Hi Chris,
I wasn’t suggesting removing the clear plastic casing from the FTDI USB to RS232 cable. That would clearly void its warranty and simply isn’t, necessary. I was just suggesting that you might need to remove the casing from the SDR dongle, should that prove necessary - though I can’t see why it would. (I’m actually pretty sure the Rosetta’s are supplied with the SDR cases already removed *).
Edit: * I am advised that this depends on the version of dongle supplied, though in all cases the plastic dongle case can be popped off fairly easily by carefully inserting a thin blade or similar just into the case joint and twisting gently (I removed the Nano 2 one for the photos with my thumbnail).
I have attached some photos (initially with the GPS dongle temporarily removed for clarity) to indicate my point.
The first photo shows the FTDI cable in the recommended Port 2 (Lower Left) with one of the older Stratux ‘low-power’ SDR dongles in Port 4 (Lower Right).
The second photo shows the FTDI cable in Port 2, with one of the newer NooElec ‘Nano 2’ SDR dongles in Port 4 and you can see that they both still fit - even with the SDR dongle case still fitted.
The third photo shows the FTDI cable in Port 2, with the same NooElec ‘Nano 2’ SDR dongle in Port 4 with the casing removed from the SDR and you can see that there is loads of room. The same applies with any of the alternative dongles supplied.
The fourth photo (see separate post) shows the unit with the GPS dongle back in its normal position in Port 1 (Top Left) and the final photo is to show how the plastic strain-relief on the back of the FTDI casing fits neatly onto the lip of the Rosetta case (you may need to open out the half-round opening slightly with a small round file to ensure a neat fit) and that it then allows the GPS to sit neatly on top.
You also need to open out the upper half of the case sufficiently to allow it to slide back into position with the FTDI cable in situ and be safely removed again later (but don't make the opening too big as it helps locate the FTDI cable in position on the lip of the lower case).
I trust this clarifies the position, though it again makes me wonder why you think there is a problem doing this? If the cable you have doesn’t fit, it’s almost certainly not the recommended cable!
Regards
Peter