ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD USB Passthrough Rack Issue

Coming up with a subject line for this was tough. Here's the issue and hoping someone can help. I just got an ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD to upgrade my older ATEM Television Studio HD. We do a lot of on location events so my setup goes into an SKB case for easy travel. The back panel of the case has a few custom patch panels from Redco Audio. Here's the issue... I can't find a single USB-C passthrough d-series connector that will work with the ATEM nor my HyperDeck Studio HDs (both of them) or my Web Presenter HD.

For background - I tried both a USB-C 2.0 and a USB-C 3.1 cable directly from my laptop to the ATEM unit and it connects without a problem. so it's not the USB-C port on the ATEM.

When I put a passthrough connector in the mix there is no connection between the two. I tried it on both a PC and a Mac. Same thing.

Switchcraft makes a 3.1 USB-C passthrough that has a USB-C cable on the inner side. I thought it was a slick solution. The model number is EHUSB31CFCMB. I bought 4 of them. Not a single one works. i plug the Switchcraft connector/cable into the ATEM and then at the back of the rack I plug a USB-C cable in, which goes to the laptop. Nothing. As soon as I take that same cable connected to my laptop and plug it directly into the ATEM I get a connection right away.

I tried a few other USB-C passthrough connectors from various brands that didn't have the cable connected like the Switchcraft. Same thing. No signal. When I take the passthorugh connector out of the mix and go direct it connects.

I'm using really short USB-C cables here so it's not a long run issue. The USB-C port on the ATEM is a 2.0 port. I called Blackmagic today to report the issue and confirm the flavor of USB on the unit and they said there were not aware of anyone else having this issue I am having. And the confirmed it's a 2.0 port. Not sure why they went with that older standard but it is what it is.

Yes, I can connect via the network with fixed IPs. There are some venues, however, that force me to use DHCP so I want to have a backup method of controlling the ATEM directly when I have to go from static IP to DHCP.

Has anyone had any luck using a patch panel with a passthrough USB-C connector so I can connect my laptop to it?

The Switchcraft website does not have a very detailed description of the product but could it be that this cable only has power and no data lines? It's not uncommon for USB-C cables to only deliver power.

For ruggedness I prefer to use either USB-A or USB-B connectors. These are far less likely to drop/fall out and also support USB 3.1 speeds. Just a different form factor. And speed is not really a concern here.

How about USB A/B panel connector , and USB C to USB B cable from ATEM into it ?

https://www.thomann.de/intl/neutrik_nausb_b.htm

Yes, I can connect via the network with fixed IPs. There are some venues, however, that force me to use DHCP so I want to have a backup method of controlling the ATEM directly when I have to go from static IP to DHCP.

FOR problem with IP adresses .. Insert any router into your RACK .. U got fixed IP adresees in your LAN network (ATEM , Computer, any other BMD devices, Streamer, ...) And WAN port going ito venue , with DHCP or fixed IPs ..

[quote="Roman Pytkin Pekarek"]How about USB A/B panel connector , and USB C to USB B cable from ATEM into it ?

I'm going to try out a USB A 2.0 passthrough tomorrow when it arrives. I did try a few othesrs that were USB A but were 3.0 or 3.1 and they did not work. I'll post if it works.

Yes, I can connect via the network with fixed IPs. There are some venues, however, that force me to use DHCP so I want to have a backup method of controlling the ATEM directly when I have to go from static IP to DHCP.

FOR problem with IP adresses .. Insert any router into your RACK .. U got fixed IP adresees in your LAN network (ATEM , Computer, any other BMD devices, Streamer, ...) And WAN port going ito venue , with DHCP or fixed IPs ..

I ordered a GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 travel router to try this out. Looks promising.

The Switchcraft website does not have a very detailed description of the product but could it be that this cable only has power and no data lines? It's not uncommon for USB-C cables to only deliver power.

For ruggedness I prefer to use either USB-A or USB-B connectors. These are far less likely to drop/fall out and also support USB 3.1 speeds. Just a different form factor. And speed is not really a concern here.

I contacted Switchcraft and they have been very responsive. They confirmed it is a 3.1 data cable. Their engineers are going to test in the next day or two if it's backward compatible with 2.0. That may be the issue.

How about USB A/B panel connector , and USB C to USB B cable from ATEM into it ?

I'm going to try out a USB A 2.0 passthrough tomorrow when it arrives. I did try a few others that were USB A but were 3.0 or 3.1 and they did not work. I'll post if it works.

I just tried out some new connectors/cables that arrived. All are USB 2.0 data cable and connectors. Nothing in the chain is NOT 2.0 specifically. It doesn't work. 18" USB-C to USB-A data cable that plugs into the USB-A 2.0 passthrough patch panel connector. Then a 3' USB-C to USB-A data cable to go to my laptop. Nothing.

I tried an "Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m)" straight into the ATEM and into my laptop and that works perfectly fine. Go figure. I guess these ATEMs were not meant to put in a flypack and have access to teh USB-C on the back of them.

For the record, I've got a 2ME Constellation connected up with a USB-B socket on a patch panel, with an A to C cable buried inside the rack. So it does work, and I'm surprised you're having so much trouble finishinge appropriate parts - it just worked for me with the first bits I dug out, and would expect the same for anyone. Strange.

How about USB A/B panel connector , and USB C to USB B cable from ATEM into it ?

https://www.thomann.de/intl/neutrik_nausb_b.htm

one of those then ?
https://www.thomann.de/fr/neutrik_na_usb_3_b.htm

How about USB A/B panel connector , and USB C to USB B cable from ATEM into it ?

https://www.thomann.de/intl/neutrik_nausb_b.htm

one of those then ?
https://www.thomann.de/fr/neutrik_na_usb_3_b.htm

I have tried both of those types of connectors and a few others. They do not work. I had a guy tell me that he had success with one particular pass-through connector made by Cliff. I ordered one to try it out.

I've been told by Doug Johnson (on discord) that these work fine

https://www.markertek.com/product/cp302 ... -connector

one of those then ?
https://www.thomann.de/fr/neutrik_na_usb_3_b.htm

I have tried both of those types of connectors and a few others. They do not work.

I've just checked my flypack - I'm using one of those Neutrik passthroughs and it's working fine. For the record I'm going:

Laptop USB-A socket -> USB-A plug to USB-B plug cable -> USB-B socket to USB-A socket passthrough -> USB-A plug to USB-C plug cable -> Atem USB-C socket

Have you tried both orientations of the USB-C connector - there are some cables and devices where the orientation matters - I've got some docks here which only support basic functions if the USB-C is one way around, or full features if it's the other.

Just wanted to share a big thank you to Doug Johnson from DJP. He came through with some connectors that finally worked! So for those having the issues I was here is what ended up doing the trick.

Panel Connector: Cliff CP30211
https://www.markertek.com/product/cp302 ... -connector

USB-C Female to Male Cable: UVOOI (Part Number UVOOI-USB68)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B55VDTV2
*I bought 4 of the short ones and they all worked. Did not try the longer lengths.

From the panel connector I'm using this cable from Apple to go to my Dell XPS 15 9500 laptop.

Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2m)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQ5Z080/

I can now connect to the ATEM Constellation 2 M/E, both HyperDeck Studio HD Plus units, and my Web Presenter HD over USB and network connection.