StarTech USB3 30ft Tether Active Extension Cable

Note on USB Lengths

The USB 3.0 specification calls for a maximum cable length of 9 feet. That length is the longest officially supported cable for tethering a Phase One camera (or any other USB camera). However, in many situations this limitation is very restrictive, and a longer-than-officially-supported cabling solution is required. There are many USB cables and extensions on the market, many of which are surprisingly poor in quality. StarTech USB Active USB Extensions are the most reliable long-USB solution we have worked with.

This cable can be used with or without AC Power injected into the cable, and an AC Adapter to do so is included with the cable with a variety of international mains-power plugs. Use of the AC Power injection is not required, but it will greatly improve the tethering stability, especially on the longest versions of these extensions.

We still recommend having a backup plan for any critical tethering session which uses longer-than-spec cabling, but by using StarTech extensions you’ll be setting yourself for the highest likelihood of a smooth and stable tethering experience. We’ve tested up to the following combination with great success: [computer] to [3 meter Thunderbolt cable] to [OWC Hub] to [Startech USB3 30ft Tether Active Extension Cable] to [Phase One 10ft USB3 cable] to [Phase One IQ digital back] which is a total of roughly 50 feet from the computer.