Ribbon cable in place of shielded cable to digital sidecar?

[Dave Remmel]

I would like to know if I should be concerned about noise problems if I replace the DB37 cable going to the digital sidecar with a db37 ribbon cable that I make myself?  Total length will be approximately 18 inches.  There could be a need for the shielded cable – what is the recommended practice here?  I am trying to conserve space, but maintain reliability.

[DiscoBall]

Noise problems are always tricky to combat. The easiest, though time consuming, way is to test your cable yourself by introducing as much noise into the environment and seeing if you have erratic behavior. Motors are great noise makers...

It is advantageous to use a shielded cable and twisted pairs instead of flat ribbon cable. Since you are trying to make the cable shorter, you are enhancing its noise resistance. Of course, with anything self made be sure to triple check the pinouts and soldering workmanship.