1 • Can I use a longer USB cable?
The USB standard is designed as a “desktop bus”, meaning that it is intended to carry data for short distances between devices on a desk, e.g. to connect a keyboard to a computer.
The RB response pads come with a 6 foot (2m) USB cable. You can probably extend this safely to 10 feet. Beyond that, you will need a “powered USB extender”; see Amazon or Google. This is a device that comes with its own power supply and provides a power boost to the USB signal to allow it to go longer distances.
Your response pad comes with a “USB Type A to mini USB” cable. Such extenders usually have a USB Type A connector, so you’d be able to use the provided cable, but you will need a different cable if the extender uses a USB connector other than Type A.
2 • The response pad works but it is sending the wrong key information.
This implies that the USB driver is installed and working correctly but one of two things might be wrong:
- The wrong protocol is selected. Protocol selection is done using the white/red DIP switches near the USB connector. Which one you use depends on your application software.
- The response pad itself may be misconfigured; see Fixing a Response Pad’s Configuration.
3 • How can I verify that the USB driver is installed?
The following assumes that all four switches on the response pad (near the USB connector) are in the down position.
If you are a SuperLab user, click on the Experiment menu and select Participant Input; a dialog appears. Assuming that the response pad input is selected (“RB-x30 Series Response Pad” or later), click on the Setup tab then click on the Auto Detect button. If SuperLab can find a response pad, then the USB driver is installed.
You can also use Xidon. After installing and running it, click on Search for Device button. If Xidon can find the response pad, then the USB driver is installed.
Last revision: Aug 30, 2023
