I've had decent luck with cables from 409Shop. They have a "universal" USB cable (uses the Prolific chipset, for which you already have drivers). You order the USB cable, then an adapter for your specific radio.
Here's the main USB cable: http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=104295
Here's the adapter for the FT-2800: - http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=104251
Note, though, that the USB cable's page doesn't list that adapter, but it lists all the others (the adapter is listed with the DB-9 Serial version of the universal cable). It's likely an oversight on their part, but you may wish to verify with 409Shop that it's compatible. The utility of the cable really comes into play when you have multiple radio models, though. If you've just got the FT-2800, then a dedicated cable might continue to make more sense.
On 12/15/2011 01:00 PM, Dan Smith wrote:
Do you know a source for the USB programming cables with reliable builds?
They're all from China and all about the same quality. I recommend KawaMall and Valley industries, but have never had to return anything to either of them.
All of the pre-made generic ones I know of use the cheaper prolific chip.