shortening USB->RCA cable

[cudaboy_71]

i've almost got my 450 AP rig up and running. last bit is the downlink. i'm using the video out from the camera. but, the cable that came with the camera is nearly 6' long from USB connector to the yellow vid and white audio RCA plugs.

here's a pic i nicked from the web showing a similar, if not identical cable:

http://www.panintl.com/images/cable_8P_mini_USB_2.jpg

anyone have any tips on shortening the wire? is it just a matter of chopping and re-soldering? or is it much more of a hornet's nest? what about the ramifications of removing the ferrite ring?

[skywalker73]

Just be real careful cutting the outer plastic insulation. Under the insulation will be a braided shield. Carefully cut the shield, exposing the wires inside. Be real careful soldering the tiny wires, and don't forget to put the heat shrink tubing on before you solder. Also use real thin solder so the wires don't get too hot! After you solder and heat shrink the wires, carefully lay the braided shield back around the wires, and use heat shrink tubing to cover the whole splice.
Here is a usb I just shortened(4 wire) by about 4 feet. I also cut off the large metal insulator, and have noticed no problems with the pictures, or interference.

[cudaboy_71]

Just be real careful cutting the outer plastic insulation. Under the insulation will be a braided shield. Carefully cut the shield, exposing the wires inside. Be real careful soldering the tiny wires, and don't forget to put the heat shrink tubing on before you solder. Also use real thin solder so the wires don't get too hot! After you solder and heat shrink the wires, carefully lay the braided shield back around the wires, and use heat shrink tubing to cover the whole splice.
Here is a usb I just shortened(4 wire) by about 4 feet. I also cut off the large metal insulator, and have noticed no problems with the pictures, or interference.

thanks, that's a big help. i may dive the cable project tonight. i just got word from my source that my downlink is backordered :( last piece of the puzzle.

i did get a couple of blind shots today though...everything appears to be in working order so far.

[cudaboy_71]

simple job.

the hardest part was learning that there's not enough room for the full USB connector to stick out of the camera AND be in the rig. so, i had to shorten it by about 1/2 cm, getting into all the solders of the USB plug. so, now it's pretty ugly with a big glob of hotglue covering the 90° angle i had to forge.

however, i now have a functional 8" cable.

thanks again.

[skywalker73]

Good job. Who says size is everything!
I thought I had the same problem with the connector, but the realized the lens of the camera is way off center. I now mount the camera all the way to the right of the mount so there is now just enough space for the connector.

[cudaboy_71]

just thought i'd follow up this thread with the first flights. project got completed back in early november, but just got caught up with other things until this weekend to maiden it.

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?p=473893#post473893