daisy chain usb connections

I asked something like this a while back to some guy who I used to work with that was into computers. I asked if it were ok to daisy chain some usb cables together, he said no, something about the signal being lost along the way. I am going to be putting in a aftermarket deck soon that has a usb cable at the back, not sure how long it is but I want to run it all the way to where I have a bunch of delete panels. If the deck usb doesn't make it, say a bit far, would I run into problems if I daisy chain the usb cable to another one to compensate for the missing length?

 

It's fine man. I have an extender on mine.

 

cool thanks

 

Depends on how much length you need and how much power you need on the other end. The USB spec only delivers the 0.5 amp (I think that's the amount) over a specific length. This is usullly not an issue unless you are trying to hook up something power-hungry, like a USB hard disk drive.

 

not too far, since I have a base model I am going to be using the deleted panel spots for the usb connection. just need the socket or what have you to make it look OE or close to it. The usb extention that came with the h.u. is plenty enough to make it over to the side where I need it. Thought I was going to have to need more or something.

 

Yes, technically the spec is only 500 milliamps (0.5 amps), but generally most extension cables won't lose much power if you don't use more than one. The HU may deliver more than that anyway. Check the specs for how much power it delivers in the first place.

 

In general, anything over 10 feet is not recommended for a USB 2.0 cable...but many USB devices (like a thumb drive) don't need the full power and will run. You might have a problem running an external HDD, using a webcam, or charging an Ipod while playing music off of it. Luckily for you, I don't think it's really an issue because I don't think that you would need anything longer than 10 feet within the cabin of our trucks.

 

Just fyi, I had a 2.5" external usb disk drive that would not spin up on 2 3' usb cables together. Connected it via one cable and it would work. So, YMMV, just wanted to let the OP know there may be an issue depending on the power needs of the usb device.

 

That's why I said 'generally' and not 'universally' and to check how much power the HU supplies.

 

Nope, all good, I wasn't dis'n your post, I just added my actual experience for the OP and anyone else looking.