erkme73
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On super thin USB cables it can be like headphones. I think there, the actual conductors don't have vinyl insulators. They use a dyed varnish (usually red and green) which is difficult to get hot enough for the solder to take. If you ever have to solder that kind of wiring in the future, hit it for a 1/2 second with a flame from a lighter. It'll burn the varnish of allowing for soldering.
My USB cables are all 20ga or better on charging devices. I don't know what the MINI came with, but it is adequate. As a general rule of thumb, you want to minimize the number of dynamic connections (plugs, adapters, etc) as possible. A car is a very hostile environment for the contacts found in USB plugs, ear phone jacks, etc. If you know you're going to leave the cable in the car, make sure all connections are soldered. If you need a 90° at the end where the camera is, get a cable that has it built in (vs. getting an adapter that introduces a new dynamic contact point). At least, that's been my philosophy.
My USB cables are all 20ga or better on charging devices. I don't know what the MINI came with, but it is adequate. As a general rule of thumb, you want to minimize the number of dynamic connections (plugs, adapters, etc) as possible. A car is a very hostile environment for the contacts found in USB plugs, ear phone jacks, etc. If you know you're going to leave the cable in the car, make sure all connections are soldered. If you need a 90° at the end where the camera is, get a cable that has it built in (vs. getting an adapter that introduces a new dynamic contact point). At least, that's been my philosophy.