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Cyphre
2708
May 17, 2018
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swells
44
May 17, 2018
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CyphreCorrect me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure zapcables.com does USB C cables... which would mean there's an affordable, ready made USB Type-C connector.
Cyphre
2708
May 17, 2018
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swellsGood on 'em if they figured it out. Haven't seen their cables yet, so it would be interesting to see. They could very well have a wave soldering jig or whatever is required to make Type C or Lightning connectors.
Having searched the usual suspects (Mouser, Allied, Newark, etc) not much has turned up. I'm sure someone out there has connectors, but I haven't seen any at affordable prices (or from reputable sites).
Having searched the usual suspects (Mouser, Allied, Newark, etc) not much has turned up. I'm sure someone out there has connectors, but I haven't seen any at affordable prices (or from reputable sites).
swells
44
May 17, 2018
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Cyphrehttps://zapcables.com/design-your-own-usb-cable/
Here you go then - both reputable and affordable.
Here you go then - both reputable and affordable.
Cyphre
2708
May 17, 2018
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swellsWas referring to connectors, not cables. I'm already aware of Zap cables.
donutcat
182
May 19, 2018
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CyphreCables don't have to be USB 3 to be type C, 2.0 over C does exist and anyone making custom C cables for C boards currently is using that. Additionally, you can go on like Digikey and get hand solderable full spec C connectors, solder a resistor, and then use it for 2.0 as well. Plus those particular ones come with a nifty metal shell, much better than the plastic ones. At $2+ I guess they're not super affordable, but not awful either.
Cyphre
2708
May 19, 2018
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DarPhyveThose look pretty good, will have to pick one up and give it a try for myself. Although I'm not seeing a pin-out or diagram on their site.
Cyphre
2708
May 19, 2018
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donutcatDefinitely aware that the transfer rates of 3.0 aren't required. Although if we're talking about a cable being used for a K-type/CTRL/ALT, then it may still be required if it is going to draw the 900mA that 3.0 is capable of.
I'd love a link to a USB Type C connector on digikey that is hand solderable, as I'm not seeing anything that wouldn't still require a PCB and presumably a hot air station to attach those tiny traces.
I'd love a link to a USB Type C connector on digikey that is hand solderable, as I'm not seeing anything that wouldn't still require a PCB and presumably a hot air station to attach those tiny traces.
donutcat
182
May 19, 2018
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Cyphrehttps://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/keystone-electronics/954/36-954-ND/5638367 PCB built into the connector with only the relevant connections broken out to solderable pads.
Cyphre
2708
May 19, 2018
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donutcatWhich would be nice... if it were 3.0 or lower. That 3.1 connector diagram is showing 17 contacts.
donutcat
182
May 19, 2018
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CyphreI know someone using those currently for their 2.0 over C cables with a resistor soldered. Having all the pads available means you can use them if you want to do 3.1 or ignore them and just use the ones for 2.0, like my dude does. Plus being one of the very few connectors available to use a proper metal shell instead of a plastic one most have.
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So for the uninitiated, these are custom, hand made cables. Meaning an individual puts them together by hand. USB 3.0 Type-C is a 22-24 pin connector that requires a PCB and controller to interface with a standard 7-lead USB 3.0 cable. The reason you're still going to see keyboards using USB Mini and similar connectors is not only because USB 3.0 isn't a necessary for these devices, but also because it amounts to a 4 pin connector with a 4/5-lead cable.
Until manufacturers come out with an affordable, ready made USB Type-C connector where an individual can just solder up the 7 wires, it isn't feasible for the Do-It-Yourself-er.