> Is there a way to DIY [an active USB extension] cable?

    Not easily, no.  The active extension cables actually
    incorporate single-port USB hub chips; they're not just
    electrical amplifiers.

Well, that implies to me that a DIY active extension cable can be made using
several regular USB cables and cheap USB hubs...  Given that a cheap cable
is about $3, and a cheap hub is about $10, and both are commodity items,
this kludge might be both cheaper and less expensive than a "rare specialty
item" like an active USB extension cable :-)

BillW

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