HMX -- Wired RB Peripherals USB 1.1 or 2.0?

[trilidar]

Hoping someone from HMX can clear this up.

I've been reading and reading everywhere, but cannot find any clarification as to which USB standard the wired peripherials adhere to. I'm looking at a USB to Cat5 extender and really need to know which way to go. If I can avoid needlessly purchasing a significently higher priced 2.0 extender when I don't need to, that would be smashing.

Also, having never actually seen a RB microphone I'm also curious how it attaches (ie, does the 360 ver attach like a Live headset --via the controller-- or USB cable? And what about the PS3?). I've been watching as many vids as I can get my hands on, but obviously it's hard to tell.

As always, any help is greatly appreciated.
tril

BTW-- am I to assume that if they are, in fact, 2.0 devices the incl Special Ed hub is as well?

[Xzyliac]

Okay before anyone comes on and says the patented RB forum phrase "Check out the n00b Guide!" I'll answer.

1) The mic goes into the 360 controller.
2) I believe it is 2.0. Isn't 2.0 backwards compatible? And I think all 360 wired hardware runs on 2.0. Pretty sure.
3) The bundled hub should take of any worries you may have.

[TheRocker]

Theres a Pelican USB Hub for sale at Gamestop it says it will work with Both X360 and Ps3

[Bakkster_Man]

It's almost certainly USB 2.0, few companies make USB 1.1 devices anymore. Of course, the instruments may not be high-speed, but that's besides the point.

But why would you want a USB-Cat5 conversion? Do you plan on playing more than 50 ft from your console? I'm boggled.

[skeltonath]

Okay before anyone comes on and says the patented RB forum phrase "Check out the n00b Guide!" I'll answer.

1) The mic goes into the 360 controller.
2) I believe it is 2.0. Isn't 2.0 backwards compatible? And I think all 360 wired hardware runs on 2.0. Pretty sure.
3) The bundled hub should take of any worries you may have.

I've seen everywhere the the mic goes into the controller, so it must be common knowledge, but where did everyone get this knowledge?

[blue_dragonzero]

Good question. Maybe some obscure Alex statement?

[trilidar]

Thanks for the responses.

To answer the question about why I need a USB to Cat5 adapter: I have a theatre room with a 10ft screen. All of the equipment's in a room at the back. I was hoping for all wireless peripherals, however we didn't get that lucky. So to minimize wire tripping, I'm looking at running everything to the screen (where I just happen to have a Cat5 jack, which convienently runs back to the aforementioned closet).

As far as USB being backwards compatible with 1.1, yes and no. Technically it is, but if the controllers are high speed devices (and I couldn't imagine for the life of me why they would need to be), then buying a 1.1 hub isn't going to cut it. I'm still hoping someone from HMX can clarify this because the price difference isn't cheap (I could literally afford to also buy the PS3 Special Edition bundle given the gap).

Much thanks.
tril

[Bakkster_Man]

To answer the question about why I need a USB to Cat5 adapter: I have a theatre room with a 10ft screen. All of the equipment's in a room at the back. I was hoping for all wireless peripherals, however we didn't get that lucky. So to minimize wire tripping, I'm looking at running everything to the screen (where I just happen to have a Cat5 jack, which convienently runs back to the aforementioned closet).

Then run 50ft of USB2.0 cable through the ceiling or something. I think going to Cat5 is a huge mistake, since it may not work well, and could induce some hefty lag. But, if you're really up to it, I think you'd still need the USB 2.0.

[tf5_bassist]

Then run 50ft of USB2.0 cable through the ceiling or something. I think going to Cat5 is a huge mistake, since it may not work well, and could induce some hefty lag. But, if you're really up to it, I think you'd still need the USB 2.0.

USB only runs up to 5 meters without a signal extender. That'd be a pain to work for a ceiling run. :/

[Bakkster_Man]

USB only runs up to 5 meters without a signal extender. That'd be a pain to work for a ceiling run. :/

Oops, I read my conversion wrong :o

In that case, go for it. I'd expect USB 2.0.

[tf5_bassist]

Oops, I read my conversion wrong :o

In that case, go for it. I'd expect USB 2.0.

haha.

I really don't see any problems with using cat5. cat5 is obviously capable of running gigabit ethernet, and even standard 100mbit/sec ethernet has a faster average sustained throughput than USB 2.0, which averages around 60mbit/sec. I don't remember what the round-trip time is on cat5 or cat5e, but it should be plenty fast to match USB2.0's 1500ns trip time.

You've got 100m of cable run to work with, I'd say to use cat5e so you can support gigabit ethernet equipment just to make sure, and go from there.

[jq71586]

haha.

I really don't see any problems with using cat5. cat5 is obviously capable of running gigabit ethernet, and even standard 100mbit/sec ethernet has a faster average sustained throughput than USB 2.0, which averages around 60mbit/sec. I don't remember what the round-trip time is on cat5 or cat5e, but it should be plenty fast to match USB2.0's 1500ns trip time.

You've got 100m of cable run to work with, I'd say to use cat5e so you can support gigabit ethernet equipment just to make sure, and go from there.


I have no idea what you just said....:confused:


I am not a computer guy at all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

PSN - jq71586 - looking for PS3 friends. :cool:

[tf5_bassist]

I have no idea what you just said....:confused:


I am not a computer guy at all.

Cliff Notes:
ethernet/cat5e cables are fast enough, and can run roughly 20 times longer than a USB2.0 cable.

[trilidar]

Thanks Tf5, but my larger concern is electrical variance and timing.

I know Cat5 can more than carry USB signals, but what I need to know is if the peripherals are 1.1 or 2.0 because of the 'head end' I'll need to plug the devices into.

Converters are specifically rated as 1.1 or 2.0 compliant. I'm sure they'd work either way, but it if the drums are 2.0 high-speed devices (and drew any power from the bus, for example): that's not covered in the 1.1 spec and could create problems (incl potentially, a fire).

So, if someone at HMX could take a moment to jog down to engineering and ask someone what they are (and if they're 2.0, do they draw any power from the bus?), I'd greatly appreciate it.

tril

[IbanezBassist_v2]

Check the Noob survival thread! LOL

[ductyl]

Check the Noob survival thread! LOL

This doesn't really answer his question at all. The only think in the survival thread about USB is that you won't have to worry about how many USB ports the XBox has. This is not his question. His question has been repeated several times in this thread, and in fact, is properly worded in the title. He wants to know *which* USB spec the intruments are using.

- ductyl

[trilidar]

This doesn't really answer his question at all. The only think in the survival thread about USB is that you won't have to worry about how many USB ports the XBox has. This is not his question. His question has been repeated several times in this thread, and in fact, is properly worded in the title. He wants to know *which* USB spec the intruments are using.

- ductyl

Thanks, ductyl. I really hate it when others come here and tell us to 'read the n00b guide' or 'use search' without bothering to take a second and actually read the question or responses.

Not exactly very helpful or constructive, IMHO.
tril

[ductyl]

Thanks, ductyl.

No prob. I hope you get an answer so you can get your setup working properly beforehand... otherwise I envision you on release day with strings of extension cords and powered USB hubs run across your floor ;)

Personally I'm hoping it's USB 1.1. It would easily be sufficient data rate, and the backwards compatibility of 2.0 would work in peoples favor. If we wind up with 2.0 instruments I can see a lot of people wondering why their new USB extention cable doesn't work with their game :p (and I won't be able to use the pile of 1.1 extentions I have in a drawer somewhere.)


I could literally afford to also buy the PS3 Special Edition bundle given the gap

If this is really the case... you might look into something like an active extention cable (http://www.usb-ware.com/usb-2-active-extension-cable-bf-3000.htm). I don't have any experience with them personally... but if they meet the USB 2.0 specs they should be fine. Not sure how far you have to run the cables(you can string up to 4 of these and a normal extention cable for a total of 80 feet), or how difficult it might be... but it sure looks to be a cheaper solution. (Plus, that site starts giving bulk discounts at 2 units!)

- ductyl

[trilidar]

Thanks, but I already own an active extension cable of 25ft.

My problem isn't so much an issue of length, but logistics. Given my room setup it would be much easier to run everything forward, instead of back (if nothing else, it should minimize wire trips once we start rocking out).

Anyway, here's hoping Sean or someone else from HMX will take a couple minutes out of their busy day and clarify this. Otherwise, I'll just have to buy the lower end one and pray.

tril

[ductyl]

My problem isn't so much an issue of length, but logistics. Given my room setup it would be much easier to run everything forward, instead of back (if nothing else, it should minimize wire trips once we start rocking out).


Makes sense... plus it would just look sweet to have all your instruments running to front of the room, without any console visible.

[hmxsean]

I was under the impression it was 2.0

[IbanezBassist_v2]

This doesn't really answer his question at all. - ductyl

No crap?! Read the first reply ass jacket!

[tf5_bassist]

I was under the impression it was 2.0

I believe this is the closest answer we're gonna' get for a while.

I can't even find anything on the USB standards of the X-plorer, either. :/

[trilidar]

I believe this is the closest answer we're gonna' get for a while.

I can't even find anything on the USB standards of the X-plorer, either. :/

I know, I looked and looked for this awhile ago myself (until I eventually gave up). It would be helpful if the USB group required device manufactures to put a little logo on the box stating what's what, but that seems unlikely to happen this late in the game.

Thanks Sean for your answer though, because I do appreciate. If you happen to have lunch with someone in engineering someday and remember my question I'd appreciate you passing it along, because I'm sure someone other than myself would benefit from the answer.

In the meantime, I'm going with the assumption I need a 2.0 compliant head-end and make my purchase.

Much thanks.
tril

[ductyl]

No crap?! Read the first reply ass jacket!

I have no idea how to take this... which first reply? The first reply in this thread says:


Okay before anyone comes on and says the patented RB forum phrase "Check out the n00b Guide!"

Maybe you meant your first post about checking the noob guide as a joke in response to this? I'm sorry if I missed the spirit of your comment... sometimes the subtleties are hard to read online...


I believe it is 2.0. Isn't 2.0 backwards compatible? And I think all 360 wired hardware runs on 2.0. Pretty sure.

There is also this in the first reply here, which is helpful information(which isn't in the noob guide), but still not certain... however I don't see how that relates to *your* pointing to the noob guide.

If you meant the first reply in the noob guide, as I previously stated the information about the USB spec is not listed in the noob guide at all. The only information about USB is that you won't have to worry about the ports on your Xbox, *not* what spec they use.

So I guess I appologize either way? Either I missed the intent of your first message... or I missed the meaning of your second message.

- ductyl (Ass Jacket) --->http://community.rockband.com/file/pic/user/ductyl_120.jpg