Magnetic Charger - Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys, I just found this magnetic charging cable for a really low price: http://r.ebay.com/D4Ax5N
I didn't think I needed one but my case only has a cut out for the magnetic charger dock and not the USB port so it's getting a bit annoying to take it off all the time. This one seems to be designed for the Z1 and not the Z1 Compact so I was just wondering, would it fit the Compact? I'm under the impression that the size should be the same but I just wanted to double check.
Also, this is far cheaper than most other places. I don't have much experience with cables and chargers beyond what's usually provided in the box. Can you guys think of some quality issues that might exist? Wouldn't want it to short circuit my phone or anything although I'm not sure if that's possible

marcolorenzo said:
Hey guys, I just found this magnetic charging cable for a really low price: http://r.ebay.com/D4Ax5N
I didn't think I needed one but my case only has a cut out for the magnetic charger dock and not the USB port so it's getting a bit annoying to take it off all the time. This one seems to be designed for the Z1 and not the Z1 Compact so I was just wondering, would it fit the Compact? I'm under the impression that the size should be the same but I just wanted to double check.
Also, this is far cheaper than most other places. I don't have much experience with cables and chargers beyond what's usually provided in the box. Can you guys think of some quality issues that might exist? Wouldn't want it to short circuit my phone or anything although I'm not sure if that's possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
You will find more information here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2634399
Where did you buy your case ?

jlgjlg said:
Hi,
You will find more information here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2634399
Where did you buy your case ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. I got my case here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121254732243?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
It's pretty good although it did have some dried glue on it when it arrived and the back had a tiny bit chipped off the surface. It has cutouts for all the ports except the USB. Idiots! That's the one that's used the most...

Related

Idea for alternative charger connector (updated 3/7)

There have been a lot of complaints about the flimsy connector for the Xoom charger. I also think that it is a very poor design at most. The metal pin is too long, the plastic part is poking out too much etc.
I am no engineer and also bad at drawing but I attached something that I think might work. If anyone feels like they could produce a prototype that would be awesome!
The small magnet might or might not work. If you look at the area where all the connectors are you will see a small metal plate that could probably be used to anchor the connector magnetically.
Any feedback is appreciated (even just to say that I am full of sh!t!)
UPDATE: I added an alternative design using the two metal connectors for charging and a silicone plug to keep the connectors in place. A magnet will give additional stability.
funnycreature said:
There have been a lot of complaints about the flimsy connector for the Xoom charger. I also think that it is a very poor design at most. The metal pin is too long, the plastic part is poking out too much etc.
I am no engineer and also bad at drawing but I attached something that I think might work. If anyone feels like they could produce a prototype that would be awesome!
The small magnet might or might not work. If you look at the area where all the connectors are you will see a small metal plate that could probably be used to anchor the connector magnetically.
Any feedback is appreciated (even just to say that I am full of sh!t!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It charges my Xoom very fast. It is still working and has not caused me any issues. If it breaks, I will come back here to *****.
I was just referring to the connector but thanks for the warning
funnycreature said:
I was just referring to the connector but thanks for the warning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So was I. The stock one works fine however, alternatives are great as well. I just do not see a need for one personally. Others may.
Yeah, the stock connecter scares me. I like your design though I'm not sure anyone here has the means to develop and sell it. I'm hoping maybe someone may find a softwear solution to charge via the USB micro port. What do you guys think, possible or no?
funnycreature said:
There have been a lot of complaints about the flimsy connector for the Xoom charger. I also think that it is a very poor design at most. The metal pin is too long, the plastic part is poking out too much etc.
I am no engineer and also bad at drawing but I attached something that I think might work. If anyone feels like they could produce a prototype that would be awesome!
The small magnet might or might not work. If you look at the area where all the connectors are you will see a small metal plate that could probably be used to anchor the connector magnetically.
Any feedback is appreciated (even just to say that I am full of sh!t!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like it! i think its a pretty good idea. Wish i knew someone who could create one. I would buy it. stock one scares me
how the F do magnets work?
anyhow, yeah really good design. I would buy that too.
i just turn it upside down while charging it.
I would buy one of those
I have to ask, why you would use that connector at all if you want to redesign a magnetic charger? Why not use the same priciple to connect it to the two plates on the bottom next to the hole for power?
As someone who repairs laptops for a living, this was the single most troubling design aspect of our new toy. It looks like it will be far to easy to damage the internals of this device with the default power cable.
It would make more sense to use a breakaway magnetic connection that makes contact with the two metal plates. I have not looked in to it too far but it would seem that the docs use this and the USB in them is strictly for audio out.
I was actually wondering if the metal plates would be used for dock charging. Since I don't own a dock I can't check. But if it is then yes, the charger should be attached magnetically! Thanks for the clarification. I'll try to design more options
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
keitht said:
So was I. The stock one works fine however, alternatives are great as well. I just do not see a need for one personally. Others may.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only complaint with the xoom, honestly is the charging system.
For starters, I don't see a reason to not allow charging over USB. Sure the voltage would only be 5v, and it would take considerably longer, but the option would be nice. This isn't to say I want to do away with the 12v charger, because the speed at which it charges is lovely, just the option for the other.
Secondly, the needle-like connector screams, "I want to be broken quickly!" Was there really a need to make the connector in that type and size?
Thirdly, the placement of the charger port is hideous and impractical. It's dead center at the bottom. I rarely use my xoom flat against a surface. I purchased the display portfolio that motorola made. The charger port is not only a hinderance to the utilization of my portfolio case, but is also covered at all times when using the case in any manner that motorola designed it. I'm sure this is simply a brain-fart on motorola's part, which happens to everyone and is understandable, but is there a reason the charger port couldn't have been placed on one of the sides of the device? I would say preferably the left hand side, as people are less likely to turn the device to sit on that side.
I'm not simply posting this to complain, just express my thoughts on the only true fault that I feel the xoom has. On that note, a 90 degree *honestly 180 degree by the design sketch* connector would be lovely, IMO. It still wouldn't be usable with the portfolio case, but it would allow someone to angle the xoom without fear of breaking the charger off inside it.
The two metal plates are indeed for charging on the dock. It takes away the need to use the stock charger on the needle tip. Just plug the charger into the dock and set the Xoom on it. I charge this way every time.
markbo2000 said:
The two metal plates are indeed for charging on the dock. It takes away the need to use the stock charger on the needle tip. Just plug the charger into the dock and set the Xoom on it. I charge this way every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only problem is that's a $70-$120 solution
Why even have the plug then and just use the metal plates?
xlGmanlx said:
Why even have the plug then and just use the metal plates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The plug would add additional stability so that it doesn't come off so easily. Not sure how strong you could make the magnets. As I said, I'm no engineer
Makes sense, maybe a smaler nub though haha, otherwise I like the idea
funnycreature said:
The plug would add additional stability so that it doesn't come off so easily. Not sure how strong you could make the magnets. As I said, I'm no engineer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apple has a patent on the magnetically attached charger. Perhaps this is why motorola went the direction that it did.
http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph...XT&s1=7311526.PN.&OS=PN/7311526&RS=PN/7311526
im gonna make this. I will let you guys know how it works. my first android by the way!
Sweet! I was also thinking about getting some latex and a second charger that I can strip and modify. This will be so cool!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

HTC One X Desktop Cradle with Speaker CR S650

http://www.expansys.com/htc-one-x-d...tm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=base&ito=1701
Considering getting one of these when they are released... I just wanted to ask if anyone has read about the wattage? If it works as a decent speaker I'd be more than tempted. If it's a measley 2.5W pile of nothing I might not bother...
i dont think the speaker will be anything good, more about just puttng the phone on a dock, but i do think its overpriced for what it is, but i love the idea of it.
I just think perhaps the wattage could be the decider... if it's good it'll be reasonable value. I suspect it might not be though
I think its more "gentle" to put the phone on a cradle like this then fiddle in the plug every night isnt it?!
Be warned that if you want to use a case on the phone and still dock it, the ONLY hard case that seems to let the "pins" of the dock reach the back of the phone is the HTC HC C704 which stupidly doesn't have a clear version like the HTC HC C700. The C700 is missing the holes!! Very odd design choice by HTC
Poor thing! And the c704 don`t seems to protect the ring around the lense of the cam.
You can't protect the ring on the camera with the docking cases because the dock has a groove that holds the camera, and the extra protection would make it sit in the dock less securely(because it can't sit flush to the dock). I believe that is why they differentiated the cases.
jonstatt said:
Be warned that if you want to use a case on the phone and still dock it, the ONLY hard case that seems to let the "pins" of the dock reach the back of the phone is the HTC HC C704 which stupidly doesn't have a clear version like the HTC HC C700. The C700 is missing the holes!! Very odd design choice by HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But there is a white and a grey version to match each colour of the phone.
For me, the dock is tempting for work to keep it charged and sync my outlook calendar.
Is anybody interested in cheaper version with only pogo-pin charging? It seems that pogo connectors are availiable from chinese producers, we just need to design the case and electronics I would throw in my 20 Euro for a good designed product.
Let me know if you are interested in kickstarted project.
chortya said:
Is anybody interested in cheaper version with only pogo-pin charging? It seems that pogo connectors are availiable from chinese producers, we just need to design the case and electronics I would throw in my 20 Euro for a good designed product.
Let me know if you are interested in kickstarted project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested. I only want charging really, not bothered about a crappy speaker
Si
love the idea!
make it a clean design, and my money is yours
maybe a hdmi connector too? <- would pay more for that maybe as special version?
The main thing putting me off about this dock is the angle at which the device will sit, as far as I'm concerned it's far too shallow.
I agree with my Rotherham friend. I'm not interested in it doing anything fancy then
Charge the device
Make it enter dock mode
Look pretty
Si
I like it, I might get one for work, so I can clearly see my phone screen when I'm at work.
I'm guessing if the phones in the cradle then Sense 4.0 will go landscape?
I would buy a cheap dock for charging.... hdmi sounds good but I guess the cost will slowly creep up....
BigladUK said:
I'm interested. I only want charging really, not bothered about a crappy speaker
Si
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres someone selling a desktop charger in ebay UK
vanngoh said:
Theres someone selling a desktop charger in ebay UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link to it ?
Si
a link please ..?
All docks that are available now use micro USB not the pogo pins! I thought about starting a project but I'm lacking electronics skills... A friend of mine can model the product in CAD and I could find a way to print a prototype in 3D but first pogo pin charging needs to be reverse engineered and tested. I think HTC may have added some kind of accessory verification...
Is there anyone who've bought this cradle already?? The want to buy one, if the connection between the dock and telephone is good. So if there is anyone who've bought it could you give a review??
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA

Magnetic charger suitable for horizontal use

I.E. in a car holder, where the phone is mounted horizontally so the port is underneath, my DEFF charger works fine when the phone is flat on a table, but not hanging off the bottom of a phone.
Any suggestions?
techguyone said:
I.E. in a car holder, where the phone is mounted horizontally so the port is underneath, my DEFF charger works fine when the phone is flat on a table, but not hanging off the bottom of a phone.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this, the magnet is very strong. Very good.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Per...1853078&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+cable+xperia
galuquetta said:
I have this, the magnet is very strong. Very good.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Per...1853078&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+cable+xperia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snap
Got 2 myself. Great lead, magnet is strong enough.
Only gripe being if you're mainly a left handed user like myself then when using the lead & trying to handle/use the phone becomes awkward. Otherwise a must
Are the charging ports the same for both the Z1C and the Z3C?
Crewville96 said:
Are the charging ports the same for both the Z1C and the Z3C?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Z xperia line phones share the magnetic charging port. If it fit z1, it'll fit z3c. Docks, however, will most likely not because of different dimensions of the phones.
rickyoon.vegas said:
All Z xperia line phones share the magnetic charging port. If it fit z1, it'll fit z3c. Docks, however, will most likely not because of different dimensions of the phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although this is becoming increasingly less relevant, just a heads up that its not quite all Z-line phones, as the original Z did not have the magnetic port, but confusingly I think the Z Ultra did. It had a two-pin charging port on the side, but no magnetics, and is obviously not compatible. Anything post-Z1 should work though.
Apparently from friends before us. Z, Ultra, Z1, Z2, this is the best charger
http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Per...1853078&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+cable+xperia
Do these cables plug into USB?
The magnector cable has a larger surface area making contact with the phone than the Sony version - which can be an issue with some cases. I went for these (original?) cables and can vouch that the magnets are nice and strong, even with the cable hanging off the bottom of the phone :good:
Interesting I wasn't aware Sony sold these separate of the Dock unit, I've ordered one now and will see if this does the trick.
galuquetta said:
I have this, the magnet is very strong. Very good.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Per...1853078&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+cable+xperia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dillalade said:
Snap
Got 2 myself. Great lead, magnet is strong enough.
Only gripe being if you're mainly a left handed user like myself then when using the lead & trying to handle/use the phone becomes awkward. Otherwise a must
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NRG1975 said:
Apparently from friends before us. Z, Ultra, Z1, Z2, this is the best charger
http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Per...1853078&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+cable+xperia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I bought a different cable before i read this thread and it fits horrible, it just sits on top, doesn't really "klick" in, isn't flush and very easily spins itself :crying:
Does this one connect well with the phone and sits flush in and not on top of the connector? Maybe one can even take a picture:victory:
Thank you
punshkin said:
Hi,
I bought a different cable before i read this thread and it fits horrible, it just sits on top, doesn't really "klick" in, isn't flush and very easily spins itself :crying:
Does this one connect well with the phone and sits flush in and not on top of the connector? Maybe one can even take a picture:victory:
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also got that cable and another one. We have two Z3 phones from T-mobile in the U.S. (not sure if there is any difference) and neither magnetic connector works well with either phone. It doesn't even charge unless I actively hold the connector in the exact right orientation. Very annoying. Only charger I have been successful with is the Sony branded Z2 dock. For the official dock, you still either need to shim the dock or use a case, to make the phone thicker.

Deff MicroUSB to Magnetic Connector Adaptor

I had problems with the Magnector X adapter not working well with my z3 with a case. This one looks a lot more friendly and is more high quality than the ones coming out of China. Just ordered one. Will report back when I get it.
http://www.amazon.com/MicroUSB-MAgnetic-Connector-Adaptor-Xperia/dp/B00KNLFS9E
aaronchi24 said:
I had problems with the Magnector X adapter not working well with my z3 with a case. This one looks a lot more friendly and is more high quality than the ones coming out of China. Just ordered one. Will report back when I get it.
http://www.amazon.com/MicroUSB-MAgnetic-Connector-Adaptor-Xperia/dp/B00KNLFS9E
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate how the magnector ones are very weak moving them laterally up and down. But its very strong if you try to pull it straight off.
aaronchi24 said:
I had problems with the Magnector X adapter not working well with my z3 with a case. This one looks a lot more friendly and is more high quality than the ones coming out of China. Just ordered one. Will report back when I get it.
http://www.amazon.com/MicroUSB-MAgnetic-Connector-Adaptor-Xperia/dp/B00KNLFS9E
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm @ 21$ (with shipping included) wouldnt it make more sense to just buy a Magnet Connector Wire by itself instead of an adapter?
unk3 said:
Hmm @ 21$ (with shipping included) wouldnt it make more sense to just buy a Magnet Connector Wire by itself instead of an adapter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Magnector X adapter is $15 and the Magnector X cable is $18 so they are comparable in price and are higher quality than the ones you can get from China. I'm hoping I get a faster charge speed with this adapter than the one I have now.
unk3 said:
Hmm @ 21$ (with shipping included) wouldnt it make more sense to just buy a Magnet Connector Wire by itself instead of an adapter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer adapters. When the cable fails you swap out with another micro-usb. This is what I did with Apple lightning connectors as well. My wife has gone through several, but my son who uses a mucro-usb to lightning tip for his iPad has never needed me to buy him an expensive lightning cable . The point of failure is almost always going to be right where the cable meets the tip. If you can move that common failure point off your expensive adapter and on to your inexpensive usb cable it makes sense IMO.
I'm dying to know if the Magnector is tall enough to connect to a Z3C ensconced in a case. I haven't seen anyone definitively say whether it will or not. My Cruzerlite case and the phone itself should show up within the next couple of weeks at which point (I'm crossing my fingers) I'll find out everything works as I imagine it will.
A lot of people report that the Magnector adapter does not work with cases, and I can see why -- there is very little clearance between the charging surface and cable. Looking forward to hearing more about the Deff adapter.
I'm using a couple of cheapo ebay magnetic charging cables right now, which work fine and were cheap enough that they're virtually disposable so I don't care if they don't last long. I'm not expecting any adapter, however pricey, to be very stable laterally because the mag port was only really designed for the dock, which obviously holds the phone still while charging. AFAIK there is no official Sony magnetic charging cable, despite what ebay sellers want us to believe.
I got my deff and it is great. Enough clearance to fit with a case, strong magnet and produces more current than the cheap ones from China.
If you're looking for a good magnetic charger, pick up one of these adapters.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
aaronchi24 said:
I got my deff and it is great. Enough clearance to fit with a case, strong magnet and produces more current than the cheap ones from China.
If you're looking for a good magnetic charger, pick up one of these adapters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good, but boy are they expensive! Anyone know of a cheaper source than Amazon's sellers?
this looks like the charger i've been looking for, since none of the others have clearance for a case. thanks!
radiohead14 said:
this looks like the charger i've been looking for, since none of the others have clearance for a case. thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the cheapo Chinese ones I've tried have plenty of clearance for a case, and at $2 a pop I'm happy with them
pipspeak said:
All the cheapo Chinese ones I've tried have plenty of clearance for a case, and at $2 a pop I'm happy with them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you link it?
drunkenmastera said:
can you link it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just search ebay for "sony magnetic cable" and a million options come up. In my (limited) experience they'll all fit more or less the same -- OK but by no means rock solid (I'm sire they're all made in the same Chinese factory). I did try modding one with a dremel tool to fit slightly better but now it doesn't work any more :cyclops: The best of my cheap bunch is the (slightly less cheap) Apple-style ones with a cylindrical head and in-line LED.
One thing to note... some (including my favorite) seem to have spring-loaded pins, so even though they stick out a bit from the charging head they will retract once in contact with the phone's charging pins.
I do want to try one of the Magnector-X cables, however. Looking at the design of the head it seems that it will be much more firmly attached to the phone because of the curved profile that matches the phone edge and gives a much greater area of contact. All the cheapies have a raised, flat charging surface so only the narrow magnet and pins are in contact with the phone. That means that however strong the magnet it's very easy for them to rock sideways and disconnect.
Dopes anyone have one of the newer Magnector -X cables (not he adapter)?
pipspeak said:
I do want to try one of the Magnector-X cables, however. Looking at the design of the head it seems that it will be much more firmly attached to the phone because of the curved profile that matches the phone edge and gives a much greater area of contact. All the cheapies have a raised, flat charging surface so only the narrow magnet and pins are in contact with the phone. That means that however strong the magnet it's very easy for them to rock sideways and disconnect.
Dopes anyone have one of the newer Magnector -X cables (not he adapter)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both the cable and the adapter from Magnector, and the cable is way better in terms of staying on. I can pick up and use my phone with the cable without it disconnecting. It also works great while driving in my car mount. The adapter is good when just leaving it sit (charging overnight, for example).
The only drawback about the cable is that it's a bit shorter than I'd like, but that's easily solved with a USB extension cable. I've not tried any of the ebay ones, I wasn't too impressed from the comments of others in this forum.

[Q] Magnetic dock VS Magnetic clip for charging???

Hi All,
I have been looking at a few reviews of owners and their trials and errors
I would like to ask from those who have tried various docks and clip on chargers for the Z3 compact,
which of these would you recommend.
I am using a flap case with mine and don't want to end up purchasing something that totally doesn't fit
or completely useless in its ability to charge properly.
Could you give me some tips, ideas and feedback please??? Even if just listing names I don't mind
doing the search myself on the items.
Thanks!:good:
i've been using the Magnector since November, when i got the phone.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Performance-Xperia-Charging-Cable/dp/B00JEMESHG
zero issues. i chose the cable over any docks because i wanted some flexibility in case i needed to charge in my car, or while travelling; and i also wanted to be able to use it while it was charging.
I'm using the Deff microusb adapter and am very happy with it.
I have it pictured with my Rinke Fusion clear case here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58136303&postcount=21
I got it elsewhere, but it's available on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Pack...rds=deff&pebp=1421284468288&peasin=B00KNLFS9E
I am using the original Sony DK48.
Battery life is OK and i can make small charges easier with it. But the device is a bit overpriced thought.

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