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Sony's Multi C cord
May 9, 2022 19:39:31   #
Jay Drew Loc: Boise, Id.
 
Sony's Multi C cord
I did a firmware update on my Sony a7lll. Somewhere I read if I used a regular USB type C cord, I would not have all the features available w/ Sony's Multi C cord (at 6X the cost of a readily available regular Type C). I'm skeptical, although I was afraid of possibly screwing up the update. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this? I found a Sony type C multi cord to do the update, so I didn't have to buy one.
Thanks, Jay

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May 10, 2022 08:23:55   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Jay Drew wrote:
Sony's Multi C cord
I did a firmware update on my Sony a7lll. Somewhere I read if I used a regular USB type C cord, I would not have all the features available w/ Sony's Multi C cord (at 6X the cost of a readily available regular Type C). I'm skeptical, although I was afraid of possibly screwing up the update. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this? I found a Sony type C multi cord to do the update, so I didn't have to buy one.
Thanks, Jay


I know what you mean. I have several items that say I must use the cord that came with it. In cases like that, I use a labelmaker to identify them. USB cables seem to be a weak point with electronics.

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May 10, 2022 09:53:29   #
ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or
 
jerryc41 wrote:
I know what you mean. I have several items that say I must use the cord that came with it. In cases like that, I use a labelmaker to identify them. USB cables seem to be a weak point with electronics.


👍👍. I Always use the cord that came with the camera. Years ago, I tried to update my a6000 with a generic cord. It would not update. Ever since then, I have always used the camera supplied cord for updates. My I-phone does not like some generic cords either.

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May 10, 2022 09:56:36   #
alexol
 
There are definitely certain devices that are pickier than others about connecting cables.

For example, I have 3 Garmin GPSs. One of them will only transfer data using the cable that came with it. The other two are fine with just about anything that fits. (Total sluts, but what can you say!)

You have to assume that not every company is adhering to what are suppose to be industry standard conventions for USB (and other) connectors.

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May 10, 2022 11:29:54   #
gwilliams6
 
This brand from Amazon works great with all my Sony cameras and will transfer all data, firmware updates, charging, output, whatever, and they come in all configurations. They are nicely braded also and are much sturdier than the OEM ones. Yes it does make a difference which cords you use, some of the standard ones wont work for all data, but these are proven from years of my personal and professional use.

I have bought three, keep one in each camera case and one in my computer bag. I currently own Sony A1, A7RIV, A7SIII.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C262MJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


Cheers

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May 10, 2022 12:21:06   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
Jay Drew wrote:
Sony's Multi C cord
I did a firmware update on my Sony a7lll. Somewhere I read if I used a regular USB type C cord, I would not have all the features available w/ Sony's Multi C cord (at 6X the cost of a readily available regular Type C). I'm skeptical, although I was afraid of possibly screwing up the update. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this? I found a Sony type C multi cord to do the update, so I didn't have to buy one.
Thanks, Jay


I don't know about the Sony cable, but I have bought devices before which were supplied with USB cables (or perhaps other 'standard looking') cables that provided enhanced functionality on one or more functions versus a generic cable. As an example, one of my Samsung phones came with a cable that, when used with the supplied charger, would recharge the battery in about 90 minutes. If the same charger was used with a generic cable, recharge from the same starting point required over three hours. The Samsung cable clearly was built with larger gauge power conductors, which supported higher current levels and shorter charge times.

The USB interface is a variable speed interface. Communication speeds in each direction are negotiated by the two devices depending on what the devidce "sees" when looking into the cable. So communication using longer cables (that are otherwise identical) is likely to be slower than when using shorter cables. Some communication standards provide for optional signal paths which can provide control or higher speeds when utilized. I don't know if this is true for USB-C or not.

Bottom line is that there could be any of a number of reasons why their cables might provide additional functionality or higher speeds.

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May 10, 2022 14:55:32   #
wrangler5 Loc: Missouri
 
As a relative newbie to USB-C (M1 Mac Mini last fall, M1 Ipad this spring) I have been amazed at the wide variety of cables that call themselves USB-C. With an even wider variety of capabilities, NONE of which are discernible by inspection of the cable. What probably surprised me most were the cables that apparently only transfer data at USB 2.0 speeds. Seriously? These can't be leftovers from 2.0 days, so why the (presumed) cheaping out on internal chips in this day and age?

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May 11, 2022 19:01:29   #
Jay Drew Loc: Boise, Id.
 
Many thanks to all who contributed to this question. I shall keep a close eye on my Sony Multi C cord in the future. I had miss placed it prior to wanting to do the update. It's just that stuff that only works w/ one brands really irks me. Why have standards?
Thanks again, Jay

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May 13, 2022 19:36:54   #
gwilliams6
 
Jay Drew wrote:
Many thanks to all who contributed to this question. I shall keep a close eye on my Sony Multi C cord in the future. I had miss placed it prior to wanting to do the update. It's just that stuff that only works w/ one brands really irks me. Why have standards?
Thanks again, Jay




This brand from Amazon works great with all my Sony cameras and will transfer all data, firmware updates, charging, output, whatever, and they come in all configurations. They are nicely braded also and are much sturdier than the OEM ones. Yes it does make a difference which cords you use, some of the standard ones wont work for all data, but these are proven from years of my personal and professional use.

I have bought three, keep one in each camera case and one in my computer bag. I currently own Sony A1, A7RIV, A7SIII.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C262MJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


Cheers

Reply
May 14, 2022 12:09:11   #
MDI Mainer
 
After having messed up the Garmin GPS unit in my car by trying to update the maps using a generic USB cable, I now try and use the manufacturer-supplied cable for such critical functions.

But thanks to gwilliams6 for providing a good source for replacements.

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May 14, 2022 12:38:11   #
gwilliams6
 
MDI Mainer wrote:
After having messed up the Garmin GPS unit in my car by trying to update the maps using a generic USB cable, I now try and use the manufacturer-supplied cable for such critical functions.

But thanks to gwilliams6 for providing a good source for replacements.


Thanks, Yes the ones I recommend will do it all, data, transfers, tethering, firmware updates, charging etc.

I have used them in all situations and they just always work.

Cheers

Reply
 
 
May 15, 2022 18:49:33   #
Jay Drew Loc: Boise, Id.
 
Jay Drew wrote:
Many thanks to all who contributed to this question. I shall keep a close eye on my Sony Multi C cord in the future. I had miss placed it prior to wanting to do the update. It's just that stuff that only works w/ one brands really irks me. Why have standards?
Thanks again, Jay


I have ordered one. Thanks for the tip, Jay

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