geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 10:55:15

Title: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 10:55:15
As above, who would be interested in a custom kit that included everything you need to create your own custom cable?

I can offer kits for USB, Audio, PC etc. let me know what you think.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Tym on Mon, 17 June 2013, 10:58:13
How much skill is required to build a kit? As I am interested but have the co-ordination of a elephant.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 10:58:28
So would you be able to offer this in custom lengths?

I think it's an interesting idea, especially for those who might want to try the DIY route but have a hard time sourcing parts and/or only need a few parts and don't want to buy in bulk.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 11:03:09
So would you be able to offer this in custom lengths?

I think it's an interesting idea, especially for those who might want to try the DIY route but have a hard time sourcing parts and/or only need a few parts and don't want to buy in bulk.

Of course, I can offer lengths from 0.1m to 10m.

Thats the idea behind it, I can supply the parts at a cheaper price than buying from sellers with large MOQ and high shipping costs.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: osxoep on Mon, 17 June 2013, 11:05:29
This seems like a good idea for trying it out. I'd be in for one just for fun.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: UniClown on Mon, 17 June 2013, 11:11:15
I'd be interested if it were feasible for someone to do if they have never done something like that before. It could be cheaper and you could learn from it. I'm down.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: badcop on Mon, 17 June 2013, 11:18:17
yes i'd be interested in this!

A DIY Filco cable would be sweet but im not sure how difficult that would be for someone who isn't experience with sleeving.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 17 June 2013, 11:20:08
I'd be interested since it seems like a fun project.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 11:20:21
Not practical for the average joe to build one. If they're truly made from scratch, soldering the miniB side is a pain because the 4 pins are so tiny.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: BunnyLake on Mon, 17 June 2013, 12:14:16
i like the idea, i guess it would be all about cost at the end of the day, would the reduction be enough to justify doing it yourself etc

that being said, i would get at least one just to give it a go lol
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:07:09
Well I can do a nice photo guide and write up and ship it with each one. It is tough if you do not have experience and in particular the Filco crimps are tricky, perhaps I can solder the mini and crimp the filco and the let the user sleeve the USB A (which is easier), sleeve it etc.

Its just an IC, give me more feedback dudes, I love it!  ;)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:11:45
Well I can do a nice photo guide and write up and ship it with each one. It is tough if you do not have experience and in particular the Filco crimps are tricky, perhaps I can solder the mini and crimp the filco and the let the user sleeve the USB A (which is easier), sleeve it etc.

Its just an IC, give me more feedback dudes, I love it!  ;)

If this is just an experiment in DIY having instruction etc sounds like a good idea!!

But I'm with Bunny all comes down to money, I would likely buy one 'set' just so I can say I 'made' a cable.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:14:01
Well obviously the kit will work out a little cheaper. I like the idea of me doing a print out and a video guide on how to solder them up. A video would be cool  :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: BunnyLake on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:17:38
Well obviously the kit will work out a little cheaper. I like the idea of me doing a print out and a video guide on how to solder them up. A video would be cool  :cool:

i feel a closed beta is needed

consider this my sign up
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Tym on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:19:28
Well obviously the kit will work out a little cheaper. I like the idea of me doing a print out and a video guide on how to solder them up. A video would be cool  :cool:
Any point printing stuff out? That just adds to the cost, most people will be able to just use a PDF and can print it off at home if they want? You could offer to print it off also but "SAVE THE RAINFORESTS!"
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:20:12
If it's not a Filco end, I think it'd be more than manageable to work on our own cables. Especially with a fun guide.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:28:08
I'm very interested in this, sounds like a great project.  :)

Consider me signed up!
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: LechnerDE on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:35:28
Sounds really interesting!

All depends on the price of the kit though ;)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:38:13
I need a cool internal-connection cable for my Filco Copper project :)  Interested in how this will turn out!
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:40:55
I think we can all go
Well obviously the kit will work out a little cheaper. I like the idea of me doing a print out and a video guide on how to solder them up. A video would be cool  :cool:

i feel a closed beta is needed

consider this my sign up

I think this is going to turn into 'cable making for dummies'...haha :P
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:46:31
I think this is going to turn into 'cable making for dummies'...haha :P

Whiskerbox already has an extensive thread on this. Doesn't mean a video wouldn't be cool though.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:49:18
I think this is going to turn into 'cable making for dummies'...haha :P

Whiskerbox already has an extensive thread on this. Doesn't mean a video wouldn't be cool though.

This is what I had in mind.

http://www.dummies.com/store-search.html?query=kits
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:57:37
Got an order form created, you guys interested?

I will get working on a video and a photo guide that I will sort into a JPEG or PDF,
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: tom88jerry on Mon, 17 June 2013, 14:58:28
Sound very interesting  ;D
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:00:57
What are you looking to include in the kit?  Can we choose particular colors and textures?  Basically it'll be personalized based on request but just not soldered together vs. a completely premade cable?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:03:18
What are you looking to include in the kit?  Can we choose particular colors and textures?  Basically it'll be personalized based on request but just not soldered together vs. a completely premade cable?

Yep, all of our colours are avaliable for the DIY kits, I have a large selection. Any additional sleeving types such as MDPC or steel braid can be requested.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: genkigavin on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:09:38
interested!
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:13:45
Interested, pending on price :)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:16:21
What price will you be interested at?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:19:50
As little as possible, because of my limited budget and recent expenses.  So you should definitely base it on realistic expenses and ignore me--I may just need to stick with pure DIY stuff for myself or to the stock cable for now, so I won't name the price--I'll just see what you'll list the kits at yourself (you know better what those components should cost).
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:20:23
What price will you be interested at?

See this is the problem! We do not know how you value the time it takes you to build these!!  ;)

We would essentially be buying parts with a markup plus any costs for the instruction materials plus shipping and handling.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:28:04
Mini USB Kits:12 GBP
Unterminated Kits: 11 GBP
Filco Kits: 13GBP
Ergo Dox kits: 22GBP

Any good?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: BunnyLake on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:37:09
What price will you be interested at?

here is the thing

i will buy one pretty much no matter what, just to give it a go and have a cable that i made, where the pricing is more important to me is whether i would then do it again
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:38:18
What about the prices above Bunny?

How are you getting along with the coiled cable? I want to roll them out soon!
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: BunnyLake on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:40:59
What about the prices above Bunny?

How are you getting along with the coiled cable? I want to roll them out soon!

for me those prices look good, but i am a special case also being in the UK, as getting a premade cable is cheaper for me from you and more expensive from the states, im not sure how those prices hold up to Americans after exchange rate and shipping, but for me that is actually almost exactly where i would place it
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:43:03
Mini USB Kits:12 GBP
Unterminated Kits: 11 GBP
Filco Kits: 13GBP
Ergo Dox kits: 22GBP

Any good?

Are these shipped prices? And what about custom size cables, different terminations etc....

I guess the thing to think about is is their a big enough difference in buying a kit versus buying the cable already to get people to go for it.

I'm in the same boat as bunny, I would probably buy at least one kit just to say I made a cable!

But at the end of the day you've got to make enough money to eat also.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:56:02
I could drop the postage down if I go second class too?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: BunnyLake on Mon, 17 June 2013, 15:58:09
I could drop the postage down if I go second class too?

as i say, i think the prices are good for uk prices, the conversion rate may hurt it for others though right now, but ill finally get a chance to own some of that blue snakey number
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 16:16:15
Well I will pop an order form up in a second.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Rayne on Mon, 17 June 2013, 16:23:59
I would be super interested in this. I'm sure I would buy a couple.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: leesofi on Mon, 17 June 2013, 16:25:44
intersted~
i need colorful sleeving.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 17 June 2013, 18:29:32
Not practical for the average joe to build one. If they're truly made from scratch, soldering the miniB side is a pain because the 4 pins are so tiny.

It is tricky, but as long as you take your time, it's not too hard.  You will probably ruin your first USB Mini B connector doing it if you're not careful, but as long as you keep your temps in check and tin the wires you should be fine.

Mini USB Kits:12 GBP
Unterminated Kits: 11 GBP
Filco Kits: 13GBP
Ergo Dox kits: 22GBP

Any good?

Not trying to threadcrap, but those prices seem kind of high to me unless the kits come with sleeving, shipping is included, or your parts costs are a much higher than the parts I source.  $12GBP comes out to almost $19 USD and that's not including shipping.  I was talking with Badwrench when I first started making my own cables about doing a DIY kit since he expressed interest, and I was planning on charging around $10-12 USD range shipped for a 6' cable kit that comes with instructions, a 6' length of cable, cut heatshrink for the ends of the sleeving, USB Mini B connector and housing, and a USB A connector and housing.   
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 17 June 2013, 18:41:48
Mini USB Kits:12 GBP
Unterminated Kits: 11 GBP
Filco Kits: 13GBP
Ergo Dox kits: 22GBP

Any good?

Not trying to threadcrap, but those prices seem kind of high to me unless the kits come with sleeving, shipping is included, or your parts costs are a much higher than the parts I source.  $12GBP comes out to almost $19 USD and that's not including shipping.  I was talking with Badwrench when I first started making my own cables about doing a DIY kit since he expressed interest, and I was planning on charging around $10-12 USD range shipped for a 6' cable kit that comes with instructions, a 6' length of cable, cut heatshrink for the ends of the sleeving, USB Mini B connector and housing, and a USB A connector and housing.

^^I would pay 10-12 USD for all that shipped.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 17 June 2013, 18:59:04
Audio please! The AD900s are dying to have a sleeved cable.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 17 June 2013, 19:01:55
I'd say though that currency conversion is an expensive deal done at a loss.  When you are in the UK, there are places like London where you'll be easily paying as much for food in number value as you would be in the U.S.  I have friends in the U.K., and I know that you can't just convert directly.  You need to convert relative to salaries and local prices.  Taking that under consideration, it could be that those cables would be more like 12GBP -> 13USD.  But of course, the actual currency conversion and paypal fees kill that parallel.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Mon, 17 June 2013, 19:06:44
I cannot source the components that cheap Nub. I am in the UK and the places I get my connectors from charge massive amounts for postage and import charges, all of that often comes in at more than the price of 50 USB hoods, things seem to be a lot cheaper on the other side of the pond. If I can get the price down to 10GBP I will.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photekq on Mon, 17 June 2013, 19:40:18
Yes I would be interested. Would you able to ship these DIY orders out quite fast since you aren't required to make the cables?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 17 June 2013, 19:45:47
I cannot source the components that cheap Nub. I am in the UK and the places I get my connectors from charge massive amounts for postage and import charges, all of that often comes in at more than the price of 50 USB hoods, things seem to be a lot cheaper on the other side of the pond. If I can get the price down to 10GBP I will.

Could you make use of a US proxy?  If so, I'd volunteer.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 02:00:24
Yes Photekq these kits would go out very quick in terms if dispatch time.

A proxy could be cool, send me a message dude
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:09:23
Wrestled the prices down a little  ;)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-PVEKJeCuB3f7Cd7cGu1Dg5dfAJVGq9N6BtnrwSbOQg/viewform
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:15:24
Wrestled the prices down a little  ;)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-PVEKJeCuB3f7Cd7cGu1Dg5dfAJVGq9N6BtnrwSbOQg/viewform
Could you offer micro usb -> usb?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:17:17
Sure thing
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:18:02
Done!  ;)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Rayne on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:38:28
when will you close the orders? i kinda want to wait till i get paid on friday  :-X
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:42:15
2 weeks from yesterday mate  ;)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:45:53
2 weeks from yesterday mate  ;)
Will these not be available afterwards?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Rayne on Tue, 18 June 2013, 03:46:46
ok awesome, will definitely put in an order this weekend then :D
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 05:27:17
2 weeks from yesterday mate  ;)
Will these not be available afterwards?

They will, its just an initial run to see how it goes. I like GDocs as I can keep track of orders easily, if it works well, the kits will go on my site
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SeriouSSpotS on Tue, 18 June 2013, 15:48:11
Mini USB Kits:12 GBP
Unterminated Kits: 11 GBP
Filco Kits: 13GBP
Ergo Dox kits: 22GBP

Any good?

When you say mini USB would be that be a male A to mini B, to fit a OFR for example?
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 18 June 2013, 16:06:46
Thats the one, the standard Mini B ones you see in the photos I upload.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Dubsgalore on Tue, 18 June 2013, 16:19:35
i would be interested
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 18 June 2013, 17:01:25
I would be greatly interested.

Some of the assembled cables are a bit pricey, I understand it's due to labor, but I can do the work. On the other hand gathering the necessary bits to do it myself can also be a challenge and quite expensive as well, since some things need to be bought in bulk or are hard to find.

Being able to buy a kit, would be perfect for me.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: SeriouSSpotS on Wed, 19 June 2013, 07:36:01
The stuff you have on offer looks amazing, will be picking one or two cables up at some point :)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Wed, 19 June 2013, 10:31:28
Well I put up an order form and there is little feedback.... is the pricing wrong? I am trying to build in a little more to cover my time for making the vids and tutorials
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Photoelectric on Wed, 19 June 2013, 13:26:24
It's possible that you'll have more luck with this with EU customers (maybe through DT), due to lower shipping costs and more local pricing.  The number of people buying custom cables is probably not very large, and the number of those people who mod their own cables out of that is probably even smaller.  Combine that with a fairly high price for a DIY cable (~$20 for those in the U.S.), and you reduce that number even more.  That's my guess.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Wed, 19 June 2013, 13:28:55
Looking into a Proxy in the US, keep firing your ideas at me
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: BunnyLake on Wed, 19 June 2013, 13:38:06
i will definitely take at least 1 from you sir, just waiting for a few invoices of mine to be paid first as my paypal is pretty baron right now
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Wed, 19 June 2013, 13:39:58
OK Bunny, thanks for your continued support man.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: graboy on Thu, 20 June 2013, 21:22:44
I (EDIT: might) be interested, as long as the options for orders can vary and are not standardized for all orders, so that I can order with X length, including or not including sleeving, and with a Filco connector.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Poom on Tue, 16 July 2013, 08:58:22
definitely in for a mini usb, filco and ergodox kits, plus if you do lightning cable kit, then im also in for that as well.
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 16 July 2013, 09:26:47
Cool, looks like there is still some interest then, its just the price that is the issue.

Of course all options will be catered for, including DOX, Filco, USB Mini and Micro. As far as I know, there is not (yet) a commercially available iPhone 5 Lightning DIY terminals.

Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Poom on Tue, 16 July 2013, 10:07:46
oh that is not a problem im still up for many many kits. things just tend to have a special value when you do it yourself somehow, or that is just me.

by the way, how difficult would it be? time duration and tools?

I think you if you could somehow compile some sort of instructional document either video or written with pictures, it would attract even more people, because they can visualize the process and stuff.

i wasnt into DIY stuff, like all the phantoms, GH60, ergodox, until I saw the videos, then tought to myself it isnt hard and looks so much fun!!
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: pexon on Tue, 16 July 2013, 10:23:50
OK cool, glad to know someone is still interested.

As I said previously, I am going to be making a video tutorial  ;)
Title: Re: [IC] DIY Cable kits
Post by: Poom on Tue, 16 July 2013, 10:27:42
oh sorry i didnt read the whole thread. anyhow I am interested and looking forward for the videos!! :D