3 ms·

Verge recently posted this (free) app for testing on Mac's: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/963759/whatcable-usb-c-cable-tester-app-mac https://www.theverge.co

by safeimp 2mo ago

Verge recently posted this (free) app for testing on Mac's: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/963759/whatcable-usb-c-cable-tester-app-mac https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/963759/whatcable-usb-c-cabl...

bcraven 2mo ago
They are just catching up with ShowHN: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47972511 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47972511
- Barbing 2mo ago
  Useful app, funny thread (centipede), and the MacRumors Bartender alternative link arising from the menu bar decision discussion means I might be able to ditch Ice! (reduce spacing instead)
justinator 2mo ago
It's not actually free, it's $14 to unlock all the features.
- justinator 2mo ago
  Can't actually read the Verge without a subscription either.
HDBaseT 2mo ago
This effectively only tells you what the E-Marker reports though, the actual capabilities of the cable are still unknown. You can say the cable can do whatever you want on the E-Marker, its not the source of truth. The problem is, to actually benchmark everything, voltage drop, resistance, actual bandwidth (especially at Thunderbolt 5 speeds) requires a lot of hardware. Using a USB-C Test Controller ($13,000), connected to a Pro Keysight Infiniium oscilloscope ($258,809) is the proper way to test it. https://www.keysight.com/au/en/product/N7018A/type-c-test-controller.html https://www.keysight.com/au/en/product/N7018A/type-c-test-co...
- pmarreck 2mo ago
  well, that's disappointing; someone needs to miniaturize that and reduce the cost massively
  - Kirby64 2mo ago
    It’ll never happen. Measuring to the proper Thunderbolt spec is only possible on literally the most cutting edge measurement equipment. Physics just won’t permit that being a gadget you can buy for $20 of whatever.
    - pmarreck 2mo ago
      Maybe today Also, who tests the expensive testers? ;)
      - Kirby64 2mo ago
        > Maybe today By the time you could measure this, I suspect USB C will no longer be used. > Also, who tests the expensive testers? ;) Specialized metrology firms that cost more money than you can afford.
- j16sdiz 2mo ago
  Yes and no.. Oscilloscope is needed for things like frequency response. but most consumer care only the power loss and bandwidth only.

by safeimp 2mo ago

bcraven 2mo ago

They are just catching up with ShowHN: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47972511 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47972511

Barbing 2mo ago
Useful app, funny thread (centipede), and the MacRumors Bartender alternative link arising from the menu bar decision discussion means I might be able to ditch Ice! (reduce spacing instead)

justinator 2mo ago

It's not actually free, it's $14 to unlock all the features.

justinator 2mo ago
Can't actually read the Verge without a subscription either.

HDBaseT 2mo ago

This effectively only tells you what the E-Marker reports though, the actual capabilities of the cable are still unknown. You can say the cable can do whatever you want on the E-Marker, its not the source of truth. The problem is, to actually benchmark everything, voltage drop, resistance, actual bandwidth (especially at Thunderbolt 5 speeds) requires a lot of hardware. Using a USB-C Test Controller ($13,000), connected to a Pro Keysight Infiniium oscilloscope ($258,809) is the proper way to test it. https://www.keysight.com/au/en/product/N7018A/type-c-test-controller.html https://www.keysight.com/au/en/product/N7018A/type-c-test-co...

pmarreck 2mo ago
well, that's disappointing; someone needs to miniaturize that and reduce the cost massively
- Kirby64 2mo ago
  It’ll never happen. Measuring to the proper Thunderbolt spec is only possible on literally the most cutting edge measurement equipment. Physics just won’t permit that being a gadget you can buy for $20 of whatever.
  - pmarreck 2mo ago
    Maybe today Also, who tests the expensive testers? ;)
    - Kirby64 2mo ago
      > Maybe today By the time you could measure this, I suspect USB C will no longer be used. > Also, who tests the expensive testers? ;) Specialized metrology firms that cost more money than you can afford.
j16sdiz 2mo ago
Yes and no.. Oscilloscope is needed for things like frequency response. but most consumer care only the power loss and bandwidth only.