Altronics Performaire PC USB Bulkhead

[Sean Marconette]

Does anyone else that has this system, have a better alternative to the USB bulkhead cable? My cable has failed from rain. I want something that the outside USB connections are waterproof. Also the short bulkhead cable was the only thing that would work, otherwise the long bulkhead would not power the weatherstation.

Thanks
Sean

[SuperCompDiv3]

You must remember that a USB powered device is only going to work at cable lengths under 23 feet - reliably that is.

The bulkhead connector should have a screw on water tight cover, did yours not come with one? Some of the ones I have set up were covered with an all weather electrical outlet cover also. Just flip it up and plug it in.

There are other USB connections, including a USB to Cat 5 conversion for longer lengths of cable, seems kindof silly to have one over 23 feet anyway...

[Sean Marconette]

I should have been more specific on the bulkhead connector cable length. The short one is less than 36". I believe the original long one that came from Altronics was around 96", and the weather station would not powerup with that one. The moisture problem happened at a race. So the cap was not installed and the weather station was still plugged into the bulkhead. The way the male/female connections on the cable shown are not weathertight when in use, humidity as well. I am looking for a better way to make a $90 cable last.

[Altronics]

This is the first time I have heard of the bulkhead cable failing due to water, but if you are having trouble you may want to put some dielectric grease on the connections to minimize corrosion.

We do offer the bulkheads in two lengths, 6' and15'. Best two use the shortest you can get away with. USB is spec'd for max 25'. We have found that this varies greatly on the PC brand, mother board, and actual USB chipset used in the PC or laptop. Newer PC doesn't mean better either. We have some order laptops that we can go 40' of USB cable and others that will only go 20'.

We also have various boosters and extenders that can allow for up to 150' of cable.

So if you are having any issues with the bulkhead cables or cable length, please give us a call to discuss so that we can provide the best solution for your application.

[Sean Marconette]

Thank you Fred,

I tried dielectric and that did not help, I ended up pulling the bulkhead out and fed another cable through the trailer wall and then everything was fine. I found an answer to my problem and it is a weathertight bulkhead connecter. The exterior cable plugs in and screws onto the bulkhead to seal the connection. Heck they are practicaly in my backyard.

http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-...R-211320-06-39

I agree on the USB port issues.

Thank You for a Great Product and Support!

Sean