I have a keyboard that has a built in USB hub. However, that hub is basically useless because it is USB 1.1. I also have a USB 2.0 hub that I pulled from the scrap heap at work. My intention is to use that to modify my keyboard hub (or replace it) to make it USB 2.0.
My main question is this, I know that USB cables are shielded and the data lines are twisted pair to prevent crosstalk and noise; however, when rewiring inside the keyboard I will need to run some 8 inch 18-22 gauge stranded wires to get from the current USB controller to the new USB controller. (Should I go the replacement route, I was also tinkering with the idea of just seeing if I could replace the USB controller chip with the new USB 2.0 controller chip, but my gut instinct is that wouldn't work, also I tried that and it didn't work
).) Currently, inside the keyboard it is running the data lines from the USB controller to the USB ports which are about 8 inches away without using twisted pair or shielding the cables (they appear to be 18 gauge stranded cables). However, I am under the impression that for USB 2.0 to work as "high speed" that 8 inches of unshielded, non twisted line wouldn't work. Granted my understanding is from one class I took that discussed this (when I was a freshman, a few years ago) on the way to earning my computer science degree (I just graduated
no job yet though
).
So, any of you gurus know how much of an impact 8 inches of unshielded, non-twisted cable will have on a USB ports ability to run as a full high speed port?
My other consideration was I could chop up an old USB cable and jack the shielding from it and then use that and some heat shrink tubing to make my own shielded twisted pair cable for just the data lines.