Thoughts on USB cables

[Bob Eustace]

Do a lot of satellite work using quad insulated cable. Cant help but wonder why USB is not made the same way? Do people such as the Monster Cable Co make anything? Maybe a Kryptonite shield would work! To me it seems that the cable is the weak link in CNC co ntrol systems. Has anyone tried running it in flexible metal conduit not earthed to the conductors? I would have no problem forking out an extra $200 bucks on cable if it made the system bullet proof. Any ideas?

[Brady Watson]

Bob,
The cable is rarely the problem, unless it is too long. The customer's computer 90% of the time doesn't have hardware suitable for running a CNC tool. Most computers sold are for people that don't actually need them - aside from new surfing and email.

Luckily you can bolster the USB setup with a PCI to USB card, and a 2.0 hub on most systems. I've found not all, but most, benefit from the USB hub.

-B