Making USB Cables (Crimping Ends)

**sq_geek** · 05-27-2004, 06:06 PM

How easy is it to make your own USB cable?

I have one of the StarVision monitors and it came with this 3' USB cable sticking out of it for the TouchScreen. The problem is, it's TOO LONG. :\

I'd like to hack the cable in half and then put the end (or another end from Fry's?) on and make the cable shorter.

How easy is this, how do I do it, and is it worth doing it or will I mess this up really badly?

Thanks!
Kevin

**toadster123** · 05-27-2004, 06:18 PM

it should be easy... u cut the cable where u want it to end... then cut off the male usb end part (leaveing like 3 inches or so)... then u strip some of the coating off... and then u solder the wires together... (or if u dont have a soldering iron.. twist them tightly then put some electrical wire or sometihng around them...

i think theres 4 wires for usb.. usually a red, green, and black..and ground... (i think)..
so just make sure u connect red to red... etc..

heres an example - http://www.cansell.org/computers/project_mouse/
if u search google im sure u can get pics and stuff if u dont understand how to do it...

**sq_geek** · 05-27-2004, 06:26 PM

Hmmm, I hadn't considered just cutting the wire out of the center, and splicing it back together. Good idea.

I was hoping there was an easier way, though, like just cutting it shorter and crimping a new endpiece on.

I suppose this will work, but I will need to get some heat shrink probably to protect the solder joints, or maybe just lots of electrical tape, as you suggest.