[Q][Solved] Broken USB socket - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Morning forum,
My wife has a Nexus S and the USB port is broken. I can see on the inside of the socket the wires are mashed. Basically I can't charge the phone anymore. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could either fix it, or another way to charge the battery short of getting another Nexus S to charge the battery? It is also out of warranty to I would have to pay to get it fixed. That is going to be my ultimate solution but I would rather look at other ways first. Cash is tight.
Shawn

Maybe buy just a battery charger, that can charge the battery without going through the phone.

I decided to take it apart on look at the socket. I have have a friend that works with micro-electronics to solder in a new usb port. I will get it back today all fixed up (I hope). Thanks for the advice. I did see options for that. Good backup plan.

strevellick said:
I decided to take it apart on look at the socket. I have have a friend that works with micro-electronics to solder in a new usb port. I will get it back today all fixed up (I hope). Thanks for the advice. I did see options for that. Good backup plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you manage to solder a new USB port? I have the same problem and wondered how difficult the repair is as I have ordered a replacement port from eBay. If you have fixed it please could you ask your friend to provide some tips on how to get the port off and on again.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

Related

Xda charging slot loose

My Xda/Qtek's charging slot is loose or bent and as such I am now not able to charge it or synchronise at all. Brought to the repair shop and was told that I need to change the whole mother board as the slot is attached
to the board and it is as good as getting another one than to fix it. Seems to me that the 2 pins in the centre or the slot is bent and I cannot get the connection on when I plug the charger in unless I twist the charger to one side I then get the yellow/orange light which indicate charging.
Appreciate if someone could help fix it. Cheers.
The charging socket is part of the mainboard, I have had this in the past with ipaqs, I got a jewellers eyepiece and a very slim pin and managed to get them lined up again, I am sure there was a post today about this very problem.
Thanks for info. I managed to strip apaart the xda and then soldered the
loose charging slot. It works fine now and I save having to pay for the replacement of the main board which is not worth it and also the service
costs.
help for newbie pls?
Hi, I currently have the same problem. I also want to try the solution that cruisin-thu suggested, unfortunately, I'm not much of a techie and I'm afraid that I might damage the mainboard if I don't know which parts to move. Does anyone know of any sites that have a picture of the xda II mainboard? I'd really appreciate the help.

[Q] busted charge connector G-Tab

Help - the connector into which the charge cord needs to be plugged is not making contact and so can't charge G-tablet. Any suggestions? Has anyone opened one yet to get inside?
Thanks for any help.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842354
this is a thread with a hardware breakdown, should come in handy. I've never taken mine apart but it looks easy enough.
MKurth said:
Help - the connector into which the charge cord needs to be plugged is not making contact and so can't charge G-tablet. Any suggestions? Has anyone opened one yet to get inside?
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been there, done that... You do need to crack it open (gently of course) and the thread above does show to do that. Once you're in there's a metal tab that you'll see within the power connector assembly but from the side (do NOT go through the connector hole). Once you see that, use something small to push it in about 1/8-1/4". You should get connection then.
Be warned that it will most likely stop working again as that tab is now weak(er). I'm going to see if I can find a better connection option for that or just resort to charging on a dock.
As you may be able to deduce, I've had the same problem.
Warranty Repair?
MKurth said:
Help - the connector into which the charge cord needs to be plugged is not making contact and so can't charge G-tablet. Any suggestions? Has anyone opened one yet to get inside?
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you thought about sending it in for warranty repair?
G Tablets have a one year warranty so it has to still be within warranty.
Call Viewsonic tech support. Their phone number is on their G Tablet page on the web site.

External Battery charger for TG01??

As per the thread title, I am looking for a battery charger for the TG01. I need one that will simply charge the battery (will need also a spare battery) - and just swap out the batteries as I go. I can't work with an external charger that connects via micro-usb (as I'm having issues with the micro-usb port and can't charge the phone! Therefore need another means of charging ASAP - and will come back and look at how to tackle fixing the micro-usb port at a later stage).
Anyone know where I can get such a thing???
Struggling to do so - so far in my www search....
You mean like this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a6e594a7c
"Universal mobile battery charger" is what I looked for.
You can get better one's with digital readouts, but that is EXACTLY what I bought a few days ago to try and save my TG01 from a bad wm6.5. Just waiting for it to turn up.
@Scougar: Yes - I managed to get one in the end - off ebay. Hopefully it will arrive before the week is out - as I'm currently phone less!
Not good! Mine arrived today btw... Annoyingly no instructions on what the LED colours mean on it, or which terminal is positive and which negative.
btw.. mine says 850ma on it, so not the full 1000ma, but I can live with that.
I bought this on eBay - can´t paste the link here - look for - 1500mah Micro USB Back up Battery Charger + Cable for Toshiba TG01 TG 01
I am very satisfied when need to power battery out not having power adaptor. However I have totally 3 batteries and purchased also the solar power adaptor with internal battery.
Scougar said:
Mine arrived today btw... Annoyingly no instructions on what the LED colours mean on it, or which terminal is positive and which negative
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem re. instructions - but have got the hang of it. However, it's not a sufficient solution for me. It seems to take an absolute age to power up a battery. I have a spare battery - and even this isn't going to be enough.
I guess it's because of the way I use the phone - with connection to usb keyboard - to write emails...even though I remove the cable the moment the email has been written, it absolutely drains battery resources - RAPID!
I will have to try and get the micro-usb port fixed somehow. I've contacted toshiba to see if - first of all there is any warranty cover on the phone (i bought it off ebay - so not sure if covered or not).
Even if not covered, I'm unsure where to send it - or who can really fix this. Does anyone have any ideas? I am based in Ireland. Do Toshiba have a list of approved service centres??
You will just need to get a higher 'ma' rated charger then (so battery will charge faster).
BTW.. sounds stupid.. but have you tried another micro usb cable (a proper charging cable, rather than just a regular data transfer micro usb one?)
Scougar said:
You will just need to get a higher 'ma' rated charger then (so battery will charge faster).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. IF i have no option but to keep using an external charger, may look at gettting another one.
Scougar said:
BTW.. sounds stupid.. but have you tried another micro usb cable (a proper charging cable, rather than just a regular data transfer micro usb one?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried a number of cables - that had been working at one stage but no longer work. However, they work when it comes to connecting to my usb keyboard.....just not working to charge the phone...
MICRO-USB Repair.
I'm a bit concerned about this - as someone has suggested to me that this can't be repaired - that it's 'terminal'. Can this really be the case????
Seems an awful waste of a phone if that's true....
borderfox said:
Ok, thanks. IF i have no option but to keep using an external charger, may look at gettting another one.
I have tried a number of cables - that had been working at one stage but no longer work. However, they work when it comes to connecting to my usb keyboard.....just not working to charge the phone...
MICRO-USB Repair.
I'm a bit concerned about this - as someone has suggested to me that this can't be repaired - that it's 'terminal'. Can this really be the case????
Seems an awful waste of a phone if that's true....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what "burn's out", so I wouldn't like to speculate, but the repair of the actual 'port' surely wouldn't be that hard even for an amateur solderer? Maybe it's something in a charging chip that's burnt out? Given that you can pick tg01's up for £50+ (I really am guessing here.. I've been drinking).. it probaly isn't worth the cost of a repair unless you do it yourself.
Scougar said:
I'm not sure what "burn's out", so I wouldn't like to speculate, but the repair of the actual 'port' surely wouldn't be that hard even for an amateur solderer? Maybe it's something in a charging chip that's burnt out? Given that you can pick tg01's up for £50+ (I really am guessing here.. I've been drinking).. it probaly isn't worth the cost of a repair unless you do it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ruddy thing cost me €200 back then....can't remember for sure when -I think 9 months ago. Just checked ebay and they range from €110-€180. Pretty poor form - if they can't do the job for a couple of years at the very least.
Not sure where I stand as regards warranty - still waiting to hear back from toshiba support.
I don't feel that buying another one is the way to go - if they are flawed in this way. Furthermore, it makes me wonder about investing in a good phone - if they all have a point of weakness in terms of the micro-usb slot. Had a quick look at the nokia lumia at one stage last week....but if I'm using that port heavily (which i am - constantly swapping out between cable (for keyboard) and usb power cable....will the same thing happen?
If you are worried about over working the port, then just get an extension cable or try using a powered USB hub so you won't be swapping it out so often.
The micro usb port design is probably 'weak' compared to the mini USB port design, but it's what we are pretty much every phone on the market is now using. You could also use a USB keyboard.
I would only have considered about £75 for my phone (MODS: I can't sell it , I've bricked it... or as I like to say "I'm between operating systems at the moment" ;-) ) Point is, you can probably get one cheaper than you are seeing on ebay.
I think you are either better off with another phone, or getting a bigger battery, they question is whether you want to invest in the TG01 anymore, or get something else.
Scougar said:
If you are worried about over working the port, then just get an extension cable or try using a powered USB hub so you won't be swapping it out so often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I use the powered usb hub exactly? I can plug the usb keyboard into it -then run a usb cable between the hub and the usb to micro-usb adaptor that then connects to the phone...is that correct?
Scougar said:
The micro usb port design is probably 'weak' compared to the mini USB port design, but it's what we are pretty much every phone on the market is now using. You could also use a USB keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what is also dampening down my enthusiasm for investing in another phone. It's a situational thing - and I don't really have any other option but to use a usb keyboard (I can't connect via bluetooth).
Scougar said:
I would only have considered about £75 for my phone (MODS: I can't sell it , I've bricked it... or as I like to say "I'm between operating systems at the moment" ;-) ) Point is, you can probably get one cheaper than you are seeing on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a savage rate of depreciation!
Scougar said:
I think you are either better off with another phone, or getting a bigger battery, they question is whether you want to invest in the TG01 anymore, or get something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As regards moving on to a new unit, I don't really want to go down this road for two reasons;
1. I don't think I have got my money's worth out of the spend on the TG01 - and while the work arounds are far from ideal - I am otherwise happy with the phone in principal
2. I fear making another big investment - only for the same thing to happen again (given that I will continue to use micro-usb port heavily
A bigger battery - I don't think is a possibility?? I know there was one oversized battery on the market for that phone - but it came with a new back cover for the phone also - as it was thicker than normal. It was expensive - and it's not really the route I wish to take. What I might do - is buy another battery. Then - with 3 batteries on the go - just keep charging them up on rotation at home.
Mickey mouse approach - but I don't see any other feasible way of handling it.
IF I did get another phone, I don't think it would be the TG01. It served its purpose at the time (and It will continue to do so - although more awkward now). However, I don't think this sort of failure should happen - and support should be better. Very hard to get a hold of someone in support - NO support in ROI - and necessary to mail the phone in to their UK service centre. In addition, just discovered that it's out of warranty.
There are some internal pictures of the TG01 floating around, it might be worthwhile trying to dig those up, and see if you can get a look at the USB connection points, and see if an amateur repair is possible.
EDIT: If you go to the following thread you will find internal pictures It looks to me like the port could be repaired if you have a fine enough soldering iron, or taped it up well enough. (As long as the problem isn't a 'trace' being burnt out... and we assume that the port itself has broken/come loose or needs replacement).
Can someone recommend a good quality external charger
Only a couple of weeks - and the external charger I got off ebay seems to be flaking!
Can anyone recommend a GOOD QUALITY external charger that I could order up - that will work well with TG01 batteries??
Have to say... that one I bought isn't the best quality. connection is 'iffy' now it seems.
Product review: 4/10. d'oh.
Scougar said:
Have to say... that one I bought isn't the best quality. connection is 'iffy' now it seems.
Product review: 4/10. d'oh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I;ve been trawling the net - but they all seem the ruddy same! What would you buy if you had to go again?
Right now - at this moment - the charger is working again - but I spent half the day trying to get it to work up until now! I don't have great faith in it - and if it goes, I'm sans phone once again.
If I could get a reliable charger, I would be fairly happy. I've got into the routine of charging alternate batteries - so that system works (so I can squeeze the outlay on the phone back out of it - before I go and upgrade at a later stage).
The only other type of external charger I could find was this.
So....i've ordered one up....will post back whether it actually does the job or is another piece of sh1t!
borderfox said:
The only other type of external charger I could find was this.
So....i've ordered one up....will post back whether it actually does the job or is another piece of sh1t!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this charger a few weeks ago, works perfectly.
tcampomanes said:
I bought this charger a few weeks ago, works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Delighted to hear that. Hopefully this will provide the ultimate solution for my TG01 - and I can go on and use it for the next 12 months and get my $$ back out of it!
borderfox said:
Delighted to hear that. Hopefully this will provide the ultimate solution for my TG01 - and I can go on and use it for the next 12 months and get my $$ back out of it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I bought the charger the seller sent me this message:
Dear friend:
Do you know how to use the charger?
I'm sorry I don't have technical info in English.
How to use?
1/ without power put the battery in the charger, you can 360 rotation
the charger to fit your battery (no matter your battery is big or
small.)------------------- if the battery put well in the charger, the
light will go on blue.
the charger can Automatic detection of positive "+" and negative "-", so
just connect the "two pin" with "+" "-" of the battery.
2/ with power,(connect it with power)
Charging--------the light is red
Full charge-----the light is blue
--
When you receive the charger, if have any problem about "how to use" or
other problem please contact me and I will reply within 24 hours.
Thank you.
the seller was very helpful and sent to Spain was fast, 10 to 14 days.

[Q] Broken pins on microUSB (internal)

So my daughter somehow managed to break/bend the pins on the microUSB port on her HTC Inspire, She's now getting my old iPhone 4, the HTC would be a nice android wireless device to have around the house, but i'm trying to decide if it's even worth trying to find someone to repair it. or should I just pitch it.
Thoughts?
i don't understand the purpose of creating this thread. For me, it's a 5minute repair job as I do these things for a living. If you feel you can do it then ya do it. Are you looking for us to tell you if we think you can do it? Personally I'd take back the iphone 4 from your daughter too, even more pins to bend on that one and that is NOT a 5minute repair job.
Could get an external battery charger for it to charge those instead of needing the usb connection, then you just transfer from memory card reader to the sdcard.
*shrugs*
heck if youre gonna pitch it, ill use it for spare parts lol
Darunion said:
i don't understand the purpose of creating this thread. For me, it's a 5minute repair job as I do these things for a living. If you feel you can do it then ya do it. Are you looking for us to tell you if we think you can do it? Personally I'd take back the iphone 4 from your daughter too, even more pins to bend on that one and that is NOT a 5minute repair job.
Could get an external battery charger for it to charge those instead of needing the usb connection, then you just transfer from memory card reader to the sdcard.
*shrugs*
heck if youre gonna pitch it, ill use it for spare parts lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure I can't do it myself, I'm lousy at soldering, Most likely do more damage than has already been done, I can't figure out how she managed to bend them in the first place.
Was really looking for any thoughts on how much of a repair it would be.
mhochman said:
I'm pretty sure I can't do it myself, I'm lousy at soldering, Most likely do more damage than has already been done, I can't figure out how she managed to bend them in the first place.
Was really looking for any thoughts on how much of a repair it would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.drcellphone.com/htc-inspire-4G-repair-service.php#HTC Inspire 4G Charging Port Replacement
dont know who they are but apparently they charge $50 for usb port replacement.

HTC Sensation has stopped charging

My HTC Sensation, has stopped charging altogether. I took it off charging and when i put it on 10 min later, the LED didnt light up, so i got a toothpick and tried cleaning thecharging port just in case something tiny went in and was blocking it to charge, but that didnt work. The phone was working fine until the battery died and i still cant get it to charge. Now im wondering whats broken, to all those repair specialists out there, what could be broken? I can buy a charging port from ebay, but is that it? or could it be anything else.
I was looking to upgrade soon but was waiting for some christmas deals to pop up, but my phone decided to let me down.
Any help appreciated, thanks guys
webstar1 said:
My HTC Sensation, has stopped charging altogether. I took it off charging and when i put it on 10 min later, the LED didnt light up, so i got a toothpick and tried cleaning thecharging port just in case something tiny went in and was blocking it to charge, but that didnt work. The phone was working fine until the battery died and i still cant get it to charge. Now im wondering whats broken, to all those repair specialists out there, what could be broken? I can buy a charging port from ebay, but is that it? or could it be anything else.
I was looking to upgrade soon but was waiting for some christmas deals to pop up, but my phone decided to let me down.
Any help appreciated, thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you solved the problem by buying a new phone?, the problem could be the USB connector himself, if you are very handy you can repair it yourself...
anomalic said:
Did you solved the problem by buying a new phone?, the problem could be the USB connector himself, if you are very handy you can repair it yourself...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe your battery died
I'm assuming you've got it fixed / moved on to a different phone / are using an external charger, but this thread got bumped to the top so I figured I'd chime in.
I had this problem as well. Unfortunately, the usb port is soldered on the board and not a separate unit attached via ribbon cable. The solder joint holding the port on the pcb cracked, resulting in a loose port. Over time, this lead to the pins breaking off the pcb. For a while, I was able to get it to charge by applying pressure to the usb plug. Finally, I took it apart and resoldered it, reinforcing the solder joints for the port itself. It's not too difficult if you use some flux. Just line up the pins and tack the port back on. Then rub flux over the pins and tack them with the soldering iron. No additional solder is needed or recommended-- the pins are in close proximity and it'd be easy to bridge them.

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