USB extender compatibility with GRT EFIS

[Girraf]

I've got 3 GRT EFIS screens on my panel design and intend to bring the USB connection on each one forward to the panel for easier software updating and data downloading. As an alternative to running 3 independent panel mounted USB extensions for data and a separate USB charging device, I found the USB-6A from EI. For $200, it seems like a bargain to get 3 data ports and 2 charging points in a single device. I asked GRT if it would be compatible but they couldn't be sure because the 3 data ports only show 3 wires for each USB extension instead of 4. The Unit is designed to work with the EI CGR-30 Engine displays but I was curious if it could work for data transfer to each GRT screen. Anyone used this before for that purpose?

Here's what GRT had to say:
"it's unusual in that it only shows 3 wires connected in each cable. It looks like they don't connect the ground wires in the cables. A normal USB cable has 4 wires including ground. This may affect the power or data transfer capability."

 

[rv8ch]

I would probably go with a very simple extender to avoid the risk of "strange" problems. Something like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/316650178999

Or multiple single-port panel mount extenders. Perhaps not as sexy, but less work, and more reliable. My $0.02.

 

[Rick_A]

I read an interesting article a couple of days ago about the problems caused by cheap USB cables. The owner of an iPhone repair shop said they the number of phones that come in with fried electronics increased dramatically after iPhones switched to USB-C for charging.

Most of the time the root cause was the use of cheap cables or cheap chargers.

 

[BurnieM]

I read an interesting article a couple of days ago about the problems caused by cheap USB cables. The owner of an iPhone repair shop said they the number of phones that come in with fried electronics increased dramatically after iPhones switched to USB-C for charging.

Most of the time the root cause was the use of cheap cables or cheap chargers.

Cheap chargers yes.

Cheap cables no.
Perhaps he has a load of overpriced Apple cables he is trying to move ?
I have problems with about 10% of cheap usb cables but they have never taken out any of my devices.
I usually lose the cables before they die.

 

[rv8ch]

The challenge with USB-C - USB-C cables is that they have many different configurations. There are differences in the amount of power they can deliver, and data speeds that they can support. And other things. Out of curiosity, I bought a USB cable tester, and was surprised by the variations I found in my USB cables.

Treedix USB Cable Tester with 2.4

【USB Cable Performance Testing】Test USB cable continuity, functionality (charging, data transfer, high-speed signal), and measure internal resistance for power efficiency. Verify ground wire connection to outer shell for cable integrity, safety, and shielding. 【Type-C eMarker Chip Reading】Reads...

treedix.com

And often the packaging on the cable does not tell you the truth.

The other challenge is that many devices don't properly implement the USB-C standard, so the charger does not know how much power to supply. This is the case with some of the SkyEcho devices like the SE2. You have to use a "dumb" charger.

For the OP, none of this matters much, since the GRTs are not USB-C.

 

[moosepileit]

https://a.co/d/04ghPRMG

$67.

Been using a 4 port USB 2.0 version since 2016. I don't know that you need a powered hub, but I can vouch otherwise. 7 ports, USB 3.0 to charge devices. Moves ADSB-In from a Skyradar DX, a USB bluetooth dongle and a USB thumb drive data loader/recorder. I assume each EFIS can acces the database plugged into the hub.


That ADSB In unit has both a 9 pin serial adapter port and a USB A port, the GRT accepts the USB data path, so it was a no-brainer. The bluetooth dongle sends Android GRT Remote app flight plans and allows your device to be an EFIS screen.

 

[Girraf]

After some more looking I decided to just proceed with 3 USB extenders and a PowerWorx USB panel mount charger. Sum total for all the hardware is less than $75.

The extra holes in the panel is not really an issue since I'm having mine CNC cut.