Modding USB cable shortening.

Discussion in 'Modding' started by ReFredzRate, 5 Sep 2003.

  1. ReFredzRate

    ReFredzRate Relix Headshot!!

    Joined:
    2 Sep 2002
    Posts:
    2,207
    Likes Received:
    0
    Can they be shortened easily?

    I mean by cutting out a piece of cable somewhere in between both ends and soldering the two pieces back together. Would this give any trouble or would it be decreasing performance?

    Please, anyone have any con's and pro's for me?

    Thnx in Advance!

    //RAMeLaiR
     
    ReFredzRate, 5 Sep 2003
    #1
  2. TheoGeo

    TheoGeo What are these goddamn animals?!

    Joined:
    10 Jun 2003
    Posts:
    2,218
    Likes Received:
    14
    sure u can do it, i've seen it done many times :)
     
    TheoGeo, 5 Sep 2003
    #2
  3. Lazy

    Lazy Meow?

    Joined:
    13 Nov 2001
    Posts:
    4,481
    Likes Received:
    1
    just case of matching up the colours
     
    Lazy, 5 Sep 2003
    #3
  4. ReFredzRate

    ReFredzRate Relix Headshot!!

    Joined:
    2 Sep 2002
    Posts:
    2,207
    Likes Received:
    0
    Matching up the colours wil not be a problem I guess. The cable will be for my USB hub, which will be built inside the case. It's more a case of guiding it from the back, to the inside, and than guide it towards the hub. All I need to do to match the colour is use a heatshrink :)
     
    ReFredzRate, 5 Sep 2003
    #4
  5. JazzXP

    JazzXP Eh! Steve

    Joined:
    30 Apr 2002
    Posts:
    1,669
    Likes Received:
    13
    I think you missed what he meant... he meant that when you cut out the middle of the cable, you'll have to resolder the wires inside (4 plus the shielding), so you have to just match the colours of the inside cables.
     
    JazzXP, 6 Sep 2003
    #5
  6. knoj

    knoj What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2002
    Posts:
    148
    Likes Received:
    0
    I would recomend, if the cable will be visible through your case window or what ever, checking this out: http://www.xtrememods.com/articles.php?id=8&page=5
    (*caugh* - *pimp* - *caugh)

    Open your USB hub, and desolder the wires there, shorten it by your desired amount, then resolder them to the PCB. Just be careful. I even changed the color of a USB cable when it no longer matched my newly painted device.
     
    knoj, 6 Sep 2003
    #6
  7. ReFredzRate

    ReFredzRate Relix Headshot!!

    Joined:
    2 Sep 2002
    Posts:
    2,207
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thnx knoj, I actually might use cable braiding to match my IDE's......

    this brings me to another point... this would be an option as well
     
    ReFredzRate, 6 Sep 2003
    #7
  8. JazzXP

    JazzXP Eh! Steve

    Joined:
    30 Apr 2002
    Posts:
    1,669
    Likes Received:
    13
    Now that looks nice... the only thing is, if you need a device that draws 500mA (max USB port current), that cable wouldn't work properly as the LED's would be 10mA each so that max you would get is 480mA.... just something to think about.
     
    JazzXP, 6 Sep 2003
    #8
  9. malcs

    malcs oops! i put a hole in the ***** :(

    Joined:
    24 May 2003
    Posts:
    1,842
    Likes Received:
    1
    I would reccomend buying a new USB plug from maplin :D
     
    malcs, 6 Sep 2003
    #9
  10. knoj

    knoj What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    11 Aug 2002
    Posts:
    148
    Likes Received:
    0
    Very nice! They have alot of sweet looking products! I don't think you should have too much trouble maxing out your USB line. I run a keyboard, sound activated lights, a touch pad, mouse, and memory card reader; all off of one 1.1 USB hub with no external power... I suppose that's why no one has come up with a USB powered dremel too yet...:duh:
     
    knoj, 6 Sep 2003
    #10

Share This Page