Can someone explain proper USB cables

[EDZIP]

Recently bought a SparkFun FTDI Basic Breakout - 5V card and am not clear as to wiring for the 16188051 PCM.

This is how I made my LT1 cable with FTDI232 card (video below) and it works about 97% of the time, now I want to make another cable using the Sparkfun FTDI Basic Breakout board since I see that it has good reviews on this forum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7doKzdQYpg

Reading the comments in that video some guys don't use the resistor or diode?

Then I read about the difference between a USB charging and "data" cable here:

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-USB-charging-cable-and-a-data-cable

Again resistors are brought up....any clarification is appreciated, ie which cable, resistors or no resistors etc

[steveo]

no resistor or diode. rx and tx tied together for data, and ground is ground.

normal usb cable. (if you use a charging cable, you'll know, there will be no data...)

[EDZIP]

no resistor or diode. rx and tx tied together for data, and ground is ground.

normal usb cable. (if you use a charging cable, you'll know, there will be no data...)

Thanks

Kinda brought up the charging vs data cable situation since I see posts occasionally where someone can't get their hardware to work...get the correct USB cable.

[kacy]

a working driver can also be an issue, I have one that stays connected fine while parked but, while driving it disconnects and reconnects alot.

[EDZIP]

no resistor or diode. rx and tx tied together for data, and ground is ground.

normal usb cable. (if you use a charging cable, you'll know, there will be no data...)

FYI: Now works 100% as outlined above.