specific like the "Nyko" extend link cables. I apologize if perhaps this was covered in another thread that I have not found yet but my kids and I are planning on trying to do some significant capture over the next several days and I'd like to use my money wisely.

Could anyone make a recommendation that is unbiased yet helpful. I'd appreciate it tremendously.

For Kinect, I use the same Repeater Cables (a.k.a., Active USB cables) that I use for my PS3 Eye cameras. These are different from standard USB extension cables in that they have an electronic component on then end that boosts the cable's power and signal. They're fairly 'cheap'--I get mine for about $11 or so at stores like NewEgg.

GWC 16.4 ft. USB 2.0 Repeater Cable

In theory, you can daisy-chain up to five of these cables guys, which would be ridiculously long. I think the longest chain I've used for a single camera is three, but normally for PS3 Eye cameras I may have two cables per cameras, and for Dual Kinect Sensors I use a total of three repeater cables, one for the nearer sensor and two for the farther one.

For Kinect, because each device has its own power brick, the extra boost from these cables is for maintaining a steady data stream, not for powering the sensors. (Well, that's been my assumption anyway. If a more knowledgeable user knows otherwise, please correct this post.)

G.

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

Watch a one minute excerpt on Vimeo now!

I really appreciate the recommendation on the cables Greenlaw. I'm headed to frys tomorrow morning and I'm going to look around and see if I can find those cables. I'll simply make them pricematch with NewEgg which they seem to do IF they have those cables in stock. Again, I really appreciate it!

I did not know Fry's did that. Thanks for the tip.

FWIW, NewEgg is pretty fast on delivery, at least here in LA. Most things I order from them by standard mail seem to arrive by next day. Being the holiday season, mileage may vary of course.

Hmm...wait at home for a delivery that may arrive late or wait in lines at Fry's with the holiday shopping mob? Tough choice.

Good luck! :)

G.

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

Watch a one minute excerpt on Vimeo now!

Greenlaw, I wanted to just get back with you briefly. In regards to hardware pricing and deals, frys will match Internet pricing as well. I was able to, in the past month, get 3 tripod up to 60 inches specifically with kinect heads, 6 15 foot amplified USB cables extenders, 3 kinects and 4 ps3 eye cams all under 500 dollars when I tallied.

This was the Fry's in Burbank price matching everything. Take advantage of it.