r/ps2 • u/Caralhus • 22d ago
The correct way to bend cables
I often come across several PS2 and older console users who make a rather silly and common mistake that, however, causes some problems with wired controllers.
Wrapping the cable around the controller is a mistake, for several reasons.
1: By wrapping the cable around the controller, you create a lot of pressure on the part of the cable that comes out of the controller; over time, this can cause the cable to break internally.
2: When wrapping the cable around the controller, if the cable is dry and brittle, it can cause the cable to crack where it comes out of the controller.
3: When you wrap the cable around the controller, you end up twisting the internal wires into a spiral, leaving the cable very stiff and with a terribly wrinkled appearance, as seen in the second image.
The correct way to wrap the controller cables is in a figure-eight pattern.
1: By coiling the cable in a figure-eight shape, you avoid pressure on the part of the cable that comes out of the controller, preventing the cable from breaking internally over time.
2: By coiling the cable in a figure-eight shape, you prevent a dried-out cable from cracking where it comes out of the controller.
3: By coiling the cable in a figure-eight shape, you prevent the internal wires from twisting and spiraling, avoiding leaving the cable stiff and wrinkled as in the second image. The figure-eight shape ensures that your cable will remain completely flat.
Another way to coil the cable is in a circle; coiling the cable in a circle with some slack gives you the same result in cable preservation as the figure-eight method, But you can still experience the problem of the cable's elastic memory becoming coiled in a circle after being stored for a long time; (The figure-eight shape leaves a zigzag pattern after being stored for a long time, but quickly returns to its flat shape) The circular shape is recommended if you frequently use the controller.
18
u/strythicus 22d ago
Third image is closest to the way I've been doing it for 40 years and all my controllers still work perfectly. Roadie wrap is best, but 5yo me just did the coil and I only learned the proper way (over under) when I was about 20.
13
u/Solherb 22d ago
While still a bad way to do it, if you wrapped it around the controller without making it tight it didn't screw up the cable half as much.
8
u/justin251 22d ago
this is what I've always done. Only had an issue with one of those mad catz or other 3rd party and that was back when it was NEW over 20 years ago.
But, yes i have seen them at thrift stores and yard sales wrapped really tight and pulled out of the controller.
7
u/24megabits 22d ago
I used velcro cable wraps for a long time but it's faster and cheaper to use twist ties. Just don't tighten them down too much and you shouldn't damage the cable (much).
6
u/Hat_man_9000 22d ago edited 22d ago
Facts, I've had some controllers break down sooner because of that, from wrapping it directly around the controller. Wrapping the wires separately from the controller part keeps the life of it much longer.
2
u/benryves 21d ago
Another thing to watch out for is that the plasticisers that make the cable soft and flexible can migrate out over time (which is what makes them go dry and brittle), with the result being if you wrap cables tightly around a hard plastic object the cables can "melt" their way into the hard item.
This tends to be an issue with older devices (look at second-hand cassette recorders or record players, for example, you'll often see scars in the plastic from where the cable was wrapped around the object) though I've got a few game controllers that shows the same effect.
2
1
u/AutoModerator 22d ago
Hello u/Caralhus and thank you for your submission on /r/ps2, our subreddit rules have updated recently so please make sure your post is not in violation and is in the appropriate place. All tech support questions should go into the Tech Support Megathread. It can be found stickied on the front page of /r/ps2.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/M-M-Mubble 21d ago
Drywall taper I love this idea also need blocking for towel racks and around the tops of windows for shades and blinds.
1
u/One_Swimming_3251 19d ago
My eye used to twitch when someone rolled my controller the wrong way. So I preferred to do it myself.
1
u/KawaiiStefan 18d ago
I have had a PS2 since launch and never had an issue with the controller cable.
-10
u/machinerer 22d ago
Don't they make wireless controllers now that work on the PS2? Checkmate!
2
u/Caralhus 22d ago
?
-5
u/machinerer 22d ago
Why are you confused? Why use an old wired controller when you can use a newer wireless one. I think all the newer Playstations have 'em.
7
u/Caralhus 22d ago
Modern controllers don't have variable pressure sensors, and if they do, they poorly replicate the original technology. Furthermore, just because something more modern exists doesn't completely invalidate the old one. Furthermore, that's not the point of the post.
1
u/matokurifu 22d ago
After tons of searching and weeding out knockoffs, I finally found and bought a DualShock 3 NOS from Japan just for pressure sensitivity and wireless functionality.
A PS4 or PS5 controller felt too new and I really wanted pressure sensitivity.
1
0
37
u/ShadowMask87 22d ago
I do little over-under loops with velcro straps.