Lightning cable length, how short can I go?

[Retroman]

Hi Guys,
I've been off the scene for a while and am probably going to pick up a new Phantom 4 in the coming weeks(despite its apparent distance/battery life shortcomings).

The last time I flew a quadcopter was my old Phantom 1, so no fancy app or live video feed.
My question is, what's the shortest lighting to USB cable I can use to connect an iPad Air 2 or Mini 4 to the RC(I have an iPad Air 2, but might get a Mini 4 to keep things nice and neat)?
I'd like to keep it as neat as possible so I was hoping to buy a cable from Amazon UK to have ready to go. Would a 6 inch cable do it, or should I just get a 12 inch and cable tidy it around the RC?

Thanks

 

[rockydog]

A 12'' is ideal....virtually no slack. 6'' is not long enough.

 

[Retroman]

A 12'' is ideal....virtually no slack. 6'' is not long enough.

Ah, ok. For some reason I was thinking 12" would have been way to long.
Cool, it's much easier to get a good 12" cable than 6"

 

[Dirty Bird]

I use a 12" (USB not Lightning in my case). Works perfectly.

 

[mirrorimage]

I use the 12" braided one. I like it because it's extra tough. Hasn't frayed at all.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P66F35A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

 

[Justgregg]

i use a 8.... found it on feebay..love it

 

[WWK888]

Likewise I use the 12" with my mini 4, perfect length.


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[Retroman]

I'm guessing the 12" is long enough for the iPad Air 2 and Mini 4?

Still not sure I'll go for the Mini 4, but I think having a full size iPad sitting on the RC would get heavy/cumbersome if I was to do a full days flying(in my Phantom 1 days I would go out hiking for the day with 12-14 batteries, might need 16-18 for the P4 )

 

[adambfarmer]

I use an iPad Air 2. Anything less than 12 is too short.


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[Alpinekiwi]

I wish I had read this.
I got a 20cm cable and it's just too short. It fits my iPad mini, but it has to be folded back. Now I have a 30cm on the way.
Gotta keep the cable tidy!


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[adambfarmer]

Sometimes pictures speak better than words.


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[Davphys]

If you use a white cable, 6"-8" sometimes barely works. But black cables come in a minimum of 12" and they work really well.

 

[Kman]

12 inch Anker cable. Works great.

 

[BigAl07]

I use the 12" braided one. I like it because it's extra tough. Hasn't frayed at all.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P66F35A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Ditto on braided. Much better cable IMHO.

 

[Davphys]

I use a black 12" wAnker cable myself.

12 inch Anker cable. Works great.

 

[sar104]

i use a 8.... found it on feebay..love it

Doesn't that interfere with the right antenna? I found I needed at least the 12 inch version to keep reasonable separation.

 

[Fallguy]

Here is the one I ordered from ebay for my Android Tablet in case others are looking . 1 foot long for $4.49 , you can get black or white , got it in 5 days . FosPower USB to Micro USB Duarble Tough Jacket Quick Fast Sync Charge Cable Cord

Just ordered a 2nd one . These are not cheaply made cables . Very sturdy.

 

[alokbhargava]

12" cable is ideal

 

[mirrorimage]

12" is the smallest size cable you can use for any iPad mini and still have it centered on the holder. Especially if you use a monitor hood too.

 

[Vind]

I found the 12 a little tight. Got the 13. Much better


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