The HELIX USB Cable

This post details how to fabricate a USB cable using the Helix cable geometry and is provided by courtesy of Audiogon Member : Grannyring.

Please Note: this cable does not include the conductor that carry USB supplied power.
  • adding a separate cable for this purpose is detailed below

The fabrication of this cable follows the same approach used in the construction of the analogue interconnects and has…
  • A twisted pair that carries the D+ and D- digital signals
  • NOTE: using the D+ and D- is a differential signalling technique as used in XLR "Balanced" cables.
  • A Helix Neutral conductor that is connected to the neutral side of the circuit

Unfortunately, the TYPE A and TYPE B connectors used are really designed for 24/28 gauge wires and definitely NOT designed for use with the Helix Coil, i.e. without a simple modification

Simply remove the Cable clamps as in the diagrams below



TYPE A USB CONNECTOR

BEFORE AFTER


USB Housing NormalUSB Housing Modified

TYPE B USB CONNECTOR

BEFORE AFTER


USB Type BUSB Type B Mod

NOTE: When attaching the wires please ensure you observe the correct pin connections


USB Pinout


Next, construct the D+ and D- Twisted Pair using a "short twist" as in the image below
  • i.e. 3 twists per inch (or per 25mm)

Signal wire twist

You can use the same 18 gauge wire as used with the Analogue Interconnect, but since there is very little space in the USB connectors the problem of wires shorting out requires extremely precise soldering

The recommended wires for this cable is:
  • 18 gauge UP-OCC Solid Silver with AirLok insulation from VH Audio for the signal wire, or
  • 18 gauge UP-OCC Solid Copper with AirLok insulation from VH Audio
  • 16 gauge Silver Plated Mil-spec for the Helix Neutral (i.e. as used on the Analogue Interconnects)

Please note that either of the signal wires above will perform to a very high level, but for the very best performance, the solid silver wire is preferred

Insert the twisted pair into a piece of cotton tubing with heat-shrink (with adhesive) at each end to hold it in place

Insert that assembly into the Helix Coil and attach the connectors…


Connect one end to the Type A connector.

Wire at Computer end


Stretch the Helix coil to the length of the signal wires

Connect the other end to the Type B connector.

Here is a view of the wires connected to the top of the Type B connector

Wire at source end

And a view of the wires connected to the Bottom of the Type B connector

Wire at source end II


Once the wires are soldered in place, Fix the metal housing in place using a hot glue gun.

Be sure to cover the solder joints with hot glue, so as to insulate them from the metal housing

Hot glue the metal cap into place, again covering any solder joints with the glue.

NOTE: Add a little more hot glue to secure the cable assembly to the connector, for strain relief

Do this for both Type A and Type B Connectors

Computer end Hot Glue II


Place two pieces of Heat-shrink (with adhesive) over each connector assembly and the Helix coil to provide additional "strain relief"

NOTE: ensure the Heat Shrink extends onto the Helix Coil by approximately 1.5 inches.
- This prevents the cable from bending and breaking the the delicate solder joints.



Fnished Cable

And VOILA ! - you have a high performance USB cable

Finished Cable 2

PLEASE NOTE: Before connecting any cable to a component be sure to test the continuity of the pins of each connector



How do I add the Power Supply Wires?

If you would like to add the wire that will provide USB power to the connected device as follows…
  • Once the USB connectors have been soldered to the D+ and D- twisted pair BUT before the hot glue has been applied to the connectors
  • Cut a length of 18 gauge wire slightly longer than the length of the USB cable
  • insert the wire into a piece of braided screen tube (approximately 1" shorter than the piece of wire)
  • Then insert the wire and the braided shield into a piece of expandable nylon sleeve (for insulation) and secure with a piece of heat shrink at both ends
  • PLEASE NOTE: - the screen is NOT connected to either of the USB connectors
  • connect one end of the power wire to the +ve power pin of one connector
  • "loosely twist" the power wire assembly around the Helix coil ( i.e. about 4 times around for a 3 ft cable) - this keeps the +ve wire close to the cable
  • solder the other end of the +ve wire to the other USB connector
  • hot glue the metal casings onto the USB onnectors as detailed above
  • Add the two pieces of heat-shrink (with adhesive) over the connector, helix coil and the +ve wire with screen (as shown above)

Audiogon member Grannyring has reported that the Solid Silver conductor from VH Audio provided the highest quality he has ever heard from his USB DAC.