I wired up some USB-C 2.0 to USB-A 2.0 cables, and tested the maximum length I could get out of them when connecting a PC (host, USB-A) to an external hard drive (device, USB-C). I got stable power and data connections up to about 7 feet. Longer than that, I was able to make a power connection (light on external hard drive illuminated, hard drive spinning) but the PC would not recognize the hard drive. I am guessing the failure happens with the data connection? Or maybe there just wasn't enough power, I'm not sure. The USB-C connectors I use are these: https://i.stack.imgur.com/WNDgG.jpg
USB-C spec dictates I should be able to get about 12 feet of length from this assembly, so I am trying to figure out if there is something I can do to make a stable cable that reaches 10 or 12 feet. I am using 28AWG wire, which seems to fall within spec (though on the low end for power).
Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks in advance.