This is a GB1 style ribbon cable that I made by hand. I say GB1 style because the color sequence on the stripes isn’t screen accurate (it’s the only colors available from my wire source). Also, the overall color sequence is based on my interpretation of the LIFE Magazine ribbon cable, which includes light blue wires. Anyway, here’s the pics:
-Tex
looks pretty good man. i think you did an awesome job!
wow tex, that is awesome. very good job!
get the translucent spacers and you’ve got a screen accurate cable. Pic 3 looks dead-on IMO. Looks like you’ve got the assembly method down, what kind of laminate did you use?
if you could share that info and a make a guide as to how you did that im sure many people would be eternally greatful!
ive never seen a LIFE magazine version of the ribbon cable…could you provide a scan of the cable?
ps. looks good.
Here you go
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/LIFEpack.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/gb1cable2.jpg
Thanks for the compliments guys, I appreciate it. I plan on posting my method, just not yet. Given the different style/interpretation I’m attempting and the decent cost of materials, I’m actually thinking about selling some of these. I figure this way, I can offer something different, and something sought after, for a decent price. When I first got into this hobby, my first question was “why can’t I get a GB1 cable??” So I’m trying to throw out another offering so people can have some variety and a good alternative to spectras.
-Tex
Well, if you do start selling them im interested in one.
Great job! 
fantastic job! looks very professional!
forgot to mention that they look fargin amazing!
*Quick question - What did you use to “laminate” it?
*Cheers.
the cable looks really great, and i hate to be a jerk, but can you post a pic of the cable in reference to a pack? it really does look good, dont get me wrong.
Not a jerk question at all staticbuster. I would put it on a pack only I don’t have one right now. My pack is at my brother’s house in a few different pieces waiting to be rebuilt. Ideally I’ll have pics of this cable on a pack by the end of the weekend. I just wanted to give everyone a sneek peek at my project to get some feedback. Oh, and as far as the “lamination” method, I’ll give that out later. Like I said, I’d like to sell a few of these bad boys before devulging company secrets and all that…wait…I don’t have a company, it’s just me…? Anyway, thanks for the great feedback everyone!
-tex
Just a quick update…
I spent a little more time on the project and built another cable for my brother. This one is an OMNI style cable (no light blue) per his request.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0664.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0663.jpg
Here’s a couple of pictures of the cables after the final step of the process. You can see the nice frosty opaque appearance the spacers have now.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0672.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0674.jpg
Here’s a couple of closeups of the two cables:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0683.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0682.jpg
And here’s some pics of the two cables side by side:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0670.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0669.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0684.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0681.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0677.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0676.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/jord421/100_0675.jpg
As always, feedback is welcome.
Those look really great! Depending on price, I’d be interested in a couple.
DOES WANT . . . . . . .
How does the laminating hold up when they’re twisted tight?
So far, all of my testing and abuse has been fairly light. I’ve bent them, twisted them, rolled them, etc. and they’ve held up nicely. I think the only thing that would be a problem is putting direct pressure at the seams between the wires, i.e. pulling them apart or folding the solid wire sets length wise. The reason this is a factor is because my cables don’t use any kind of shrink wrap, though that’s all I’ll say for now. However, you could say the same for just about any real ribbon cable, given the way they’re bound. All in all, I’d say that my prototypes are very sturdy. Their physical behavior, the way they roll and twist, is akin to a real ribbon cable which is exactly what I was going for.
On a side note, I was thinking about charging 35 for the LIFE magazine interpretation and 40 for the OMNI cover version. How’s this sound to everyone? The reason for price difference is that the OMNI’s are a little harder to make. Also, the overall price range is because I make these by hand, and it takes about 1 night to do each cable. You guys will be the ones buying these things, so let me know. I don’t wanna gouge anyone.
Thanks for the feedback guys,
-tex
Damn… That looks sweet!
Lawrence
Id be down. I can even help to make mine if you want since you live so near me.
Thanks Syco, I appreciate the offer. I should be able to handle it though. I’ll tell you what, if you place a real order for one when I start selling them, I’ll meet you halfway and give it to you personally and save you the shipping time.
That was really what I was looking for, saving the shipping time. We could meet up in monroville or something.
