Linux Format forums

heiowge · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:51 pm Post subject: USB tomfoolery

I need 4 USB male to female cables no more than 3 inches in length. The smaller the better. Or instructions on how to de-solder ports and attach cables.

Basically I have a hub with the ports soldered to the board. What I need is the ability to position the ports how I like.

Ok. I'll come clean...

I want to put this:

Into this:

With the ports in the centres and the cables coming out the back.

I've removed the casing and got a triangular board with the ports soldered on.

Any advice?

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2354

Try this one:
http://www.alternate.eu/html/productDetails.html?artno=RDUC52

30 cm long. I've done business with the Dutch branch several times now.

heiowge · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:02 pm Post subject:

Looks impressive, but since posting I've had a look see. I don't think I'll even have room for the 4 cables inside the cube. I'll be better de-soldering the USB femail sockets from the board and extending.

I haven't done anything like that in years. Any hints?

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2354

Google is your friend Razz

(you're not getting fishy-like, aren't you? Rolling Eyes

)

Anyway: http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml Connectors: Conrad, presumably Maplins too.

heiowge · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 3:07 pm Post subject:

No not getting fishy. Just trust people here more than out there! Laughing

heiowge · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:37 pm Post subject:

Ok. Google wasn't my friend that much! Crying or Very sad

Thanks for that guide, but it doesn't help me when I'm more of a novice than that. Sorry. But I am. I am planning on buying my first soldering iron since 1990 at the weekend. That's how out of date I am.

I have this:

I need to add about 3 inches of cable between the hub and the female ports, and I'm pretty sure I won't have the space to extend them using male - female leads.

Option 1: De-solder the female port and solder cables inbetween the board and female ports.

Option 2: Buy 3 male - female leads and cut them at 3 inch mark. Replace the female ports with wires from the female port leads.

I'd prefer option 1. It'd be cheaper.

Anyone fancy helping me through it? Smile

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2354

OK, I see. Well, I don't know how good you are at soldering, but here's a few tips:

* Wait for the iron to heat up. Use some solder to melt a thin layer on the first 5-7 mm of the tip. More isn't a problem, you just waste some solder, no big deal.
* Heat the joints properly before applying solder. Molten solder will go towards the heat source!
* Don't move the joint until the solder has turned solid again. The joint should be hollow (unless you've applied too much solder Wink

)

* To de-solder, use a manual suction pump, made for this purpose. If the Maplins attendants are worth their salt, they can advise you which one would do the job and don't cost a fortune. Heat the joint, then suck away as much solder as you can. Sometimes it helps to add just a bit of fresh solder. Wiggle the component loose gently while heating the pins. But most of all: take your time!

heiowge · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks. What colour wires are standard for the USB? Any particular order?

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2354

Have another look at the link I gave you Rolling Eyes

You really are going down the 1sf (troll) way are you? Evil or Very Mad

heiowge · Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:20 pm Post subject:

Nope. Just got a killer headache and forgot. Embarassed

heiowge · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 4:07 pm Post subject:

Maplins have started taking Paypal!!! Very Happy

So it means I can use some of my cube sale funds to buy some stuff.

I ordered a new soldering iron, some solder and some of that solder soaking up ribbony stuff (I couldn't stretch the budget as far as a pump), and some heat shrink cable wrap. I'll slice up an old USB lead for the wires.