Author Topic: Custom ROPE USB A to USB Mini B cables for Poker / HHKB (Read 10810 times)

whiskerBox · « **on:** Mon, 05 March 2012, 21:41:32 »

Hey guys,

I have been trying to find cloth wrapped cables for awhile with no such luck. So I decided to make my own and I have some extras left over.

The cables are about 3/8" thick and are wrapped with a polyester rope.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42827[/ATTACH]

The cables are just basic cables that have been cut to size and re soldered. I wrapped all solder joints in electrical tape and then shrink wrapped all together.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42828[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42829[/ATTACH]

[/hr]

All cables are $20 shipped conus or $25 international
-PM me to inquire
-might accept interesting trades

Anyways this is what I have available:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42831[/ATTACH]

1. 30" SOLD
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42832[/ATTACH]

2. 25" SOLD
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42833[/ATTACH]

3. 26" SOLD
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42834[/ATTACH]

4. 24" [SOLD]
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42837[/ATTACH]

demik · « **Reply #1 on:** Mon, 05 March 2012, 21:47:52 »

they look great, these new poker owners should snatch these up quickly!

whiskerBox · « **Reply #2 on:** Mon, 05 March 2012, 22:14:59 »

3 left any takers?

TheProfosist · « **Reply #3 on:** Tue, 06 March 2012, 01:44:25 »

Since your making these do you think that you could make longer ones like at least 10ft?

whiskerBox · « **Reply #4 on:** Tue, 06 March 2012, 11:03:00 »

Quote from: TheProfosist;536666

Since your making these do you think that you could make longer ones like at least 10ft?

Possibly. I will get back to you on that one as I need to get more materials to make more. I was hoping by selling these ones that I could raise money to make some more. Buying the heat gun and all the materials kind of blew my budget until I sell these ones.

whiskerBox · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 06 March 2012, 12:45:51 »

BUY MY CABLES SO I CAN MAKE DIFFERENT ONES!

whiskerBox · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 06 March 2012, 13:01:53 »

Do you guys want different sizes?
-These cables are made to go with a laptop hence the shorter cable length

I can make different sizes I just don't know what people prefer

TheProfosist · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 06 March 2012, 17:11:22 »

if you making for laptops you should use right or left angle connectors for the mini b end.

whiskerBox · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 06 March 2012, 18:43:36 »

Quote from: TheProfosist;537199

if you making for laptops you should use right or left angle connectors for the mini b end.

This was a personal project at first and I didn't want angled ones, but I could make them. The problem is trying to figure out which side of everyones laptop the usb ports are on. mine are on the left.

The remaining cables are now listed on ebay so check my auction thread if interested.

Maarten · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed, 07 March 2012, 07:29:14 »

Hey, cool to see im not the only one here making these 'custom cables'!

Ive been using this puppy for ages now to listen to music from my PC/laptop;
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 42948[/ATTACH]

whiskerBox · « **Reply #10 on:** Wed, 07 March 2012, 10:17:56 »

Quote from: Maarten;537671

Hey, cool to see im not the only one here making these 'custom cables'!

Ive been using this puppy for ages now to listen to music from my PC/laptop;
(Attachment Link) 42948[/ATTACH]

Right on! what is your sleeve material made out of? bungee cord?

Maarten · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 07 March 2012, 11:47:39 »

I use paracord outer sleeves for tough single color cables and shoelaces with nice print (like above) for fancy ones. I also have built a couple from those neck-lanyard things that big brands love to hand out all the time. My current DIY keyboard has a fancy HP/Acer cable

whiskerBox · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 08 March 2012, 13:30:50 »

Quote from: Maarten;537891

I use paracord outer sleeves for tough single color cables and shoelaces with nice print (like above) for fancy ones. I also have built a couple from those neck-lanyard things that big brands love to hand out all the time. My current DIY keyboard has a fancy HP/Acer cable

I saw your acer one and was wondering how you did that

glossywhite · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 08 March 2012, 13:58:07 »

These look super! Well done!

Maarten · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 08 March 2012, 14:04:12 »

Just visit as many promotional places you can get to for FREEEEE lanyards (brands that like to hand out this kind of junk are Acer, Asus, Sandisk and basically any other brand that makes portable stuff). 90% of all these lanyards are just pressed flat sleeves with printing on em so you can pull any wire you like through em...... and then its basically the same way you described above. One little piece of advice i can give you on your method, dont cut the wire half way cuz no matter how hard'you try and how good you get the shrink-wrap will always leave a little stiff spot. Instead practice slicing plugs in half! Im not kidding you, with a very sharp X-acto knife you should be able to slice open any regular plubber (its not plastic, its not rubber) plug along its cast-line and you should be able to put your sleeve over the cable, solder it back to the plug insides and glue the plug back together without anyone being able to tell how you got the sleeve over the cable

This trick also gives you the possibility to build wicked stuff like shown here on the right;
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 43174[/ATTACH]

Its great to see peoples reaction when they see that sticking out of your laptop.... Even more brilliant to explain to them in fine detail how thats your wireless internet dongle

....... while in fact its a 8GB thumbdrive

whiskerBox · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 08 March 2012, 16:20:49 »

I think my next batch I am going to try some different stuff out

Maybe something similar to this:
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 43210[/ATTACH]

I might also mess around with some plati dip in conjunction with techflex

TheProfosist · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 01:07:53 »

Looks cool i dont know yet what lengths i need as I have not decided whether my phantom is going to have a detachable cable or not.

Maarten · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 04:48:35 »

Quote from: TheProfosist;539891

Looks cool i dont know yet what lengths i need as I have not decided whether my phantom is going to have a detachable cable or not.

When in doubt always go for a detachable cable. Its just always better.

Maarten · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 04:50:46 »

Quote from: whiskerBox;539493

I think my next batch I am going to try some different stuff out

Maybe something similar to this:
(Attachment Link) 43210[/ATTACH]

I might also mess around with some plati dip in conjunction with techflex

Be careful that you dont end up with cables that are too stiff.... that sucks for mobile use.

whiskerBox · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 06:11:50 »

Quote from: Maarten;539958

Be careful that you dont end up with cables that are too stiff.... that sucks for mobile use.

I was worried about that when making the first run of cables since I was using a 3/8" thick rope wrap, but surprisingly they were quite flexible.

Maarten · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 07:12:14 »

The trick when using braided sleeves is not to pull em to tight cuz that can make the cable stiff like heck. To loose isnt good either cuz it will make the cable all floppy and shiznit like that. Just go with your gut id say

Works best most of the time.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 07:39:55 »

Quote from: Maarten;539957

When in doubt always go for a detachable cable. Its just always better.

Sad thing is is that I have not thought of a good way to implement it yet.

Maarten · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 09:15:56 »

Solder.... glue... ducttape.... its not rocket science

alaricljs · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 09:17:24 »

Not rocket science, no... but some do aim for artistry or at least a clean look.

OPTiK · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 09:29:00 »

I thought the HHKB used a mini-A usb plug?

whiskerBox · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 12:44:44 »

Quote from: OPTiK;540057

I thought the HHKB used a mini-A usb plug?

Pretty sure it is mini B

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 43269[/ATTACH]

OPTiK · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 12:56:41 »

Quote from: whiskerBox;540222

Pretty sure it is mini B

(Attachment Link) 43269[/ATTACH]

That does look like a mini B..

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 43270[/ATTACH]

Looks like the EK website is wrong:

Keyboard Features

60-Key modified US ANSI Layout
45gram sensitivity, 4mm travel Topre Electrostatic Capacitive Key Switches
Dimensions: 294 x 110 x 39.9mm (11.6 x 4.3 x 1.6in)
Detachable USB mini-A interface, 1.8m cable included
Integrated USB 2.0/1.1 Hub (Current supply limited to 100mA)
High durability PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps
Long life dye-sublimated keycap labeling (Dark gray)
Keyboard mode selection dip-switch
Weight: 530g (1 lb 3oz)
Made in Japan

whiskerBox · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 09 March 2012, 13:10:59 »

Hmm I pulled that pic from EK. I guess the easiest thing would be for someone with an HHKB to chime in

TheProfosist · « **Reply #28 on:** Sat, 10 March 2012, 05:40:24 »

Quote from: whiskerBox;540236

Hmm I pulled that pic from EK. I guess the easiest thing would be for someone with an HHKB to chime in

Its mini b on the hhkb

I do know that mini b fits in mini a though and work its meant to be that way also.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 10 March 2012, 05:41:02 »

Quote from: Maarten;540037

Solder.... glue... ducttape.... its not rocket science

Quote from: alaricljs;540039

Not rocket science, no... but some do aim for artistry or at least a clean look.

Yea i want a nice clean look like the case had before im going to chop it up.

whiskerBox · « **Reply #30 on:** Sat, 10 March 2012, 10:37:37 »

Quote from: TheProfosist;540953

Yea i want a nice clean look like the case had before im going to chop it up.

I saw a post on OTD where they made a real interesting block to hold the plug, but I can't find the link

TheProfosist · « **Reply #31 on:** Sat, 10 March 2012, 23:28:47 »

Quote from: whiskerBox;541105

I saw a post on OTD where they made a real interesting block to hold the plug, but I can't find the link

I think I may have seen something like that on a keyboard with a acrylic case. I dont know if I could actually do that though.

whiskerBox · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 10 March 2012, 23:32:21 »

Quote from: TheProfosist;541975

I think I may have seen something like that on a keyboard with a acrylic case. I dont know if I could actually do that though.

The one I saw was on a 356cl aluminum and the cable mount part was made of acrylic

captain · « **Reply #33 on:** Tue, 13 March 2012, 19:44:42 »

I like the colors of your cloth, but you CAN get cloth wrapped (and ostensibly not PVC under the cloth for better flexibility) from amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cloth-Jacketed-Ruggedized-Micro-Cable/dp/B003V42O6K

http://www.amazon.com/DATASTREAM-Charging-Includes-Cleaning-Accessory/dp/B0071Q959S/

whiskerBox · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 13 March 2012, 20:24:40 »

Quote from: captain;545080

I like the colors of your cloth, but you CAN get cloth wrapped (and ostensibly not PVC under the cloth for better flexibility) from amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cloth-Jacketed-Ruggedized-Micro-Cable/dp/B003V42O6K

http://www.amazon.com/DATASTREAM-Charging-Includes-Cleaning-Accessory/dp/B0071Q959S/

The first link only comes in a micro configuration which is useless ( even though they say miniB )

The second link is actually pretty cool looking, but it is 6ft long, the whole reason I wanted to make this was to use with my laptop (i.e. short cable). Plus who wants something that everyone has. I have some different materials on the way and I will be doing a little more experimenting soon. Although I will probably only do one more run of cables just to go through the materials I ordered, but I will not be selling any of them. I feel that my efforts will be best directed towards case and key molding once more

whiskerBox · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 15 March 2012, 15:48:59 »

Made this cable today. Techflex is much nicer to work with by far.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44332[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44333[/ATTACH]

Maarten · « **Reply #36 on:** Thu, 15 March 2012, 16:42:38 »

Oooooh... un-shielded wires...... BAAAD. I dont even use steel shielding, only copper for my cables;

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44341[/ATTACH]

But then again, i doubt you really need shielding for a keyboard..... Proper grounding would not be a bad idea tho, pretty scary they make cables that don't have that.

whiskerBox · « **Reply #37 on:** Thu, 15 March 2012, 16:50:53 »

It's just a data cable it won't make a difference for its purpose. I just happen to like the clear ends which is why I used it.

Oh and it is shielded by the way. Quite a pain in the ass to remove too lol.

Maarten · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 16 March 2012, 03:24:09 »

Well, it depends what device you're planning to data up with..... When its anything that's somewhat sensitive to voltage fluctuations i could highly recommend using at least grounded cables and depending what environment you use the cables in i would also suggest to go with shielding just in case also. Now, people claiming (especially audiophiles when talking about DACs) that the data quality transmitted will be worse without these i should not take all that too seriously. But (and this goes especially for DACs) when you have stuff that needs proper stable voltage its quite a different story.

And if you love clear stuff you should start looking into these cables;
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44407[/ATTACH]

Granted, the do not look as geeky without the exposed colored wires but they are fully shielded, properly grounded and quite a bit stronger and longer lasting than the ones with the tiny plugs only held together with cast plastic.

DanGWanG · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 16 March 2012, 17:43:08 »

Did a small review for you whisker! http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?28733-4-20-Review-Joint-Review-whiskerBox-s-USB-Cable-amp-treble318-s-Custom-Mousepad

whiskerBox · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 16 March 2012, 17:48:30 »

Here is a cable I made today:
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44518[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44519[/ATTACH]

Probably gonna use it for my new HHKB

captain · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 16 March 2012, 18:34:13 »

I like your latest few. Orange is my favorite color, but the blue/yellow snake is pretty. I was just noticing on my new HHKB that the cable they include has some ugly
AWG writing on it. Now I want one of your cables! (and I want to mod my Filcos, etc. to have removable cabling - that's one of my few gripes about Filco)

Keep up the creative work whiskerBox! :-)

I wonder if anyone makes a "heat shrink" cloth tube... That would make these mods MUCH easier.

PS: do you have any idea what EK's HHKB "drivers" do, and how to install them through the Japanese instructions?

Maarten · « **Reply #42 on:** Sat, 17 March 2012, 03:20:20 »

Quote from: captain;548213

Orange is my favorite color

Well its not my favorite, but being dutch im somehow expected to have lots of stuff in that very color;

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 44546[/ATTACH]

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dippingriz · « **Reply #43 on:** Fri, 30 March 2012, 22:33:11 »

^ dude, that's pretty funny.

Maarten · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 04 April 2012, 14:33:43 »

So how is business going over there? I'm wondering if there would be any interest for this kind of thing in the EU, if so i might be tempted to get into the business. My latest creation (yet another DAC cable) came out pretty neat;
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 47222[/ATTACH]
Fully shielded, crazy audiophile-proof quality cable, bare ferrite core (just cuz i like the minimalistic look of it without the plastic cover) and a very nice tiny angled connector that would not look too shabby on any HHKB

mkawa · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 05 April 2012, 01:43:01 »

This thread is deprecated by whisker's new FS thread: http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?29344-Whisker-s-Custom-USB-Cable-Shop

News:

Author Topic: Custom ROPE USB A to USB Mini B cables for Poker / HHKB (Read 10810 times)