VIOFO Type-C Data Cable - Test & Review PP

[Chuck McCoy]

Blah, blah, blah, skip to the bottom for test results.

Ever since 2013, Viofo have always included a short 0.5 Meter USB Data Cable with every camera inside the box.
The first was USB-A to USB-Mini (yuck!).
Starting in 2021, (original A139 IMX335), and all subsequent models have gone USB Type-C.
The Data Cable in the box included with every camera was upgraded USB-A to Type-C.
Fast forward to 2025 (A329S 3CH) the included Data Cable has been upgraded again.
This time we get Type-C to Type-C.

I’ve been meaning to test max power capability, and max data transfer rate for the past year but, I couldn’t justify the cost of yet another piece of specialized “test equipment” that would not be used in any other way.
Well today, an opportunity has presented itself.
My 14 year old laptop charger finally went kaput.
It’s a 45W PD (power delivery) Type-C unit that was included with my 2012 ASUS Google Chromebook.

I went to the only brick & mortar in my town for a replacement, and picked up the closest thing I could find.
It’s a 67W PD unit from Walmart’s house brand called ONN.
For comparison I also tested the included Data Cable with A229 Pro (USB-A to Type-C) to see if there was any difference.
Both Data Cables are 0.5 Meter long.

MAX POWER TEST RESULTS:

45W (15V/3A) = Type-C to Type-C also (20V/2.25A) but I can't show that yet
12W (5V/2.4A) = Type-A to Type-C

Next up, I’ll test Max Data Transfer Rate
-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Q: How many Pins in Viofo’s “new” Type-C to Type-C Data Cable?
A: 11-Pin (see photo #7)

Q: How many Pins in Viofo’s “old” Type-A to Type-C Data Cable?
A: 10-Pin (see photo #9)

Q: What is the “extra” Pin in the “new” Type-C to Type-C Data Cable?
A: See Photo #7

Q: What gauge wires are in “new” Type-C to Type-C Data Cable?
A: There are no marking on the cable

Q: What gauge wires are in “old” Type-A to Type-C Data Cable?
A: 28AWG-1P+24AWG-2C (see photo #10)

Q: What is that tester thingy?
A: USB Cable Tester TREEDIX TRX5-0575

 

[DAP]

For cable testing, I'd suggest this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0DYJL5Z67 It does two things that the cable tester you have does not. It will measure the resistance of the power wires in the cable, and read out the e-mark (if it has one) of USB C cables.
Knowing the resistance of the cable, and the current used by the device, you can calculate how much the voltage will drop due to resistance (V=I*R).
So far, most cable testers (including the one I suggest) do not detect shorts between wires, or miswiring. I'm keeping my eyes open for a better cable tester.

You can summarize your cable testing of the Viofo cable to say that it is an un-marked (no e-mark) USB 2.0 C to C cable. So, a typical USB C low power charging cable.

 

[lufa6977]

For cable testing, I'd suggest this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0DYJL5Z67 It does two things that the cable tester you have does not. It will measure the resistance of the power wires in the cable, and read out the e-mark (if it has one) of USB C cables.
Knowing the resistance of the cable, and the current used by the device, you can calculate how much the voltage will drop due to resistance (V=I*R).
So far, most cable testers (including the one I suggest) do not detect shorts between wires, or miswiring. I'm keeping my eyes open for a better cable tester.

You can summarize your cable testing of the Viofo cable to say that it is an un-marked (no e-mark) USB 2.0 C to C cable. So, a typical USB C low power charging cable.

I do have one of those, it is a nice tester. Here is a test of a Samsung Monitor cable.

..

On the last image, if the cable is a USB-C, both ends and it has met certain power requirements, the cable will have an e-Marker. In this case, the vendor name is in Hex and Base 10. Looking up that number
and the vendor is DongGuan LianGang Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

@DAP said:
For cable testing, I'd suggest this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0DYJL5Z67 It does two things that the cable tester you have does not. It will measure the resistance of the power wires in the cable, and read out the e-mark (if it has one) of USB C cables.
Knowing the resistance of the cable, and the current used by the device, you can calculate how much the voltage will drop due to resistance (V=I*R).
So far, most cable testers (including the one I suggest) do not detect shorts between wires, or miswiring. I'm keeping my eyes open for a better cable tester.
@Chuck McCoy said:
You are correct.
Maybe I will return this one, and buy the better one.

@DAP said:
You can summarize your cable testing of the Viofo cable to say that it is an un-marked (no e-mark) USB 2.0 C to C cable. So, a typical USB C low power charging cable.
@Chuck McCoy said:
What do you mean “low power”?
I thought 45W PD 3.0 was considered “high power”?
Or is 100W PD 3.0, and above considered “high power”?
I went looking, and could not find an answer.
What is the cut off between "low" and "high" power?

 

[lufa6977]

I thought 45W PD 3.0 was considered “high power”?
Or is 100W PD 3.0, and above considered “high power”?
I went looking, and could not find an answer.
What is the cut off between "low" and "high" power?

All things USB can usually be found here: USB Documents

I believe that "low" and "high" power are used more for marketing; their use helps the average user get an idea of the cable's capabilities without needing to know the specs. USB documents, and documents from TI and other companies, tend to use "maximum" in reference to the level of voltage, current, and watts for each USB specification. Of course, mileage varies on how a vendor chooses to advertise their USB cable, but it is generally better to stay with how USB refers to power levels.

 

[DAP]

What do you mean “low power”?

I would consider any cable without an e-mark as low power. Some e-marked cables can carry 240W. Without an e-mark, the hardware must assume worst case cheapest possible conductors in the cable.

I have attached a photo of the e-mark decoding of what I would consider a high power cable.