Best way to run 4 webcams effectively

[Neurotic 0]

Hey guys,

 

First up, apologies if I posted this in the wrong section..

 

This has been bugging me for a while, but I finally found some sw that works effectively for a cctv system and have 4 Microsoft Lifecams (VX-700 here in Australia I believe, basic one anyway but does the job) and have these connected with also 4 usb "active" extender cables. No problems whatsoever with the signal, picture is crisp. However, I believe power is an issue here. Initially I bought 1 powered usb hub (rated 5v - 2A). Everything went along ok for several weeks even until I started getting dropouts. Then it dawned to me.. hmm.. 2A = 2000ma.. 4 x 500ma = 2000ma and the extender cables are probably going to need some (maybe not a lot) power and also the unit itself needs some of that 2A also. So I grabbed another 2A powered hub. I decided to plug each hub into a seperate port at the back of the box and essentially each powered hub (both plugged into the power board) would run 2 cams each. OK, I think there was some improvement but I can't be sure. So then I thought about "daisy chaining" this setup. Only have one hub plugged into the back of the comp and plug the other hub into that hub and then run "2 in each". Ok, long story short, nothing has really worked out perfectly. At the moment I have the daisy chain setup, but the child hub is running all 4 cameras. I just rebooted and now nothing shows up, all four cams are dead. I realise there are usb 3.0 hubs with 4A power? that are reverse compat with 2.0 usb devices.. but is that 4A available to only 3.0 devices maybe 2.0 devices would simply draw standard 2.0 power (500ma each).

 

Thanks heaps!!

 

EDIT: changed cam model #

Edited April 22, 2011 by Guest

[Soundy 1]

I doubt those cameras really draw more than 100mA each. Power is not likely to be your problem.

[Neurotic 0]

Thanks man for your reply.

 

The cams are rated at 500ma which I thought was very strange for such a simple webcam

 

Correction about the cam model, it is actually vx-700 not vx-100. It's this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-LifeCam-VX-700/dp/B002JXKGFA

[Soundy 1]

I can't find anything that states the cameras require 500mA. Specs may say that they need a 500mA USB port, as that is the max current that a USB *root device* port is supposed to supply, by spec... a port on a bus-powered hub is supposed to max out at 100mA, which would likely not be enough to run the camera, which is probably why they would specify a 500mA port... doesn't mean the camera would draw a full 500mA.

[Neurotic 0]

Thanks Soundy. I tried getting help elsewhere but absolutely no luck, you've been the most help so far, thanks.

 

Yeah, I read the 500mah from the tag on the power cord, but they are most likely just using that to be safe, in reality it is probably less even with active extenders.

 

I uploaded a pic of the error in more detail, hope you can see it ok:

 

EDIT: I uploaded my screenshot here: http://postimage.org/image/2xlllxumc/full/

 

Also the cable going from hub1 to hub2 which I believe is causing the problem is the last one pictured in hub1 going to 3rd from left into hub 2 on here:

 

Sorry I know its a handful, thanks.

 

EDIT: Sorry man for this retarted thread. What is interesting is everything was working PERFECTLY for at least 2 months before I rebooted and everything went to sh*t. Maybe I will just run one camera for the entrance and be done with it. Maybe that won't even work.. grr hate usb!