Post by thread:[EE] USB pass through cable gland

Hi, I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field - at least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would like to use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of connectors. Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down a bit and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an enclosure. Trouble is it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes difficult, and I don't like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the overmoulded plug. Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the other end of the cable. -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions 16 English Street, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 849 0069 Fax: +64 7 849 0071 Cell: +64 27 433 4069 eMail: spam_OUTbrent.brownTakeThisOuTclear.net.nz

Brent Brown wrote: {Quote hidden}> I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a > sealed enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed > in the field - at least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are > seldom removed. Would like to use off the shelf USB cables if possible and > avoid re-termination of connectors. Special waterproof USB A > plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated cables could be supplied, > but that's an expensive option. > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down > a bit and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an > enclosure. Trouble is it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing > becomes difficult, and I don't like the idea of the installer having to > whittle away the overmoulded plug. > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost > envisage what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular > hole to pass the USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal > rectangular hole to round cable, and (this is the really hard part) some > kind of a two piece snap together locking nut that assembles around the > cable and tightens into the gland. The assumption is that it's not possible > to slide the gland components on from the other end of the cable. I take it that it's the USB "host" device that goes inside the enclosure, and you don't control this piece of equipement, hence the requirement for a standard full-size type-A connector. How about using a mini-USB or micro-USB cable, and an off-the-shelf adapter to the full-size "A" connector inside the box? -- Dave Tweed

On Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:25:21 +1300, you wrote: {Quote hidden}>Hi, > >I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed >enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field - at >least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would like to >use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of connectors. >Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated >cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > >I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down a bit >and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an enclosure. Trouble is >it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes difficult, and I don't >like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the overmoulded plug. > >Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage >what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the >USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round >cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together >locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The >assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the other >end of the cable. Bulgin do some sealed USB options. Another thought is that a B plug (maybe also A) will probably go through the hole that a gland screws into, so an option may be to investigate getting a USB cable assembly made with the gland already on it. For small volumes, you can get self-wirable USB cables that you could put on the end after passing the cable through the gland - this could be done as a ready-made assembly as above so it doesn't need to be done in the field.

If hot insertion isn't a requirement, use any 4 conductor connector that suits the environmentals, say a water-tight RJ-11 or such. Just spec it as connectable only when unpowered. I've seen various adapter kits that have USB to "RJ-whatever and beyond" adapters, so it's not an entirely crazy idea. I believe there are only 2 issues the proper connectors address - power/gnd connection before data (hot plugging), and shielding (USB 1.1 less critical than 2.0 I'd estimate). Assess how stringent your needs are in those areas and go for another connector, possibly via an adapter in your case if you don't want to re-terminate. -Skip Brent Brown wrote: {Quote hidden}> Hi, > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed > enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field - at > least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would like to > use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of connectors. > Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated > cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down a bit > and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an enclosure. Trouble is > it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes difficult, and I don't > like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the overmoulded plug. > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage > what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the > USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round > cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together > locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The > assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the other > end of the cable. >

{Quote hidden}> > On Mar 2, 2009, at 3:25 PM, Brent Brown wrote: > > Hi, > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables > into a sealed > enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed > in the field - at > least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. > Would like to > use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of > connectors. > Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre- > terminated > cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug > trimmed down a bit > and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an > enclosure. Trouble is > it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes > difficult, and I don't > like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the > overmoulded plug. > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can > almost envisage > what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole > to pass the > USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular > hole to round > cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece > snap together > locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the > gland. The > assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components > on from the other > end of the cable. > > -- > Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions One of these might work....... http://www.boltproducts.com/heyco/strain-lockit-relief-bushings.html MA WFT Electronics Denver, CO 720 222 1309 " dent the UNIVERSE " All ideas, text, drawings and audio , that are originated by WFT Electronics ( and it's principals ), that are included with this signature text are to be deemed to be released to the public domain as of the date of this communication .

Afraid I cannot help with the original question, but the term "cable gland" is a new one to me...had to Google it. I would have called that a "cable grip" or "cord grip". Sean On Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 5:25 PM, Brent Brown <.....brent.brownKILLspam@spam@clear.net.nz> wrote: {Quote hidden}> Hi, > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed > enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field - at > least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would like to > use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of connectors. > Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated > cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down a bit > and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an enclosure. Trouble is > it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes difficult, and I don't > like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the overmoulded plug. > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage > what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the > USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round > cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together > locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The > assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the other > end of the cable. > > -- > Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions > 16 English Street, St Andrews, > Hamilton 3200, New Zealand > Ph: +64 7 849 0069 > Fax: +64 7 849 0071 > Cell: +64 27 433 4069 > eMail: brent.brownKILLspamclear.net.nz > > >

The search term "split cable glands" on google (not sure if that is the proper or optimal name for best hits though) came up with some possibilities: <http://www.icotek.de/pdf/2008/e/0805_KVT_15-17e.pdf> <http://www.indexmarine.co.uk/pages/glands1.htm> <http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/30430> /Ruben {Quote hidden}> Hi, > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed > enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field > - at least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would > like to use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of > connectors. Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and > pre-terminated cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down a bit > and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an enclosure. Trouble > is it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes difficult, and I > don't like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the overmoulded > plug. > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage > what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the > USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round > cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together > locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The > assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the > other end of the cable. > > -- > Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions > 16 English Street, St Andrews, > Hamilton 3200, New Zealand > Ph: +64 7 849 0069 > Fax: +64 7 849 0071 > Cell: +64 27 433 4069 > eMail: .....brent.brownKILLspam.....clear.net.nz > > > -

>Afraid I cannot help with the original question, but the term >"cable gland" is a new one to me...had to Google it. A cable gland will typically be a gas/liquid tight seal. >I would have called that a "cable grip" or "cord grip". A grip will only stop the cable being pulled out of the equipment that it is permanently wired into. The link that Michael Algernon provided looks like there is some form of open gland that can be put over the cable that is then held with some form of grip, to make a gas/liquid tight seal - least that was my take on a brief look at it.

Check with Samtec, SCPU series --- On Tue, 3/3/09, Ruben Jönsson <EraseMErubenspam_OUTTakeThisOuTpp.sbbs.se> wrote: {Quote hidden}> From: Ruben Jönsson <rubenspam_OUTpp.sbbs.se> > Subject: Re: [EE] USB pass through cable gland > To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <@spam@piclistKILLspamMIT.EDU> > Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 1:13 AM > The search term "split cable glands" on google > (not sure if that is the proper > or optimal name for best hits though) came up with some > possibilities: > > <www.icotek.de/pdf/2008/e/0805_KVT_15-17e.pdf> > > <www.indexmarine.co.uk/pages/glands1.htm> > > <http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/30430> > > /Ruben > > > Hi, > > > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of > getting USB cables into a sealed > > enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to > be installed in the field > > - at least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but > are seldom removed. Would > > like to use off the shelf USB cables if possible and > avoid re-termination of > > connectors. Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles > could be used and > > pre-terminated cables could be supplied, but > that's an expensive option. > > > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type > A plug trimmed down a bit > > and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland > into an enclosure. Trouble > > is it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable > sealing becomes difficult, and I > > don't like the idea of the installer having to > whittle away the overmoulded > > plug. > > > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for > this? I can almost envisage > > what a special USB cable gland might look like... a > rectangular hole to pass the > > USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal > rectangular hole to round > > cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of > a two piece snap together > > locking nut that assembles around the cable and > tightens into the gland. The > > assumption is that it's not possible to slide the > gland components on from the > > other end of the cable. > > > > -- > > Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions > > 16 English Street, St Andrews, > > Hamilton 3200, New Zealand > > Ph: +64 7 849 0069 > > Fax: +64 7 849 0071 > > Cell: +64 27 433 4069 > > eMail: KILLspambrent.brownKILLspamclear.net.nz > > > > > > --

I think these might fit the bill? http://www.weidmuller.com/downloads/pdfs/datasheets/LIT0313_Cabtite.pdf >>> Brent Brown <RemoveMEbrent.brownTakeThisOuTclear.net.nz> 02 Mar 09 17:25:21 >>> Hi, I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field - at least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would like to use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of connectors. <snip> Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the other end of the cable. -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions Eoin Ross Industrial computer support and design CHEMSTATION INTERNATIONAL http://www.chemstation.com 3400 Encrete Lane Ph 937 294 8265 Ext 1109 Dayton Fax 937 534 0368 Ohio 45439

> samtec.com/technical_specifications/catalog.asp?series=SCPU&menu=STANDARD_PRODUCTS SAMTEC makes it hard to understand how their parts work. MA {Quote hidden}> On Mar 3, 2009, at 7:23 AM, alan smith wrote: > > > Check with Samtec, SCPU series > > > --- On Tue, 3/3/09, Ruben Jönsson <spamBeGonerubenspamBeGonepp.sbbs.se> wrote: > >> From: Ruben Jönsson <TakeThisOuTrubenEraseMEspam_OUTpp.sbbs.se> >> Subject: Re: [EE] USB pass through cable gland >> To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <RemoveMEpiclistTakeThisOuTMIT.EDU> >> Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 1:13 AM >> The search term "split cable glands" on google >> (not sure if that is the proper >> or optimal name for best hits though) came up with some >> possibilities: >> >> <www.icotek.de/pdf/2008/e/0805_KVT_15-17e.pdf> >> >> <www.indexmarine.co.uk/pages/glands1.htm> >> >> <http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/30430> >> >> /Ruben >> >>> Hi, >>> -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions >>> > > WFT Electronics Denver, CO 720 222 1309 " dent the UNIVERSE " All ideas, text, drawings and audio , that are originated by WFT Electronics ( and it's principals ), that are included with this signature text are to be deemed to be released to the public domain as of the date of this communication .

On 2 Mar 2009 at 17:46, Dave Tweed wrote: {Quote hidden}> Brent Brown wrote: > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a > > sealed enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed > > in the field - at least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are > > seldom removed. Would like to use off the shelf USB cables if possible and > > avoid re-termination of connectors. Special waterproof USB A > > plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated cables could be supplied, > > but that's an expensive option. > > > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down > > a bit and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an > > enclosure. Trouble is it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing > > becomes difficult, and I don't like the idea of the installer having to > > whittle away the overmoulded plug. > > > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost > > envisage what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular > > hole to pass the USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal > > rectangular hole to round cable, and (this is the really hard part) some > > kind of a two piece snap together locking nut that assembles around the > > cable and tightens into the gland. The assumption is that it's not possible > > to slide the gland components on from the other end of the cable. > > I take it that it's the USB "host" device that goes inside the enclosure, > and you don't control this piece of equipement, hence the requirement for > a standard full-size type-A connector. > > How about using a mini-USB or micro-USB cable, and an off-the-shelf adapter > to the full-size "A" connector inside the box? There are presently two options for inside the box. Option 1 is a standard off the shelf USB hub, so yes I could use mini USB cables with adaptors.., although I would be more worried than usual about vibration causing plugs to work loose. Option 2 we will include a USB hub controller on our own PCB, so once again yes we could conceivably use mini USB connectors. Thanks for the idea! -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions 16 English Street, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 849 0069 Fax: +64 7 849 0071 Cell: +64 27 433 4069 eMail: brent.brownEraseME.....clear.net.nz

On 2 Mar 2009 at 22:51, Mike Harrison wrote: {Quote hidden}> On Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:25:21 +1300, you wrote: > > >Hi, > > > >I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables into a sealed > >enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed in the field - at > >least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. Would like to > >use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of connectors. > >Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre-terminated > >cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > > > >I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug trimmed down a bit > >and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an enclosure. Trouble is > >it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes difficult, and I don't > >like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the overmoulded plug. > > > >Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can almost envisage > >what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole to pass the > >USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular hole to round > >cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece snap together > >locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the gland. The > >assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components on from the other > >end of the cable. > > Bulgin do some sealed USB options. > Another thought is that a B plug (maybe also A) will probably go through the hole that a gland > screws into, so an option may be to investigate getting a USB cable assembly made with the gland > already on it. > For small volumes, you can get self-wirable USB cables that you could put on the end after passing > the cable through the gland - this could be done as a ready-made assembly as above so it doesn't > need to be done in the field. > OK, I'll look into Bulgin some more. The guy from Tyco was here the other day, he's putting together some job pricing on supplying waterproof USB panel mount receptacles with short flying leads and some kind of simple 2mm pitch PCB plug fitted. -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions 16 English Street, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 849 0069 Fax: +64 7 849 0071 Cell: +64 27 433 4069 eMail: EraseMEbrent.brownclear.net.nz

On 2 Mar 2009 at 18:52, Michael Algernon wrote: {Quote hidden}> > On Mar 2, 2009, at 3:25 PM, Brent Brown wrote: > > > > Hi, > > > > I'm looking for a production suitable method of getting USB cables > > into a sealed > > enclosure, IP65 or thereabouts. Cables are required to be installed > > in the field - at > > least once in the lifetime of the equipment, but are seldom removed. > > Would like to > > use off the shelf USB cables if possible and avoid re-termination of > > connectors. > > Special waterproof USB A plug/receptacles could be used and pre- > > terminated > > cables could be supplied, but that's an expensive option. > > > > I have seen off the shelf USB cables with the USB type A plug > > trimmed down a bit > > and passed through a standard plastic threaded gland into an > > enclosure. Trouble is > > it needs a way oversized gland, proper cable sealing becomes > > difficult, and I don't > > like the idea of the installer having to whittle away the > > overmoulded plug. > > > > Just wondering if anyone has any cunning ideas for this? I can > > almost envisage > > what a special USB cable gland might look like... a rectangular hole > > to pass the > > USB A plug through, two piece rubber seals that seal rectangular > > hole to round > > cable, and (this is the really hard part) some kind of a two piece > > snap together > > locking nut that assembles around the cable and tightens into the > > gland. The > > assumption is that it's not possible to slide the gland components > > on from the other > > end of the cable. > > > > -- > > Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions > > One of these might work....... > http://www.boltproducts.com/heyco/strain-lockit-relief-bushings.html Interesting... nice idea but looks like these ones don't focus on sealing. -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions 16 English Street, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 849 0069 Fax: +64 7 849 0071 Cell: +64 27 433 4069 eMail: RemoveMEbrent.brownEraseMEEraseMEclear.net.nz

On 3 Mar 2009 at 10:13, Ruben Jönsson wrote: > The search term "split cable glands" on google (not sure if that is the proper > or optimal name for best hits though) came up with some possibilities: > > <www.icotek.de/pdf/2008/e/0805_KVT_15-17e.pdf> > > <www.indexmarine.co.uk/pages/glands1.htm> > > <http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/30430> Awesome, why didn't I think of that? Like the look of the Icotek one at first glance. -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions 16 English Street, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 849 0069 Fax: +64 7 849 0071 Cell: +64 27 433 4069 eMail: RemoveMEbrent.brownspam_OUTKILLspamclear.net.nz

On 3 Mar 2009 at 9:19, Alan B. Pearce wrote: > >Afraid I cannot help with the original question, but the term > >"cable gland" is a new one to me...had to Google it. > > A cable gland will typically be a gas/liquid tight seal. > > >I would have called that a "cable grip" or "cord grip". > > A grip will only stop the cable being pulled out of the equipment that it is > permanently wired into. > > > The link that Michael Algernon provided looks like there is some form of > open gland that can be put over the cable that is then held with some form > of grip, to make a gas/liquid tight seal - least that was my take on a brief > look at it. Yep, I thought there would be variations on what people call these things. I agree with Alans definition, I'm looking for something that grips/clamps/holds/locks/fixes the cord/cable/wire at the entry point into the box/enclosure/bulkhead/mounting surface and also offers a degree of sealing against dust and water ingress. -- Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions 16 English Street, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 849 0069 Fax: +64 7 849 0071 Cell: +64 27 433 4069 eMail: RemoveMEbrent.brownTakeThisOuTspamclear.net.nz

Brent Brown wrote: > On 2 Mar 2009 at 17:46, Dave Tweed wrote: > > I take it that it's the USB "host" device that goes inside the > > enclosure, and you don't control this piece of equipement, hence > > the requirement for a standard full-size type-A connector. > > > > How about using a mini-USB or micro-USB cable, and an off-the-shelf > > adapter to the full-size "A" connector inside the box? > > There are presently two options for inside the box. Option 1 is a > standard off the shelf USB hub, so yes I could use mini USB cables > with adaptors.., although I would be more worried than usual about > vibration causing plugs to work loose. Option 2 we will include a > USB hub controller on our own PCB, so once again yes we could > conceivably use mini USB connectors. The hidden implication in my first response was that if you *do* control the equipment the cable connects to (option 2), then you can use any connector at all (consistent with the high-speed digital signal). You don't need to confine yourself to the officially-blessed connectors. That's only required if you want to put the USB logo on the cable and allow connection to arbitrary other equipment. For example, I'm using Hirose DF11 type board-to-wire connectors for nearly all of my signals, including USB, in a vehicle-mounted system. These are reasonably compact and have a mechanical detent for good retention. Since they use individual crimp-on wire contacts, they can be passed through pretty much any hole prior to snapping them into the housing. -- Dave Tweed