What USB standard?

CNC Machines Shapeoko
1

Hi,

I’m sure it’s written in the specification somewhere but, to make sure I get the right extender (if I go down that route), what USB standard does the Shapeoko XXL use, please?

Thank you.

2

USB 2.0, type B on Shapeoko side and type A on computer side, e.g.

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Hi-Speed-Ferrite-U023-003/dp/B008VOPCGY

1 Like
3

Please do not use an extender.

We recommend no more than a 6’ USB cable — some folks have been successful placing a powered USB hub in-between cable runs, and a couple of folks have used active repeaters, but we don’t recommend or support that.

4

Thanks again @Julien

It was the USB 2.0 I was after, as I’m thinking of getting one of these to get over the slightly longer lead I’ve currently got (about 7feet in total!)

5

Hmm, I’ll need to do something, but if you won’t support USB leads longer than the provided one (which is also too long?) or extenders, I’m a bit stumped.

Would a powered USB hub work?

6

USB Extenders can work, but circumstances and criticality have to be considered. I know of control rooms (power stations etc) that use them to very good effect. Top of market in this arena is:

https://www.adder.com/en/kvm-solutions/extend/usb-extenders

Declare self interest here… this is my Company, as-in I work there.

7

Hmm, want to send me one so I can test it and tell everyone how wonderful it is? LOL

8

I would love to give them away, but… how would I afford all the lovely CNC toys if I did?

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9

In all seriousness, if you do need to use a powered USB hub or USB extender, the cheaper end of the market tend to give issues. Just what you don’t need when controlling your CNC… Of course I would recommend my company’s product, but there are other ‘good makes’. Just not as good as mine, obviously :slight_smile:

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10

“don’t support” means just that: they won’t help you if you run into issues while using the longer lead. You can still do it.

Your Amazon link looks good to me, it’s an active USB/ethernet converter, so as long as the ethernet cable isn’t terrible, you should be fine.

The supported alternative I’d recommend is just sticking a small PC right next to the Shapeoko. A lot of people use the cheap Windows 10 tablets that you can buy from AliExpress. Search “windows tablet” on the forum and you’ll see tons of them.

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11

a powered hub is actually a good idea, since it reduces the impact of all kinds of power management on your PC/laptop host…

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12

Having spent as much as I have (and everyone else, probably!) on starting this hobby, I wouldn’t go for cheap now!

13

Fair comment :laughing:

14

I have a Microsoft Surface that only has one USB port so I use a powered 4 port hub. I have all 4 ports occupied (CNC, wireless joystick dongle, wireless mouse dongle and USB thumb drive) and I’ve had no issues running that.

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15

I’m new to this and didn’t know there was a 6’ guideline, so I got this. :slight_smile:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NH13DV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It works perfectly for me. I’ve done 4 or 5 cuts, some as long as 2 hours. No issues.

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