The C2C caberQU is a USB board to test a USB-C cable in a variety of situations or configurations.

This handy tool for computer professionals will check USB-C cables in great detail and down to every pin found inside a USB-C cable. It applies voltage to all the pins in a cable and detects which ones are connected on the other end. With 25 LEDs, it can show all possible combinations for USB-C pins in various modes, such as USB 2.0/1.1, USB Power Delivery, USB 3.0/3.1/3.2, Alternate Mode, Debug Accessory Mode, and Audio Adapter Accessory Mode. A comprehensive manual is included to explain connectors, modes, and pin details.

Examples for IT Managers:

1. USB Cable Verification = Imagine an IT manager dealing with a pile of USB-C cables in an office. They can use the C2C caberQU board to quickly test and identify the functionality of each cable. This ensures that the right cables are used for different devices, preventing data transfer issues or device compatibility problems.
2. Hardware Troubleshooting = In a data center or server room, an IT manager may encounter connectivity problems with USB-C peripherals. By using the C2C caberQU board, they can pinpoint cable issues, such as broken pins or incorrect connections, saving time and minimizing downtime.
3. Inventory Management = Managing a stock of USB-C cables for an organization can be challenging. The C2C caberQU board helps IT managers ensure that the purchased cables meet the required specifications. They can easily distinguish between different cable versions (like V1 and V3) and make informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs.

V1 vs. V3 – Which One to Choose?

There are two versions of the C2C caberQU board available, V1 and V3, with some distinctions:

• V1 comes with a standard battery, while V3 features a German name brand battery.
• V3 can be used with a protective case.
• V1 lacks hanging holes for convenient storage.
• V1 has a slightly different printed design.

Both V1 and V3 serve the same purpose, testing USB-C to USB-C cables effectively. They include the same manual and offer identical LED combinations for testing.

Why did these guys make it?

USB-C cables come in numerous variations, making it challenging to select the right one for specific tasks. If the wrong cable is used, it can lead to slower data transfer rates or device incompatibility. USB-C cables must adhere to specific pin configurations, grounding, and resistor requirements, adding to the complexity.

Why is this better testing USB-C board?

Determining if a particular cable supports a specific use case can be challenging. Broken pins can make matters worse due to their unpredictable behavior. The C2C caberQU cable tester simplifies this process. By flipping the USB connectors, it lights up opposing LEDs on certain pins, as per the USB-C standard. The product includes one CR2032 battery, the PCB, and a comprehensive manual. Note that the USB-C cable is not included, and you need to select the pins according to your specific requirements.

No external power supply is required, as the CR2032 battery provides the necessary power when a cable is connected. This battery should last for an extended period.

Please keep in mind that this item is a prototype, not certified, and mainly suitable for prototyping purposes. If a more economical shipping option is available, it will be used, and any cost difference will be refunded. Funny quirks and unexpected behavior are possible but are part of its prototyping nature.

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) was founded by a group of technology companies, including Intel, Microsoft, and others, in 1995. Its primary purpose is to promote and develop USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology standards. The USB 3.0 specification, also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1, was released in 2008. This marked a significant advancement in data transfer speeds, offering up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps) compared to the slower USB 2.0 standard. USB 3.0 introduced improved performance and backward compatibility, enhancing the connectivity and functionality of various devices and peripherals.

No affiliation or affiliate money to this item, but you can source it here: The C2C caberQU USB board for about $30 USD.

In a move that exemplifies innovation at the intersection of technology and design, CORSAIR®, renowned for its cutting-edge gaming peripherals and PC components, has introduced a groundbreaking solution for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike. The CORSAIR Platform:6, a modular desk engineered to redefine the workspace experience, has arrived on the scene, raising the bar for ergonomic excellence and customizable convenience.

Guided by decades of expertise in crafting high-performance desktop gear, CORSAIR, alongside its subsidiary Elgato, has harnessed an acute understanding of user needs to give birth to the Platform:6. This multifaceted masterpiece not only caters to the evolving demands of gamers and professionals but embodies the very essence of a dynamic and adaptable workspace. Seamlessly integrating premium materials, an unparalleled spectrum of customization options, and an array of intelligent features—ranging from adjustable height mechanisms to meticulous cable management—the Platform:6 sets an all-new standard for the ultimate, feature-rich computer desk.

Embracing the full spectrum of modern lifestyles, from avid gamers to home-based remote workers seeking an optimized workspace, the Platform:6 is a colossal six-foot expanse that can be expanded even further to accommodate high-end gaming rigs, complete streaming setups, and a profusion of accessories. The uniqueness of the Platform:6 lies in its multitude of configurations, each offering a diverse selection of features, including motorized height adjustments, a choice of surface materials, and an expandable rail system. The process of curating one’s ideal Platform:6 is seamlessly facilitated through CORSAIR’s user-friendly online configurator, which caters to both individual needs and spatial requirements. Alternatively, users can explore carefully curated bundles that promise unmatched value.

A testament to foresight and adaptability, the Platform:6 is crafted with the future in mind, mirroring the evolution of its user’s needs. A modular rail system forms the core of the Platform:6’s design, boasting a universal aluminum T-channel crossbar, side rails, and top-mounted rail. This ingenious arrangement renders the Platform:6 compatible with an extensive range of aftermarket attachments and accessories, inviting users to personalize their workspace with unprecedented creativity. Furthermore, CORSAIR celebrates user ingenuity by facilitating the incorporation of self-designed 3D printed accessories, resulting in an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

For those who prioritize ergonomic convenience, the Platform:6 offers a variant equipped with dual electric motors that silently and swiftly adjust the desk’s height. This dynamic feature, controlled via an LCD readout controller, accommodates preferred positions with memory presets for a truly tailored experience. The desk’s surface can be chosen in either a classic dark walnut-stained, environmentally friendly rubberwood or a robust black laminate, adding an element of aesthetic choice to the mix.

No detail is left unattended in the Platform:6’s pursuit of an elevated workspace experience. Supplied dual monitor arms facilitate effortless dual-monitor setup, while an expansive CORSAIR RapidRoute wire management tray conceals cables and even power strips. Furthermore, an in-desk storage cubby, complete with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, harmonizes wire management and small item storage. The result is a space that not only accommodates the complexity of high-powered setups but does so while maintaining a clutter-free aesthetic.

The pivotal driving force behind the Platform:6’s conception is expandability—a quality that manifests through a plethora of add-ons that empower users to fashion their perfect desk. Should the expansive six-foot width fall short, side extensions can be effortlessly attached, offering an additional 30cm x 70cm of space, complemented by optional hanging pegboards. The Elgato Multi Frame, an exclusive top-mounted pegboard designed for the Platform:6, introduces even more mounting opportunities, enabling the organization of gear and accessories. Adapters tailored for Elgato Multi-Mount and Flex Arm products seamlessly integrate Key Lights, cameras, or microphones into the rail system.

At the forefront of this innovation stands the Platform:6 Creator Edition, the flagship variant of the desk, complete with adjustable height functionality and a rubberwood surface. As the Platform:6 gears up for its official launch, users can anticipate the exhilarating prospect of designing and purchasing customized configurations through the online configurator. The unveiling of the Platform:6 promises a new era of workspace refinement, an experience that blends cutting-edge features with an innate understanding of ergonomic principles. As we count down to its official launch later this year, the Platform:6 beckons us to witness how it elevates the workspace to an echelon of distinction.

Microsoft has not made an official announcement on why the option to format FAT32 is no longer available for devices 64GB in capacity and above.

In both Windows 10 and Windows 11 the format option given by Windows is either NTFS (New Technology File System) or exFAT (Extended File System). The option to format FAT32 is no long available in Windows.

Without an official announcement from Microsoft we can only speculate the reason is do to single file sizes averaging a larger size as of 2023.

The largest single file size supported by the FAT32 file system is 4GB. This is due to the limitations of the file system’s design. FAT32 uses a 32-bit file allocation table, which means it can address up to 4,294,967,295 clusters. Since each cluster in FAT32 is typically 4KB in size, the maximum file size is limited to 4GB (4,294,967,295 clusters multiplied by 4KB per cluster).

If you need to store files larger than 4GB, you will need to use a different file system that supports larger file sizes, such as NTFS (New Technology File System), exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table), or others. NTFS, in particular, is commonly used in modern Windows operating systems and supports much larger file sizes, making it suitable for storing large files and operating system installations.

We speculate, to reduce customer inquiries or complaints to Microsoft they have eliminated the option of FAT32 to any device of 64GBs or larger in capacity. The reason is that a user will receive an error message from the device when an attempt to copy a single file of 4GBs or larger to a FAT32 device. To reduce the frequency of error messages, by formatting the device as exFAT will eliminate this error.

The ExFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) file system supports significantly larger file sizes compared to FAT32. The maximum file size supported by ExFAT is a staggering 16 exabytes (EB), which is equivalent to 16 million terabytes (TB) or 16 billion gigabytes (GB). This vast file size limit allows for storing extremely large files, such as high-resolution videos, large databases, or disk images.

ExFAT was specifically designed to overcome the limitations of FAT32, including the maximum file size restriction. It is commonly used in various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and some embedded systems, for handling large files and providing interoperability between different platforms.

It’s important to note that while ExFAT supports large file sizes, the actual maximum file size might be limited by the specific implementation or the capabilities of the storage medium itself.

If the above information was helpful, please consider looking at some advanced flash drives offered by Nexcopy. Advanced functions include USB copy protection, USB write protection, USB CD-ROM, and HIPAA compliant flash drives. These functions are done at the hardware level and are universal solutions.

eVehicles are all the trend for new cars… and many Tesla owners are discovering the joys of camping with their eco-friendly cars. With ample interior space, comfortable seating, and advanced features, a Tesla makes for a convenient and sustainable option for camping adventures. However, some Tesla owners have encountered issues with power supply while camping, particularly when using devices like eCoolers or medical devices like CPAP machines that require continuous power.

Here is our quick and easy solution for how to keep the 12v outlet on to power an eCooler or CPAP machine.

One Tesla owner recently shared their experience with trying to power an eCooler during a camping trip. They tried using Sentry mode and camping mode, but found that once the car went to sleep, the 12v outlet in the back of their Model Y stopped providing power. Frustrated, they stumbled upon a solution by accident – they put their duffle bag in the driver’s seat while troubleshooting. By doing this, the car didn’t go into sleep mode because the car’s operating system thought someone was sitting in the driver’s seat, and consequently kept the 12v power going, allowing the eCooler to continue operating.

This simple trick of adding weight to the driver’s seat proved to be a great way to keep the eCooler running throughout the camping trip. This little “hack” would also work for those who need to use a CPAP machine, as these are crucial medical devices for individuals with sleep apnea.

It’s worth noting that while this trick has been effective for some Tesla owners, it may not be a foolproof solution for everyone. Tesla’s software updates and electrical systems are constantly improving, and the need for such workarounds may become obsolete in the future. But for now, this unexpected solution is the ticket to keeping the 12v going all night.

Me: ChatGPT – Would you be so kind to write a five paragraph thriller novel about international espionage where a USB flash drive is used to hid secrets from the KBG.

As a renowned international spy, Sasha had faced countless challenges and dangers. But nothing had prepared her for the mission she had been tasked with. She was to retrieve a USB flash drive that held vital information about the KBG’s plans to launch a massive cyberattack on the United States. The stakes were high, and the clock was ticking.

Sasha knew the risks involved in such a mission, and she was willing to go to any lengths to complete it. She flew to Moscow under the guise of a journalist and managed to sneak into the KBG’s headquarters. The flash drive was heavily guarded, and Sasha knew she had to act fast. With her quick reflexes and stealthy moves, she managed to grab the drive and slip away unnoticed.

But the KBG wasn’t going to let go of their secrets so easily. Sasha soon found herself on a secret plane bound for Washington DC, with KBG agents hot on her heels. With time running out, she had to come up with a plan to keep the flash drive out of their hands.

As the plane took off, Sasha felt a sense of relief. She had managed to outsmart the KBG and keep the flash drive safe. But her relief was short-lived when she realized that the flash drive was corrupted, and she couldn’t access the information it held. Someone had tampered with it.

Sasha knew she had to act fast to uncover the truth. She suspected that there was a mole within her agency who had sabotaged the mission. She had to find the mole before it was too late. With the clock ticking and danger lurking around every corner, Sasha set out on a perilous journey to uncover the truth and protect her country from a devastating cyberattack.

As Sasha raced against time, she found herself embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. With the KBG hot on her heels, she had to stay one step ahead of them to uncover the truth. But with the fate of the country hanging in the balance, Sasha knew she had no choice but to risk everything to protect it.

Sometimes Windows cannot delete the system volume on the disk because the partition table is corrupt. The solution is very easy and all the tools required to solve this problem are pre-installed and ready to use on any Windows 10 (+) computer.

In short, the Disk Management utility cannot delete the volume because there is corrupt data in the partition table of the device. This issue we are talking about is most likely associated with a USB flash drive and sometimes USB hard drives.

One of the reasons a user will get a corrupt partition table is from formatting the USB device over and over again. Sometimes computers just don’t do what they are supposed to do! Surprise!

A common reason a user would like to delete the volume of a flash drive is to start “clean” with a fresh device. The reason to start “clean” is because some other function or task is not working as expected. For example, a user trying to create an digital image file (.img) from a physical USB flash drive continues to create corrupt image files. Well, when you start with a corrupt partition table, you’ll end up with a corrupt image file.

Another reason could be a user is trying to make a two partition flash drive using Disk Management. However, you cannot make a two partition flash drive if you cannot delete the volume in the first place!

We did a great write up about “How to partition a USB flash drive in Windows” a while back. A good read if you have the time.

The below steps will show you exactly how to fix this problem. There is a video at the bottom of this post showing the steps.

• Connect your flash drive
• In the search field in Windows (bottom left white box that says “Type here to search”) type “Disk Management” and click ENTER on the keyboard. Disk Management should pop up.
• In the search field in Windows type “diskpart” and click ENTER on the keyboard. DiskPart will either pop open, or a dialogue box will ask if you want to open it, click YES
• In DiskPart type “list disk“
• From the list provided determine which disk number represents your USB flash drive or hard drive
• In the screen shot below, our disk is #1
• Type “select disk x” *In this example we typed “select disk 1”
• Type “clean“
• When that is complete, toggle over to the Disk Management utility
• Right click the box which represents the USB flash drive and select “New Simple Volume“
• Follow the prompts in the wizard to complete the process

After completing the above steps the flash drive is now ready for use. In addition, if it is required to go back and delete the volume, say to make a two partition flash drive, you can now do this without the error message “This Request Is Not Supported”

Here is a video for the above process:

Micron Memory, a leader in worldwide supply of semiconductors, committed 15 billion dollars for the new construction of a manufacturing plant in Boise Idaho.

This new plant will be the first built in over 20 years inside the United States. In addition, it will become the only operational manufacturing facility within the United States. The 15 billion dollar investment by Micron will span the next ten years with investments inside of Boise and in other states as well.

This is the first of several planned US investments by Micron following the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act. This is the largest private investment ever made in Idaho. The new manufacturing fabrication facility will be a co-location with Micron’s Research and Development (R&D) center. Being this close to the company’s headquarters will improve operational efficiency, accelerate technology deployment, and shorten time to market.

The CHIPS and Science Act is a federal law in the United States that was passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 9, 2022. The act includes billions of dollars in new funding to boost domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing in the United States. The law is divided into three sections, each with its own short title:

• Division A is the CHIPS Act of 2022
• Division B is the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act
• Division C is the Supreme Court Security Funding Act of 2022.

This endeavor will generate an estimated 17,000 new American jobs in which 2,000 will be Micron direct hires. To support Micron’s growing employee population, the company plans to open a world-class childcare facility operated by our local partners at the Treasure Valley Family YMCA across from Micron’s corporate headquarters. The center will provide STEM-based programming and easy access for parents to interact with their children during the day, as well as ease the transition for those, particularly mothers, returning to the workforce.

Boise State University, which is located less than ten minutes from Micron’s headquarters, is ranked 131 in Engineering. The press release from Micron did not mention investments or support to improve the engineering school’s rank over course of the 15 billion dollar investment. The #1 engineering school in the United States continues to be MIT (Massachusetts Institute in Technology).

Beginning with macOS Ventura, a new layer of protection offers some reassurance to enterprise IT against USB device-borne attacks.

Mac computers using the new Apple silicon will require USB and Thunderbolt accessories to be approved by the user before the accessory can communicate with macOS.

When a new USB or Thunderbolt device is connected to a Mac, the user will be prompted to approve the connection. The end user must unlock a locked Mac before the computer will recognize the accessory. This makes use of the allowUSBRestrictedMode restriction, which is new to the Mac. When your Mac is locked for more than an hour, the protection kicks in.

It does not apply to power adapters, displays, or connections to an approved hub, according to Apple, and devices will continue to charge even if you select Do Not Allow Use of a Connected Accessory. Energy flows, but data does not, according to the theory.

Where does USB Restricted Mode operate?

• On Apple Silicon Macs, the protection is enabled by default.
• The enabled protection is to Request New Accessories; other options include:
• — Every time, inquire.
• — When unlocked, this happens automatically.
• — Always.
• Requesting new accessories is the bare minimum of security, though highly secure enterprises will want to request permission each time.
• You can disable / enable the setting by going to: System Settings>Security & Privacy>Security
• Setting up an accessibility Switch Control configures the policy to allow accessory use at all times.
• For up to three days, approved devices can connect to a locked Mac.

This is a new security setting and configuration Apple is planning to introduce from Ventura forward. More articles related to USB and Mac computers.

There are two methods to hide a file on a flash drive. Both methods are free and one is better than the other.

The first method is very straight forward and easy for anyone to use and probably common to most computer users. That said, this first method is also easy to detect the file on the USB.

The second method is more obfuscated and harder to detect. Using the second method it is harder to find the hidden file unless you are specifically looking for it.

Both methods work well for hiding a file on a flash drive and free to use with a Windows computer; however, anyone with a bit of IT knowledge and experience can find the files – so this isn’t a bullet proof method for hiding a file from absolutely everyone.

If you are looking for a truly secure method to hid a file on a USB flash drive then a paid-for-product will be your better solution, you might want to check out some Secure Flash Drives by this company.

But in the meantime, if you need a quick solution, or you don’t want to spend money on a product, today’s article will work fine.

Sticky labels are not a professional solution to label flash drives. Today we look at an alternative for labeling a flash drive which suits the demands of a business and/or professional.

There is a clear difference between labeling your flash drive because of personal use and the need to label a flash drive which is sold, shipped or mailed to a paying customer.

A common method to label a flash drive is with a sticky label applied to the outside of the flash drive, or a paper merchandise tag with some notes about the contents hanging from the lanyard loop. Albeit a good method for a personal flash drive, not the most professional or durable flash drive label tag when sold as a commercial product.

It is a common requirement from a company to include more information about the contents of a flash drive than what the space of a sticky label or tag will allow. In addition, the durability of said label should withstand environmental conditions which surpass the limits of a merchandise tag. Examples include:

• Detailed instructions for how the flash drive should be used
• Software or firmware version information (longer than sticky label space)
• Medical compliance information about the contents
• Audit tracking of ownership / possession (longer than sticky label space)

From the examples above, the question becomes:

What flash drive label can be used which is professional looking while having the durability and space needed to print the information required?

The best flash drive label we have found is the plastic credit card sized label offered by Nexcopy.

The CC USB Label is a white PVC plastic product which is 85mm wide by 54mm tall and 0.75mm thick with a total weight of 4 grams. The CC USB Label is printable on both sides and includes a lanyard for connecting to a USB flash drive.

The CC USB Label accepts full color print and with a white background, each color is vibrant and great contrast for users to easily read the printed information. Using an eco-solvent printer, the ink is permanent and water proof. The information printed will last in various weather conditions and environmental conditions.

Nexcopy offers their eco-solvent LOGO-EZ printer for in-house production. Nexcopy also offers print services for those not wanting to invest in a flatbed eco-solvent printer.

The credit card size and the light weight of the card make it a perfect complement as a flash drive label. With double sided print capability, a company has a great deal of space to print the information required for their product.

From the image below, one can see the flash drive label is ideal for printed bar codes for scanning during product fulfillment, shipping and receiving. Printing a more precise image like a QR code could improve user experience, such as streamlining a product registration process or direct landing page for a how-to video for product instruction.

The plastic PVC material is ideal for printing color logos and highlighting specific information. Having the flexibility for color print lends itself to emphasizing certain bits of information the manufacturer wants the end-user to notice.

In addition, the CC USB Label allows custom branding to match the requirements from the marketing department to ensure branding compliance is matched – getting stuck with black only printed sticky labels or merchandise tags decrease the overall perceived value of the product and could fall out of compliance of a company’s marketing guidelines.

Although some of this information sounds overkill for a flash drive label, keep in mind this solution is designed for a business or professional who might be required to provide very detailed labels for the product in which the flash drive is associated with.

There is nothing worse than a blank screen after pushing the power button on your computer. The heart stops, the shoulders sink and this feeling of utter despair and anxiety quickly overtake the body.

Why? Why is this happening right now! I have emails to check, orders to process, papers to submit.

It is inevitable a computer problem starts whenever you most need the computer.

A quick examination of the computer shows a flash drive sticking out of a USB port. Could this be the problem? Let me pull the USB out and restart my computer.

A few moments later you discover removing the flash drive did the trick, the computer boots up and starts, as expected. So what happened? Why will my computer not boot with a USB device plugged in?

In this scenario the explanation is very simple. When the USB is connected the operating system thinks it should boot from the flash drive, not the computer hard drive.

At one time in this USB’s life, the drive was made to be bootable and book-strap code was flashed to the device. Because the computer BIOS sees the drive and the boot code, the BIOS will instruct the computer hardware to reference the USB stick for the operating system.

This doesn’t mean any flash drive connected will force your computer to boot from a USB stick, only if the USB stick was made bootable at some point. Most flash drives are not bootable by default and have the boot-strap code to overtake the machine.

The other important point to consider,

Port Hub Provides Six Connection Options via USB

The Satechi Port Hub adapter extends the functionality of your M1 MacBook Pro laptop. It has all of the necessary ports, including a USB4 port, Gigabit Ethernet, a USB-C data port, two USB-A data ports, and an audio jack port. The Pro Hub Mini is the only adapter you need, with a plethora of options for fast data transfer and a modern aluminum design.

Designed to complement your MacBook ports, it includes two USB-A 3.0 data ports, one USB-C data port capable of up to 5 Gbps, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The port hub features Next-Gen USB4 technology and can charge your devices at a whopping 100W. You can also benefit from data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and video output resolutions of up to 5K/60Hz.

By connecting the hub to the Thunderbolt ports of your MacBook Pro 14 & 16 inch, 2021, you will have access to all ports. The MagSafe 3 port is still usable and recommended for fast charging. We’ve also included an audio jack port clip that will fit perfectly into your MacBook Pro 14 & 16-inch, 2021 to keep it in place.

Having designed multiple technology products this product does ask the question about the relationship between the physical connection between the port hub and the Mac computer. From the image, as I have not tested this product, it appears the physical connection of the audio jack and two USB-C connectors will make for a durable mating.

However, people do stupid things and if the collective unit gets dropped on the floor (say slips of table’s edge) and falling on the port hub, I wonder what kind of damage that fall would have on the audio jack and USB ports.

My logic is thinking it being expensive to fix the internal USB ports of the laptop, given that would be required since it’s the only digital external connection this computer has. Food for thought.

Consider buying this MacBook port hub from Amazon if this article provided any bit of useful information in the buying process

Important

• To achieve 5K video output, you’ll need a computer, a thunderbolt cable, and a 5K monitor
• The MacBook Pro (16 inch, M1 Pro/Max, 2021)’s MagSafe 3 port can charge up to 140W
• The USB4 port can only charge up to 100W
• Use the MagSafe 3 port directly on the computer for faster charging
• Charging and CD drives are not supported by USB-A ports
• The Audio Jack Port clip is only compatible with the new MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inch models released in 2021
• The Hub can be used with older MacBooks with USB-C, but the Audio Jack Clip will not work

Original equipment manufacturer’s product webpage can be found here which is directly from the Satechi website.