[1st Gen Chipod] Broken mini-usb port

Slayer6000 · #1 (**permalink**) 6th Dec 2008, 11:46 pm

The min-usb port on the chipod is now completely snapped off... I confirmed this by opening the player up and the "teeth" that is used to attach on the circuit board were all torn off. Also the side solders were cracked off. Is there anything I can do? LOL The MP4 is fully functioning besides the no usb port. Although I still have it, it's seperated.

Btw, I came back from dinner after I left it to charge and when I came back it stopped charging (I thought to myself gee that was fast, 50% battery life to 100% in 10minutes) and I checked, the power bar was virtually empty.

If this can't be fixed... Both my MP4s are dead :cry:

knob · #2 (**permalink**) 7th Dec 2008, 12:32 am

Easiest way would be to chop the mini connector off the lead that came with it, and solder the wires straight to the player.

But then you would finish up with a player with a tail on it,lol, but at least it would work.

You have only 4 wires to bother with, +5v, ground (0v) and the 2 serial comms. most important to get the +5v and the ground (0v) the right way round.
The charging power comes from the outer 2, and the data transfer the inner 2 on the connector.

You can easily work out which is the ground as it should be directly connected to the black lead on the battery.

Slayer6000 · #3 (**permalink**) 7th Dec 2008, 2:01 am

It's dead now, there's no battery left anymore. I tried to force it to hold by putting 3 strips of double sided foam tape over the usb port, with the back crushing the foam and usb port together. It sorta worked, then it stopped after I came back while it charged. I reopened it and the double sided tape pretty much broke the plastic hold for the usb in every spot. I was left with a wonky teeth and pretty much gave up.

lolita · #4 (**permalink**) 7th Dec 2008, 5:43 pm

Buy a mini-USB connector and solder it in, they're less than $0.10 each in quantity.

Slayer6000 · #5 (**permalink**) 8th Dec 2008, 1:11 am

I don't really care about having the tail but could you explain it more thoroughly or draw a picture on paint? It basically works fine but it doesn't have a usb port anymore ( empty space). Also where would I buy a mini-usb connector? The original cord that came with it is broken somewhere and can't charge. I use a usb to usb cord but with a head and then mini-usb (?) head attatched to it. I have a variety of different shapes.

knob · #6 (**permalink**) 8th Dec 2008, 11:16 am

You could start by just trying to connect the 2 power wires to see if you can charge the player.

[web:4558f802c7]http://pinouts.ru/Devices/mini-USB_pinout.shtml[/web:4558f802c7]

lolita · #7 (**permalink**) 9th Dec 2008, 12:32 am

You can find the connectors and other parts at your local electronics store, or order online. eBay probably has a good selection as well:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=min...ctor&_osacat=0

Slayer6000 · #8 (**permalink**) 9th Dec 2008, 2:28 am

Ok I drew on paint of what I have, it's not very good but it gives a rough example.

I make a slice in the cable very close to the normal usb connector and expose wires... I see red, black, green and white. You want me to cut near the miniusb connector? If so where do I plug that to for recharging?

Add me on kego6k@hotmail.com to further discuss.

edit: I think I understand you now... I chop off wire somewhere and usb side with normal usb and attatch by solder... I think i have min usb 4p and then it should work? Is there a way to make sure double check before soldering? Also I think I damaged a wire while peeling the black protective plastic. I thought I used otherside so I was careless. Can I use another miniusb cable? with small connector and normal 1?

Also how long do I cut the wire? In the middle? Another question can I sticky tape the wire to the back when not in use?

Slayer6000 · #9 (**permalink**) 15th Dec 2008, 6:10 am

What's your email Knob? I wish to talk to you about this while I am fixing the player.