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Damsel in Distress - USB Port is loose!

Hi all,
The mini USB port for charging and connecting to PC has come loose on my Tornado (i-mate SP5)... I don't really know how it happened (possible jolting in my pocket while running?) but now the thing can't charge or connect or anything. It seems the actual USB casing has come loose and the things inside can't make a connection to charge - err, I don't have the best technical jargon, please bear with me
Ever since I upgraded to 6.1 my Tornado has been my best friend. I'm loathe to buy a new phone (after all the blood, sweat and tears that went into upgrading) so I was wondering if anyone knows how to fix this problem... I could easily take it to a repair shop (I guess), only I'm in a foreign country that doesn't make HTC and the coffers are low... I've managed to take the thing apart to an extent (struggling with the last two screws under the battery compartment), but does anyone know whether taking it apart will actually allow access to the USB area so I can try to fix it?
Please help me if you can!
Thanks,
Jessica

Well there is always a knight in shining armor to help D I D
Any ways , i had the same problem too, while connected with cable my phone dropped and USB port became loose, if you have managed to open the casing and pull apart (clipped togather) both plastic front and back than you can see the board and the usb jack. Mine was completely soldered off . I opened the set completely and soldered it back. ( Added benifit i cleaned dust particles of LCD Screen) OR you can take it to any mobile repair shop where they will be happy to charge you and repair the mobile.

mangosavage said:
Hi all,
The mini USB port for charging and connecting to PC has come loose on my Tornado (i-mate SP5)... I don't really know how it happened (possible jolting in my pocket while running?) but now the thing can't charge or connect or anything. It seems the actual USB casing has come loose and the things inside can't make a connection to charge - err, I don't have the best technical jargon, please bear with me
Ever since I upgraded to 6.1 my Tornado has been my best friend. I'm loathe to buy a new phone (after all the blood, sweat and tears that went into upgrading) so I was wondering if anyone knows how to fix this problem... I could easily take it to a repair shop (I guess), only I'm in a foreign country that doesn't make HTC and the coffers are low... I've managed to take the thing apart to an extent (struggling with the last two screws under the battery compartment), but does anyone know whether taking it apart will actually allow access to the USB area so I can try to fix it?
Please help me if you can!
Thanks,
Jessica
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a guide
It'll take a little wiggling around with a Credit Card or similar thin hard plastic to split apart the covers(See #6 on the tutorial, don't use a screwdriver or nothing metal), but be patient. It'll split. First time I opened mine, I was scared to death, now I do it just to kill bordness. Beware of a little connector between the motherboard and the keyboard plate(#7 on the tutorial). Just pry it off gently and when assembling back, make sure you push it back firmly into place. Feel free to message back if u need help.

for my usb problem (the same symptoms) - HR was a solution...

redred said:
for my usb problem (the same symptoms) - HR was a solution...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had a broken Mini-USB port and you solve the problem by Hard Restting your device? ummm Don't think so mate. A little soldering might help ;->

ok I do not read all post...

thanks very much
now all i need to get hold of is that T5 screwdriver... i hope i can fix the USB port without needing to solder it...
thanks again guys, i'll let you know if it works...

mangosavage said:
thanks very much
now all i need to get hold of is that T5 screwdriver... i hope i can fix the USB port without needing to solder it...
thanks again guys, i'll let you know if it works...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most likely you will need soldering. Take the phone with you to Sears. They have the screwdriver. But I believe it isn't a T5, I think its a T6. You can go to any electronics shop and have them do the soldering. Shouldn't cost you more than a $5.00 tip.

Thanks i never knew this guide existed i worked on unproven grounds scratched my phone a bit , thanks any knowledge is always welcome.

Soldering...
Um, don't solder this yourself without a heat sink. I melted the entire USB assembly when I tried earlier this year, so now that phone can only be charged by removing the battery to charge (which is ok for a backup phone) but I can never update the OS again (which is not).

kkrull said:
Um, don't solder this yourself without a heat sink. I melted the entire USB assembly when I tried earlier this year, so now that phone can only be charged by removing the battery to charge (which is ok for a backup phone) but I can never update the OS again (which is not).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still update the OS by copying the OS file to a miniSD card and change file name to TORNIMG.nbh and boot the phone holding camera button for bootloader and follow instructions.

well, finally got round to soldering, i hope it works...
gents, thanks for your help and i guess i'll be posting here in a few minutes when the damned thing still doesn't work

I used circuit board glue with partial success
I had the same problem with my Tornado. I tried soldering, but the soldering iron I used is old, and the tip was too big to be precise enough to get the job done properly. Or I just suck at soldering. Not sure, but anyways, I ended up using some fast-acting circuit board adhesive from Radio Shack. The phone will charge now, but will not connect to my PC via USB. For now, it's fine, as I already had upgraded to WM6.1, and haven't needed to do any further OS upgrades, and I don't really need to do any email or contact synchs via USB, but it's still kindof annoying. Also, my speaker seems a little static-y and muffled since the attempted soldering. I think I might've damaged a circuit that relates to the earpiece somehow. I guess the moral of my story is be careful when soldering if you don't really know what you're doing. Not that it isn't common sense already...

unlocksmith said:
You can still update the OS by copying the OS file to a miniSD card and change file name to TORNIMG.nbh and boot the phone holding camera button for bootloader and follow instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so. I have tried naming the file TORMING.nbf and TORMING.nbh on multiple Tornado devices, with multiple miniSD cards, with and without SIM cards, in various states of registry unlock, and superCID unlock. I can't make the phone's bootloader do anything unusual. If you want to give me specific steps I am happy to try again.

yes, kkrull is right. I also tried but not working. I think it is not that easy.

Blank screen

Ready for the long story? I dropped my TF700T and cracked the screen, it still worked just nasty crack spider web big from left lower corner toward right top. Bought dead tablet off eBay for 190.00 total mb seamed to be toast. Removed both screens complete (could not find info on detaching ribbon cables so just tugged to get em out.) Pushed ribbon cable in on good tablet power on just gets a glow. Later found a post that says to lift white tab to disconnect ribbon cables also about the service power switch. I have attached tablet via HDMI to monitor , I get cromi logo for about 3 or 4 min, than goes black. As tablet is 64 GB model. What should my next try be? Are there any tests to isolate problem comments? Just bought another broken screen pad that supposidely works. I know to first verify its operation, cut off service switch, undo cables screen from digitizer, remove digitizer than try in my tablet. Does digitizer have to be attached to touch screen? Does touch screen have to be attached for tablet to boot? All help is greatly apreached. Broken tablet should arrive by Thursday.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Robert_DJ said:
Ready for the long story? I dropped my TF700T and cracked the screen, it still worked just nasty crack spider web big from left lower corner toward right top. Bought dead tablet off eBay for 190.00 total mb seamed to be toast. Removed both screens complete (could not find info on detaching ribbon cables so just tugged to get em out.) Pushed ribbon cable in on good tablet power on just gets a glow. Later found a post that says to lift white tab to disconnect ribbon cables also about the service power switch. I have attached tablet via HDMI to monitor , I get cromi logo for about 3 or 4 min, than goes black. As tablet is 64 GB model. What should my next try be? Are there any tests to isolate problem comments? Just bought another broken screen pad that supposidely works. I know to first verify its operation, cut off service switch, undo cables screen from digitizer, remove digitizer than try in my tablet. Does digitizer have to be attached to touch screen? Does touch screen have to be attached for tablet to boot? All help is greatly apreached. Broken tablet should arrive by Thursday.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a son who had the exact same story, and was successful. I'll pass this on to him.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T769 using Tapatalk

Robert_DJ said:
Ready for the long story? I dropped my TF700T and cracked the screen, it still worked just nasty crack spider web big from left lower corner toward right top. Bought dead tablet off eBay for 190.00 total mb seamed to be toast. Removed both screens complete (could not find info on detaching ribbon cables so just tugged to get em out.) Pushed ribbon cable in on good tablet power on just gets a glow. Later found a post that says to lift white tab to disconnect ribbon cables also about the service power switch. I have attached tablet via HDMI to monitor , I get cromi logo for about 3 or 4 min, than goes black. As tablet is 64 GB model. What should my next try be? Are there any tests to isolate problem comments? Just bought another broken screen pad that supposidely works. I know to first verify its operation, cut off service switch, undo cables screen from digitizer, remove digitizer than try in my tablet. Does digitizer have to be attached to touch screen? Does touch screen have to be attached for tablet to boot? All help is greatly apreached. Broken tablet should arrive by Thursday.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see this: http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/129602/How+to+Replace+ASUS+Tranformer+infinity+Digitizer+TF700
Read about a few people who replaced the screen successfully following it.
Good luck!

Reply from my son
dsulliii said:
I have a son who had the exact same story, and was successful. I'll pass this on to him.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T769 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am passing this on from my son who experienced your exact same crisis:
I do recall that the tablet wouldn't boot unless everything was hooked up...I think...you can start swapping component by component to see if one in particular is causing it not to boot. And if it hasn't been tried already I'd reflash the stock ROM to see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Power Button Ribbon Damaged During Screen Replacement

(sorry, just saw that there's a help forum - but I don't know to move my post, or if I can.)
I had ordered a screen / middle frame assembly and replaced everything, based on a couple youtube videos (I hadn't run across the replacement thread here at the time). It went pretty smoothly, except for the logic board screw, which I had a difficult time getting out, and more difficult getting back in. All because I was impatient - I was visiting family and away from all my tools. So I ended up using needle nose pliers to get the logic board screw back in, but after I finished, the OPO wouldn't turn on. The screen does display the initial charging animation when plugged in though, so I think it's just not getting the power button click. After opening it back up, it looks like I damaged the ribbon to the power button. - I have attached the best picture I could get.
Any ideas on what my next step should be? It's hard to tell where the apparently exposed wire is run - to the other contact? It's hard to tell if it's shorting, or what.
I would appreciate any ideas or help!
Thanks

Damaged daughterboard connector from mainboard. Data still recoverable?

Hi all,
A follow up to my enquiry here about a badly damaged phone: forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/transplanting-main-board-data-recovery-t3253789.
I ordered a second Nexus 5 with the intention of transplanting the first mainboard into the second body, only to discover the first motherboard has a damaged daughterboard connector from the initial accident. The daughterboard connector/pins (?) aren't attached to the mainboard anymore. Photos here (that's the disconnected socket/connector next to the board):
cl.ly/142v473d2s17
cl.ly/33461J0K1Q2d
cl.ly/2S190F1v2M2c
In spite of the missing socket, I actually tried connecting it to the rest of the phone and powering it on anyway - no luck however. Didn't budge after holding down the power button. I can confirm that the rest of the second phone works when I plugged it all back together with it's mainboard.
Questions then - is it possible for a professional (presumably) to reconnect this and get the board back up and running? Or is my motherboard and data completely gone at this point?
I realise the solution probably won't be cheap at this stage, however I really want to recover some of the data off that phone and I'm just hoping that's in some way shape or form possible.
Thanks for any advice. Having a bad run of luck and really hoping for a bit of a holiday miracle with this now...

rflxion said:
Hi all,
A follow up to my enquiry here about a badly damaged phone: forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/transplanting-main-board-data-recovery-t3253789.
I ordered a second Nexus 5 with the intention of transplanting the first mainboard into the second body, only to discover the first motherboard has a damaged daughterboard connector from the initial accident. The daughterboard connector/pins (?) aren't attached to the mainboard anymore. Photos here (that's the disconnected socket/connector next to the board):
cl.ly/142v473d2s17
cl.ly/33461J0K1Q2d
cl.ly/2S190F1v2M2c
In spite of the missing socket, I actually tried connecting it to the rest of the phone and powering it on anyway - no luck however. Didn't budge after holding down the power button. I can confirm that the rest of the second phone works when I plugged it all back together with it's mainboard.
Questions then - is it possible for a professional (presumably) to reconnect this and get the board back up and running? Or is my motherboard and data completely gone at this point?
I realise the solution probably won't be cheap at this stage, however I really want to recover some of the data off that phone and I'm just hoping that's in some way shape or form possible.
Thanks for any advice. Having a bad run of luck and really hoping for a bit of a holiday miracle with this now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Sorry for your problems. To help yourself understand how your Nexus 5 hardware is put together you should take a look at the youTube video posted by LE55ONS "Nexus 5 Teardown" -. Just do a search for LE55ONS in YouTube. He has posted many very well made videos on how to repair smartphones.
It will show you every aspect of the hardware.
I hope that helps you

Bigbossradio said:
Hi
Sorry for your problems. To help yourself understand how your Nexus 5 hardware is put together you should take a look at the youTube video posted by LE55ONS "Nexus 5 Teardown" -. Just do a search for LE55ONS in YouTube. He has posted many very well made videos on how to repair smartphones.
It will show you every aspect of the hardware.
I hope that helps you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but this doesn't really address what I've asked regarding the damaged connector.

I would say, in theory it should be possible to reattach that connector with the proper reflow equipment, but it rather depends on how much damage was done when it was pulled off the board. If it is just the solder that let go then not so bad, but if any of the copper pads/traces on the main board stayed attached to the connected when it got torn off then it becomes a much more difficult repair. The puzzling part is even with that connector removed you would think the main board would still be able to power up, with obviously the ports attached to the flex board not being available so that makes me wonder if perhaps other damage has been done to the main board? You could confirm this by seeing if can power up the other working Nexus with that same connector unplugged. If the other one powers up then that's a pretty strong indication you've got additional damage beyond just the torn off connector.

Nexus 5 Audio and Black Screen Issues

Hi everyone, I'm have an issue with my Nexus 5 and hoping someone here can tell me whats going on.
It started off with the sound always cutting out, and I have to press the back part near the "S" logo for it to return.
Eventually the screen would go black but I can clearly see a back light is on. Now not only does the sound cut out, and screen goes blank.
It has become very sluggish to reboot it. I hold the power button until the phone reboots "Google" logo appears and the android animation. Now during this time the phone will be so slow to the point of being crippled out and i have to reboot it again and again until it is normal speed returns. Often it will black out during this time.
I'm just trying to understand what is failing. I tried safe-mode and it still has the issue. I cleared cache, reset the phone everything, nothing appears to fix the issue at all.
edit: I forgot to add, when I'm on YT or listening to music or browsing the web, even though the screen is blank with just the back light on, the sound is still going (when it works). I get text/call notifications still during this time.
My Phone Details.
Nexus 5
Android version, 6.0.1 (MOB30Y)
no ROOT

No replies at all, I guess I may have to garbage the phone. Idk what else to do with this device to fix it.

Please don't throw it away.
You said that pushing at a specific spot fixes the problem (or improves the audio situation). This means that it's a hardware problem. I have disassembled it many times and I know the layout. Behind the 'S' of NEXUS is actually the motherboard cover, and under it are 2 connectors; one for the battery and one for an extra 'board' that is located right underneath the LG logo on your back cover. On that 'board' is your screen connector, and also the speaker rests on there, as well as the primary microphone, 3G and 4G antennas and of course the USB port. The connector for this extra board is actually located a bit to the left on the 'S' (when you look at your phone from the back, it's more below the camera).
Now I have to note this: While using my phone, I have experienced some UI hiccups. At random times (very rarely) everything would just freeze for a few minutes, though music would still play. The power button was useless apart from the hard reset, it was so badly stuck. This was a software problem, although it appeared MOST at one point when my motherboard was faulty. Since I got a new device, it happened again but only once. I'm not sure that this is what you are experiencing. If this is the case, then it's a software fault. Never happened on CM so you can give it a try.
But since it's probably a hardware problem, you can always check it out yourself. Obviously if you have warranty you are covered. Otherwise, you can try disassembling it, at least take the back cover and the motherboard cover off, it's ridiculously easy, there is a disassembly guide from ifixit (I think) online, just be careful not to break the clips of the back cover (xp talking). If you open it, keep away metal things and the first thing you do after you remove the motherboard cover is remove the battery (xp talking again). Obviously turn off the phone properly before you attempt anything. Everything is sensitive in there so be careful. What you should look for is the long connector that connects the extra board that is located at the bottom of the phone with the motherboard. That's what you are pushing so if it's not sitting correctly, then that's your problem.
Plus, everything in there, apart from the motherboard, is cheap and can be found on eBay so don't worry if something is broken (unless it's the motherboard, then no hope ).
I hope I helped.

Firstly thanks for the reply. I did manage to remove the back and get to the connector you were saying. I reseated this and noticed the phone was working much better. I noticed the following still.
When it starts acting slow/crippled pressing this connector fixes the issue. However once the screen goes black with just a backlight this method is rendered useless. Also sometimes when I plug in the wire to charge it will cripple and or go black. So I wondering if the board is shot as you suggested to order a new one, or is it the connector strip ?
Again thank you for the response.

It seems like this board is causing everything. First, check the connector on the motherboard. Make sure that nothing is wrong on the motherboard. Then you can remove the bottom black plastic thing that has the speaker on it and 2 antennas. Then, inspect this board. Check the connector of the display. There is only one big connector on it. This board is glued on the frame of the phone. You can remove it but do it carefully. Do it slowly so that you don't break it. First, remove the antennas extension cables from either this board or the motherboard, and then pull it out.
This board is definately responsible for the black screens and audio issues (unless your display is faulty, check its connector), but I'm not sure about the phone being sluggish. Since this board offers input to the motherboard, I suppose that it could be its fault.
Remove it and inspect everything. Then, if you want, you can order a new one. If you come across D820 and D821 models, I don't think that this part of the phone has anything to do with it so don't worry.

I will take a further look into this for sure, and report back. If you can provide which motherboard is required for my device, so I can also read into this and so that I may order it right-away. Is there any model number or something that indicates which board to order once it is open?
Thanks again!

omega59 said:
I will take a further look into this for sure, and report back. If you can provide which motherboard is required for my device, so I can also read into this and so that I may order it right-away. Is there any model number or something that indicates which board to order once it is open?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to change the motherboard, not to mention it's very expensive and hard to find. What you need to replace is probably the flex cable that goes below the battery. For example this.
This is not model specific, you can use it with all available Nexus 5 models (D820/D821, 16/32GB) so it doesn't matter what device you have.
FYI, if you think that you should replace your motherboard (you probably shouldn't), you need to take into account the storage (16/32GB) and the network differences (D820 or D821, the only difference is about the 4G networking, the american version has some bands enabled and some others disabled, and vice versa)

Okay, I just ordered the replacement flex cable. It is going to take about a month before it arrives from HK , I hope it fixes the issues. I will respond to this post once it is here and installed. Thanks again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271660361300?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

omega59 said:
Okay, I just ordered the replacement flex cable. It is going to take about a month before it arrives from HK , I hope it fixes the issues. I will respond to this post once it is here and installed. Thanks again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271660361300?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the meantime, pray it isn´t a motherboard issue, the conector can go bad and lose a few solder joints

I have exactly the same problem... I unmounted motherboard and clean everything but didn't help to much... did you find any solution ??

Siamer no solution just waiting for my delivery of the part. However it is getting worse with the blackscreens and crippled lag.

omega59 said:
Siamer no solution just waiting for my delivery of the part. However it is getting worse with the blackscreens and crippled lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my is the same. sometimes is working for few hours without any problems and than starting again, on the biggining it was power button problem but not I don't even touch that button (I use vol button to turn on) and sometimes screen getting black (with backlight on) and can't do anything so have to reboot... it's so anoying! Hope that parts will fix it, please let me know if you will find some solution. Today I will open phone and clean all connections etc...
Thanks,
siamer

I believe the part may fix it. I noticed if i run my finger along the strip the phone may uncripple itself or just turn black all together. I'm hoping it fixes it. I will report asap but this HK shipping is so slow it will be a month. Also there is no tracking
ATM i'am just trying to becareful with it trying not to trigger the issue. I just did an OTA update using FlashFire (6.0.1 (MOB31E) i wish v.7 will be available for my Nexus 5 ha ha!
Also if the Nexus 7p arrives I may just buy it to replace this Nexus5.

omega59 said:
I believe the part may fix it. I noticed if i run my finger along the strip the phone may uncripple itself or just turn black all together. I'm hoping it fixes it. I will report asap but this HK shipping is so slow it will be a month. Also there is no tracking
ATM i'am just trying to becareful with it trying not to trigger the issue. I just did an OTA update using FlashFire (6.0.1 (MOB31E) i wish v.7 will be available for my Nexus 5 ha ha!
Also if the Nexus 7p arrives I may just buy it to replace this Nexus5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Omega59.
Today I bought air compressed can(name: air dust) and open my nexus 5 as much as I could. I clean everything, every connector, every cable etc. and last few hours is working fine... even power button is working ok. I will let you know in next few hours how it will be, hope will be still ok
Good luck!
siamer
[edit]
there is still same problem, working better than before, black screen not showing so often but still showing... I think tomorrow I will order oneplus3... Would be nice wait to see new nexus but how... :/

Yeah I'm not sure when the Nexus 7p will arrive, they not even advertised much. I will assume next year?
OnePlus 3 looks nice, but compared to Galaxy 7 it's a bit better slightly. You should check out comparison charts
Maybe they are making a OnePlus 4 soon.

oneplus 3 already ordered. I don't like samsung. I would say nexus "7p" or "pixel xl" will be launch october as always prabaly 4th of october - leaks saing that... next oneplus will be launch around july next year as I know. the only phone that I was thinking about was oneplus, htc10 or new nexus but can't wait to see nexus...
today by excident I broke screen in my nexus 5, got a little bit angry
Regards,
siamer

omega59 said:
Siamer no solution just waiting for my delivery of the part. However it is getting worse with the blackscreens and crippled lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably don't want to hear this, but if it's getting worse, it's probably because of the pressure you apply to it, you make it worse. Be careful when you apply pressure around the motherboard since it's very sensitive. You REALLY don't want to break the motherboard. So if you find yourself pushing on the motherboard too often, you might want to leave it and wait for the replacement part so you won't ruin it.
Waiting for your news...

My part arrived yesterday. I put it in was pretty easy, however the first attempt i had to redo the top connector bc it was still black screen and no audio. After I disconnected the top connector ran some alcohol over it, re-put the top part things are working okay.
Just a note, the little USB connector (charger slot) seems to be very tight compared to the old one. Maybe bc it's new and not as worn down. But even just to put the wire in, requires more of a push, same with removing it.
I will see how it goes before I can really say that was the issue. I will report after a few days about it.

siamer said:
oneplus 3 already ordered. I don't like samsung. I would say nexus "7p" or "pixel xl" will be launch october as always prabaly 4th of october - leaks saing that... next oneplus will be launch around july next year as I know. the only phone that I was thinking about was oneplus, htc10 or new nexus but can't wait to see nexus...
today by excident I broke screen in my nexus 5, got a little bit angry
Regards,
siamer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think N7P will be out this year, they have not advertised anything and we are almost in Oct. Right now they are all rumors.

omega59 said:
My part arrived yesterday. I put it in was pretty easy, however the first attempt i had to redo the top connector bc it was still black screen and no audio. After I disconnected the top connector ran some alcohol over it, re-put the top part things are working okay.
Just a note, the little USB connector (charger slot) seems to be very tight compared to the old one. Maybe bc it's new and not as worn down. But even just to put the wire in, requires more of a push, same with removing it.
I will see how it goes before I can really say that was the issue. I will report after a few days about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I changed my screen and housing it was difficult to slide the USB connector in too. Just make sure that everything is in place, there is a rubber think for the microphone, maybe that's what's in the way. Don't stress the connector too much.