Is there such a thing as a wireless usb cable? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: drakejest
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2022, 11:02:22 pm
content: I know the title sounds a bit ridiculous but it the best i could do to describe what im looking for.In my last project I had to upload code to a controller thats hidden on the ceiling, and lets just say it was not comfortable doing so I only had a 2 meters cable. So whenever i have to upload code i have to climb up a ladder with my laptop and upload the code and go back down to test. I have to do this every time i find a bug, or improve the code.I was wondering that there should be better way of doing this. Since the controller can be communicated via usb only, i was thinking if there is such a thing as a wireless usb cable, that would connect 2 usb device without the cable. Typically the host provides power to the slave, but in the instances that i need this device the slave have its own powersupply so that is no concern for me. All i care is to be able to connect 2 usb device via wireless with both the slave and the host not being able to tell the difference if its wired or not. It must be a usb cable replacement no special software must be needed on the host and slaveIs there such a device? i would really like to buy one.

author: Buriedcode
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2022, 12:42:11 am
content: If your "controller" is an Arduino, or something similar that uses USB as a serial port, then you could just replace that with a small bluetooth module. I seem to rememberbeing able to use one of the lines of the HC-05 module to reset the Arduino so it can be used both for communication and loading code.If the "controller" is an existing device, and implements HID or something more specific, then it gets more difficult. I am unaware for a wireless USB link, as most applications/devices would either use bluetooth, or use a custom wireless system, that then presents a USB IF at the other end (note, this isn't USB over the air, just device -> wireless link -> microcontroller -> USB IF). Given the bandwidth of even full speed USB, and the fact its bidrectional, I think it would be extremely difficult to create a "transparent" interface.Whats on your ceiling that requires code uploads?

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2022, 12:52:46 am
content: There are USB Extenders over Ethernet Cable which are transparent to the USB device.Here is an exampleUSB Extender 165ft Kit with 4 USB 2.0 Hub, Over Single Ethernet Cat5e/6/7.The ones I have used worked well.I'm not aware of a similar USB extender that works over WIFI.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2022, 01:06:52 am
content: You could run USB/IP on a Raspberry Pi.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2022, 07:04:24 am
content: I occasionally have some use for a long USB cable, and my solution was to build an USB to RJ45 plug and and RJ45 to USB plug, and whenever I need a long USB cable I put a CAT-5 cable in between them.For wireless, Bluetooth such as HC-05 seems a logical choice, but I do wonder what sort of microcontroller you have hidden above the ceiling. Maybe it's easier to replace that with for example an ESP8266 which can update over the air with a bootloader.

author: LM21
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2022, 08:41:10 pm
content: Googling wireless usb gives some hits