Another cable of questionable use

[Rod Johnson]

This one looks a lot more likely to have a common function  but it has been hanging on this cable rack for a long time.

   Anybody know what it might be for?

  USB-m to mini stereo plug.

   Audio out to USB input on something??  Or the reverse?

   A curios mind can also be a frustrating one.

  This time I remembered to attach the picture!

   Rod J

[John MacDuff]

Rod,   I think my K3 has a cable like that. I will check and let you know.

Take care, 

John KA7TTY 

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[Bruce Helbert]

Not sure.  My Elecraft cables have a ftdi driver internally. 

de KG7OI

On Jan 12, 2026, at 17:16, John MacDuff <dhui...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[joe.d...@gmail.com]

I suspect it is a USB-A plug to 3.5mm audio jack. 

Question: is there room for any electronics between the USB plug and the modular jack?

 

I have a similar cable, with USB-to-UART serial in between (a small chip).

It is used for programming the Baofeng radio with CHIRP.

 

 

Joe Decuir, KF7BMD

Issaquah CERT

M: 425-985-1562

E: jde...@ieee.org

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[Rod Johnson]

Joe,

  Only possible space would be if it is inside the black USB plug housing.  I doubt it is in there, because it is no larger than any other common USB connector.  I've seen some that were a bit longer, but this one is not.

 Rod

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[Bruce Helbert]

Plug it in and measure the voltage at the connector. 

I bet it is 5V. 

de KG7OI

On Jan 12, 2026, at 21:34, 'Rod Johnson' via Issaquah Amateur Radio Club <issaqu...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



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[Gil Drynan]

It could be an interface cable for CW reader/sender. Tip audio, ring
transmit.

[Bogdan Manolache]

Looks like a programming cable. I have a similar cable for the mini GPS tracker.

73,

Mihai

Sent from my Galaxy

-------- Original message --------

From: 'Rod Johnson' via Issaquah Amateur Radio Club <issaqu...@googlegroups.com>

Date: 1/12/26 4:56 PM (GMT-08:00)

To: Issaquah ARC <issaqu...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: [IARC] Another cable of questionable use

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[Rod Johnson]

Yes,  it should be 5V on a USB connection if the mini stereo plug is wired to those pins.  

  Rod

https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/issaquah-arc/SA1P221MB1228D8AC23E5D9723E95A8E4F88EA%40SA1P221MB1228.NAMP221.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM

.

[Brad Coston]

If there is no room for circuitry, it’s most likely for 5v power. I’ve had cords like that to power a Roku Stick, and for recharging some of the kids toys.  

-

Brad

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From: 'Rod Johnson' via Issaquah Amateur Radio Club <issaqu...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:41:22 AM
To: issaqu...@googlegroups.com <issaqu...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [IARC] Another cable of questionable use

 

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