I have a USB cable that has a small cylinder in line. It's about 1 1/4 long and 1/2 inch across. What is it for?

Thanks in Advance

Look similar to this?
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:f0Q-jb7tO3HFVM:http://www.datapro.net/images/UL2.jpg
Crossover cable.

If that is not what it is, then chances are that it is a magnet. Most cameras need to have a magnet to clean up signal and current.

Hi Mike thanks

I don't know where I got it, maybe with my Canon 20D. I use it on a portable hard drive seems to work faster.

Yeah, it's just a magnet or metal cylinder to clean up the signal. Monitor cables often had them too.

I don't know the physics behind it.

Tim.

Not a magnet. They're ferrite beads.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrite_bead

Not a magnet. They're ferrite beads.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrite_bead


Which is pretty much a magnetic core, yes?


Big D

Which is pretty much a magnetic core, yes?

It is a non-magnetized ferrous metal bead.

It is a non-magnetized ferrous metal bead.

Ferrites are a nonconductive magnetic material. Yes?

Big D