@nnolte, yes that’s a good observation, I forgot to mention that. In the last year I’ve bought about 25 of the slightly cheaper model from several different sellers (usually in the batches of 5). That model fits V5 spacing perfectly and does data transfer, if connected the right side up. I’ve used them for all micro usb devices in my household and gave some out to a few local VRC teams.
So far only 3 of 25 had stopped working due to the worn out cable (where it enters plastic plug). However, I am still very happy, because if there is a high chance of it being constantly yanked by students or chewed by the gears, I would rather use (and throw away) $2 extension, than risking damage to $250 V5 brain or $500 computer that could be accidentally pulled off the table.
If anyone considers buying such cables, just order a few extras both for the controllers and V5 brain. I’ve bought in the past from these sellers and orders usually arrive within 10 days:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOIZON-Micro-USB-Charging-Cable-Magnetic-Adapter-Charger-for-Samsung-Android-HTC/132051974034
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOIZON-Magnetic-Micro-USB-Plug-Charger-Adapter-Charge-Cable-for-Samsung-Huawei/123405689150
I wouldn’t worry about that. There is an official Q&A for USB extension cables: Legal non-functioning decoration? V5 USB extention left mounted during matches : Robot Events
While VEX Coding Studio has no wireless upload support, the only reason for GDC to disallow third-party extensions that would make any sense, would be if they secretly enjoy having VEX to do RMAs for V5 with non-working USB ports. If anybody comes to our competitions with such an extension, I would have no problem letting it through the inspection, regardless of what Q&A says.