Beware of cheap micro-usb cables - Desire Accessories

I bought some and although they charge the Desire no problem, my laptop doesn't recognise my phone as a device any more - but on the htc cable it's fine...

Yes, you need to ensure they are Sync cables and not just charging ones.
There are HP ones on ebay for next to nothing that are sync micro usb cables.

Eh?
I thought Micro USB is just simple... well Micro USB.... why wouldnt it work?

NutsyUK said:
Eh?
I thought Micro USB is just simple... well Micro USB.... why wouldnt it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because some cables, especially those supplied with docking stations for charging purposes, are usable only for charging. Presumably, not all the pins are connected. You need to look for one described as being for syncing.

Why wouldnt they have the all the pins connected... that would be breaking connector standerds.
If all the pins wernt connected then it wouldnt be a USB cable.

NutsyUK said:
Why wouldnt they have the all the pins connected... that would be breaking connector standerds.
If all the pins wernt connected then it wouldnt be a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence them being cheap...

what about SD mass storage??

the same you need sync cables

norm2002 said:
Because some cables, especially those supplied with docking stations for charging purposes, are usable only for charging. Presumably, not all the pins are connected. You need to look for one described as being for syncing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be the other way round. If a cable is described as a USB cable, then it should be capable of full USB functionality. If it's a charge only cable, then it must be advertised as a charge only cable.
If you buy a cable described as a USB cable that turns out to be a charge only cable, then it is being misold. The sellers would be liable under the Trades Descriptions Act (UK).
That's my view, and I'm fairly certain that that would be upheld in the UK. I guess most other countries will have an equivalent law of some kind.

meson1 said:
It should be the other way round. If a cable is described as a USB cable, then it should be capable of full USB functionality. If it's a charge only cable, then it must be advertised as a charge only cable.
If you buy a cable described as a USB cable that turns out to be a charge only cable, then it is being misold. The sellers would be liable under the Trades Descriptions Act (UK).
That's my view, and I'm fairly certain that that would be upheld in the UK. I guess most other countries will have an equivalent law of some kind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you could always contact the Office of Fair Trading and see what they have to say on it.

meson1 said:
It should be the other way round. If a cable is described as a USB cable, then it should be capable of full USB functionality. If it's a charge only cable, then it must be advertised as a charge only cable.
If you buy a cable described as a USB cable that turns out to be a charge only cable, then it is being misold. The sellers would be liable under the Trades Descriptions Act (UK).
That's my view, and I'm fairly certain that that would be upheld in the UK. I guess most other countries will have an equivalent law of some kind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. But the only time when I got a charge only cable was when I bought a desktop stand for my HD2 that came with a USB cable and a mains adapter for it. I thought I would have a spare cable but I found it would charge only. Could'nt complain as it was only supplied for charging purposes.

Ah, yes. Cables sold with docking stands and/or chargers. That would be a different matter.
Sorry. Ignore me, then. Got the wrong end of the stick.

NutsyUK said:
Why wouldnt they have the all the pins connected... that would be breaking connector standerds.
If all the pins wernt connected then it wouldnt be a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but there are heaps of devices which only draw power from USB
See http://bit.ly/cLFqFW
Code:
Some non-standard USB devices use the 5 V power supply without participating in a proper USB network which negotiates power draws with the host interface. These are usually referred to as USB decorations.
...blah, blah, blah

Beware the mini to micro convertors as well. I've just bought two on ebay and they only charge not sync.
Sending them back but still annoying.
Edit: I was sending them back but just re-read the eBay description.
"Mini USB to Micro USB Charger Adapter"
Should learn to read!

scotch whisky said:
Beware the mini to micro convertors as well. I've just bought two on ebay and they only charge not sync.
Sending them back but still annoying.
Edit: I was sending them back but just re-read the eBay description.
"Mini USB to Micro USB Charger Adapter"
Should learn to read!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well I bought two adapters also - at €1 each - are cheap enouth and plan to use them with my "normal" car charger - no need to sync anything there
for everything also there is the original sync cable supplied with the device

Related

[Q] charge through USB

Can the transformer charge through a usb cable connected to a computer? Every time I try it won't do it (I'm plugging it into a usb 2.0). I can only charge by using the AC adapter. Anyone see this?
Only of the screen is off or the power is off, and even then it's very very very very slow.
So for all intents and purposes, no.
Why not charge it through power adapter?
For mobility, I ordered this:
charger cable extension (to make the USB charging cable longer)
USB 3.0 A male - A Female Extension Cable (10 feet)
Not really a asus accessory but for myself I ordered this mini surge protector with dual USB ports... being in south, we get a lot of lightening storms so this is a must (for bed-side and you don't want to buy huge surge protector). Plug into wall next to a PC or something:
Belkin mini surge protector dual USB charger
Hope that helps!
dotpro said:
Why not charge it through power adapter?
For mobility, I ordered this:
charger cable extension (to make the USB charging cable longer)
USB 3.0 A male - A Female Extension Cable (10 feet)
Not really a asus accessory but for myself I ordered this mini surge protector with dual USB ports... being in south, we get a lot of lightening storms so this is a must (for bed-side and you don't want to buy huge surge protector). Plug into wall next to a PC or something:
Belkin mini surge protector dual USB charger
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know if that extender cable works for data and/or charging. Thanks!
it charges in 1 of 2 ways
USB [email protected]=10watts
Wall [email protected]=18watts
so, as you can see, the wall is the much more effective choice.
dotpro said:
Why not charge it through power adapter?
For mobility, I ordered this:
charger cable extension (to make the USB charging cable longer)
USB 3.0 A male - A Female Extension Cable (10 feet)
Not really a asus accessory but for myself I ordered this mini surge protector with dual USB ports... being in south, we get a lot of lightening storms so this is a must (for bed-side and you don't want to buy huge surge protector). Plug into wall next to a PC or something:
Belkin mini surge protector dual USB charger
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one of those Belkin units, they're very nice. But I can't find the specs showing the output on the USB ports. Is 15V @ 1.2amps a standard and this supports it? A bit ignorant about such things...
wynand32 said:
I have one of those Belkin units, they're very nice. But I can't find the specs showing the output on the USB ports. Is 15V @ 1.2amps a standard and this supports it? A bit ignorant about such things...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Powered USB Output
5V/500mA each port
Charging through USB 3.0 from expansion card?
Has anyone try charging TF (& Dock) through USB 3.0 available from expansion card?
I have and it doesn't work but several people have tried and it does. Seems to be hit and miss as to whether it works or not. Even same usb 3 cables have different results.
steftymo said:
Seems to be hit and miss as to whether it works or not. Even same usb 3 cables have different results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There could be many things at fault here. First would be the usb 3 port and whether its on the mobo or card, and then i would put fault on the drivers (or not having installed them)
Why don't people want to use the charger that came with the unit? I can't imaging not using a unit with a least the same output (V & A) as the factory unit. Also, does anyone know if the pinouts track with what is coming out of a USB 2.0. It would not be too good to put power into the wrong pins.
patriotaus said:
There could be many things at fault here. First would be the usb 3 port and whether its on the mobo or card, and then i would put fault on the drivers (or not having installed them)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I mean to say that some people, including me, are trying to extend the charging cable by inserting a usb 3 extension cable between the mains charger and the tf.
It works for some, not for others

USB cable?

Anyone know where to buy the same cable with charger plug that comes with the phone? I bought a samsung cable off amazon and it doesn't work. Thanks.
It's a standard micro-USB cable. Amazon has some non-generics made by Blackberry for a little over a dollar.
I bought the Samsung Replacement USB Data Charging Cable for Samsung SPH-M330, SCH-R100, SGH-T939, SCH-R850 and it does not work with the Charge.
I bought this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049IE70I and
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XXUOQI
I think the second one is the one you are saying you bought...I bought 4 of them and they all work.
I know its just a normal micro usb cable, but I also would like to find a few more of the factory cables that came with the Charge. They are really nice quality. If you compare part numbers the Charge cable and charger have a newer part number than what is currently available on samsungs website. Maybe they are slowly phasing the new cable and charger in replacing the older style.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
The micro USB cable I'm using now that worked with the Thunderbolt does not work with the Charge. Does anyone know of any 6ft cables they know work with the Charge? I'm also wondering if it might be the cigarette adapter that is not up to the task.
you do have to be careful because several merchants are going to see the term "Charge Cable" and think that it is meant for the Charge, however it is actually meant for "Charging only"
I have several microusb charging cables and they do not allow usb mode, however if it clearly states "for sync" it should work...
cheap generics
MyCableMart offers some great deals on cables. I bought a 6ft and a 10ft from them and both work great with my Charge.
mycablemart(dot)com/store/cart.php?c=26&m=product_list#USB
p.s. I can't post links yet
foister82 said:
you do have to be careful because several merchants are going to see the term "Charge Cable" and think that it is meant for the Charge, however it is actually meant for "Charging only"
I have several microusb charging cables and they do not allow usb mode, however if it clearly states "for sync" it should work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Be careful. Any old USB to micro-USB cable will charge the phone, but you won't be reading or writing data without the proper version of the cable. I found that out the hard way after trying to get Odin to recognize the Charge with a generic cable for an hour before finally trying the OEM Samsung cable
I used my OG Motorola Droid's micro USB cable to root the other day, it worked flawlessly.
Any micro USB should work and can be bought anywhere. I used the micro USB cable from my WD Passport.
Sent from Samsung Droid Charge via XDA App
Just go with monoprice... http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303#1030307
If you're not familiar with them- they do great quality cables (across the board) for dirt cheap...hdmi, home theater, computer etc...p.s. their LCD mounts are great and cheap too.
I'm personally trying to track down a good quality retractable micro-usb cable for use in the car...I looked at a few on amazon, but the reviews were sketchy for some issues with the connector not being long enough. Anyone have any experience?
smguy101 said:
I used my OG Motorola Droid's micro USB cable to root the other day, it worked flawlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I am also using Motorola cables without any issues. Superb quality, using them for everything.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk
I only use the samsung cable when using odin. I read there is an extra pin for data but I might be wrong or motorola used the same data pin. I have 2 retractable cables I use, ine I keep in my bag for data transfer/charging and one in my work desk for charging only. My work Mac hates when I plug in the data cable so It's just safer to use the charge only cable if I'm not transfering data.
Apparently the Charge has a special cable with some pin that allows flashing through Odin.
Not only that, I'm pretty sure you need the correct type of cable for the correct voltage output(if you want a full and fast charge)
Hi all. I am deciding between the Charge and the Infuse for work (we have contracts with both ATT and Verizon).
I was reading about the USB cable for the Charge. Looks like I need the "special" cable to do both charging AND data as you guys are discovering.
Can anyone confirm if that is the same case for the Infuse?
Thanks
Ernie
aesalazar said:
Hi all. I am deciding between the Charge and the Infuse for work (we have contracts with both ATT and Verizon).
I was reading about the USB cable for the Charge. Looks like I need the "special" cable to do both charging AND data as you guys are discovering.
Can anyone confirm if that is the same case for the Infuse?
Thanks
Ernie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't join AT&T over something so minor as a USB cable. Verizon's network much more reliable imo.
It's not the phone that is causing the charge only/charge and data issue it's the cable itself. Some cables are marketed as charge only cables that are not made with any wires for data. There are universal cables for data and charging that have these wires.
What I was talking about is a special pin for use with Odin. Possibly a special factory function or error checking. That's why I always use the factory cable for flashing.
FYI: The cable I bought is defective as it won't work on my friends dx2 either. I still would like to know where to get the official cable from (assuming the price is not crazy) if anyone knows.
Thanks for the info guys. Interesting about that extra pin. Also a bit of a PITA since it nice to be able to use just any cable lying around.
Ernie

[Q] Transformer not charging with extension

As the cable is too short, I attached an extension cable.
However, now it does not charge. If i connect the short cable that came with the Transformer, it charges fine. Any suggestion?
The TF101 "short cable" as you call it, is a USB3 cable, what has +5 pins inside. One of these pins control the 15V charging (the tablet takes 15V from the charger instead of the usual 5V USB), if it can not send the signal through, it won't charge. You need a USB3 extension cable what's pretty expensive though.
Get this one or a similar one. As you can see, 2 reviewers vouch that this cable works.
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-6-Fe...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316952334&sr=1-1
ondoy1943 said:
Get this one or a similar one. As you can see, 2 reviewers vouch that this cable works.
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-6-Fe...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316952334&sr=1-1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can vouch for it, too.
Got on of this USB 3 cable while at HK and work without any problem.
Thank you guys. Will be purchasing one. I am guessing Belkin F7C008QAF Conserve Valet USB Charging Station - Energy Saving wont be working with this :/
That is correct, because the transformer looks for termination of one of the usb 3 pins, if you plug it into a usb 2.0 or lower extension/hub it just wont work. You must have a usb 3 extension/hub, or, there are many DIY chargers that are probably cheaper than a usb 3 extension cable and definately cheaper than a usb 3 hub.
Even a usb 3.0 hub or charging station will not charge it. Usb does not provide the voltage required. Only the outlet adapter will work
Sent from my mopho
Are you saying that my cigarette outlet will be the only thing that charges this?
It won't charge it all with anything unless turned off. Guess I need to make a hybrid cable
Posted on the fly with my XPLOD Evo4G

Stock charger with USB extension cable.

I'm using the stock charger but the cable is a bit short for me. I have two 3' USB extension cables but neither of them allow the tab to charge. The tab lights up as though I plugged the charger in but it doesn't ding nor does it actually charge. That are standard extensions and work with my Kindle & various HTC cell phones but not my TF300T. Anyone know why or could someone suggest a brand/type of USB extension cable that would work? I am also comfortable with buying a new one and rewiring or swapping wires on it if need be or buying wire and 2 ends and soldering it myself.
Since the tab is 15v and USB is 5v I'm guessing they swapped a wire somewhere in the plug to allow for more voltage.
Thoughts?
Kipper667 said:
I'm using the stock charger but the cable is a bit short for me. I have two 3' USB extension cables but neither of them allow the tab to charge. The tab lights up as though I plugged the charger in but it doesn't ding nor does it actually charge. That are standard extensions and work with my Kindle & various HTC cell phones but not my TF300T. Anyone know why or could someone suggest a brand/type of USB extension cable that would work? I am also comfortable with buying a new one and rewiring or swapping wires on it if need be or buying wire and 2 ends and soldering it myself.
Since the tab is 15v and USB is 5v I'm guessing they swapped a wire somewhere in the plug to allow for more voltage.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to use a USB 3.0 extension cable.
Seriously? That's it? Man, I feel like a dummy. It never would have occurred to me that 3.0 was necessary. Thank you for the help!
Kipper667 said:
Seriously? That's it? Man, I feel like a dummy. It never would have occurred to me that 3.0 was necessary. Thank you for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that is it.
I bought my USB 3.0 extension cable from www.caseen.com. They also carry the stock chargers, cables and a couple other items that I was unaware even existed (a 2 port USB hub that plugs into the USB on your TF300T dock WITH an Ethernet port so you can connect DIRECTLY instead of staying wireless!). Fairly decent pricing and fast shipping.

Does it matter which USB cable I get?

This is probably a noob question, but is there any specific micro usb cable I should get for this phone? The one that comes with it is so short. Is there any specific wattage or mAh I need to look for before buying a longer cable?
I don't think usb cable matters ,,,,only thing is you have to use correct adapter
pchetan2 said:
I don't think usb cable matters ,,,,only thing is you have to use correct adapter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... how would I know which car charger to get then? The one I got has a 2.4a port and a 2.1a port
You can use the same adapter that came within the box
USB cables make a huge difference, more than people realize, especially if you want a cable that's longer than 3ft. Try to find one that has 24AWG wiring
Yes, it does matter. Since we can't see internal wires, we don't know what its gauge is. I have changed to original cable (comes with phone) to get faster charging.
Sent from my SGP561 using Tapatalk
ngvuanh said:
Yes, it does matter. Since we can't see internal wires, we don't know what its gauge is. I have changed to original cable (comes with phone) to get faster charging.
Sent from my SGP561 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can search for them, and a lot of times it is imprinted on the cable. look for 28/24AWG, this means that the signaling wires are 28AWG and the power wires are 24AWG. The safest bet is to get genuine cables for any of the leading smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, LG or Motorola.
Monoprice is also a good source - http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=5458&seq=1&format=2
I know cable specification would be imprinted out side with most trusted brands, but some times there is no print on cheap chinese cables.
Sent from my SGP561 using Tapatalk
yeah it matter i tried charging mine with the samsung adapter but a longer USB cable from ebay somewhere didn;t even charge the phone to 100% over night got to 80.

Categories

Resources