Random question about computer cables

[NickFitz]

I don't get this.

I've come back here twice and it's the same question

I thought you said it was going to be random

tim

[RSoles]

Used to be called 'Magic beads' in the good old days...

RS

[tim123]

I don't get this.

I've come back here twice and it's the same question

I thought you said it was going to be random

tim

[MrRobin]

Something to do with reducing interference, I think.

Ah yes, with a bit of a clue, I can now successfully get my answer from google (typing in 'blobby bit in cable wire' wasn't getting anywhere)

Attaching a ferrite to a cable or looping a cable through a ferrite can help reduce unwanted high-frequency interference.

Electronic cabling and wires, by virtue of their length-to-width ratios, are perfect natural antennas. In the presence of high-speed microprocessor signals, cables will conduct, radiate, and receive unwanted high-frequency interfering signals. Control of radio-frequency (RF) interference can be ensured by the proper placement of an insertion-loss device, such as a ferrite suppressor

Much more info here. Educate yourselves

[TheFaQQer]

That's my understanding - some sort of 'noise' suppressor.

I read an instruction manual once (!) that explained it. It also said that it makes a difference which end you plug it into, and the pack had some extra "blobby bits" to make your own if the cable didn't have one as standard.

[Clippy]

Something to do with reducing interference, I think.

Zeity will be along at some stage to explain.

That's my understanding - some sort of 'noise' suppressor.

[Sockpuppet]

Its to make the really hard to route round desks.

[TheFaQQer]

Something to do with reducing interference, I think.

Zeity will be along at some stage to explain.

[MrRobin]

Why do power adaptor cables, or VGA cables etc have that little chunky bit towards the end, inline with the cable itself (example pic)

I vaguely remember opening one in the past and found the cable looped on itself in an S shape.