[Q] Fried video - Kindle Fire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all.
I took my KF apart because the USB port had broken (not just desoldered, actually broken). Comparing prices for a new port and a new motherboard, I opted to get an unregisterable motherboard because it was only a few dollars more.
I plugged it in and experienced something very similar to a snow crash, except without the crash. Thinking that the new motherboard was at fault, I plugged in the original and experienced the same thing.
What did I do to screw up my KF? I thought I was being super careful. Is there a way to fix it?
Thanks.

Since my kf is basically dead I decided I can't do much more harm by continuing to take it apart. In doing so I noticed, though barely perceptible, that the data cable to the screen is torn on one corner where it connects to the screen controller and in fact one or more of the printed wires is/are severed. Alas, I shall miss my kf. Too bad the printed cable can't be fixed.
So, the lesson is: The video data cable is far more fragile than it appears. If you need to remove it, be extremely careful when handling it. And... Perhaps make sure your devices are unplugged should you be willing to let your children use them. Otherwise they will possibly yank on the cord in the wrong way which might break your USB connector and cause you to try to fix the problem which in turn destroys your device.

Related

loose charger/data cable

I have had a quick look around and am unable to find anything on this so i am assuming that my phone is not right.
Basically when i plug the micro usb into the bottom of my desire it seems very loose ie i can wobble it side to side and it still has about half a mm of metal visible. Any for of weight (even just the weight of the cable itself) it falls out. Other than this it works fine it charges and transfers data ok. Is this just a bad design or should i get my phone repaired.
Also does anyone know how long it takes for a repair with htc?
I have been through no end of cables/adapters ... try replacing the cable before sending the phone off
Priz
I had the same issue. I have since replaced the cable with a 'generic
one and all seems fine.
As above - try a new cable, first.
Thankyou for the advise. Its good to know its not just me thats had this and a simple fix cold be the answer. I should be able to sly another cable from around work and give it a try.
My cable is loose also. It happened when I by mistake kicked the cable while the phone was charging. It ended up on the floor and after that the cable is loose. I will probably buy a new one.

[Q] Broken micro usb on g2

Wife's phone usb port is broke. It got mangled by a tough cord pull. It can't be straightened out. plastic is broken and contacts are mangled. After I did some research, I can see this issue happens on quite a few phones with micro usb such as the evo, but i have not seen too many people mention it about the g2.
Anyways, no warranty since I got the hardware from craigsist. Even if there was a warranty htc has not been covering this sort of damage on the evo.
From what i can tell there are a couple of possible fixes and a workaound.
fix one - new motherboard. too expensive
fix two - have a new replacement port soldered onto the existing board. i am not sure if this is worth it. i don't have much soldering experience, so i would probably have to send it somewhere. Does anyone have any idea of what that sort of thing would cost? is it pretty risky in terms of further damage to the board?
workaround - Get an external charger and possibly a second battery to reduce downtime while charging. This is probably what we will do for a while. Does anyone have a solid suggestion for an external charger for the g2? Is the battery the same format as other HTC phones such as the evo?
thanks!
Ah that sucks. From what i think if you know how to open the g2 then you wouldnt have a problem with fix 2 only thing i say is dont F..k up the motherboard lol... yoll have a fully broken phone. Dont know about fix 1.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
soreyes said:
Wife's phone usb port is broke. It got mangled by a tough cord pull. It can't be straightened out. plastic is broken and contacts are mangled. After I did some research, I can see this issue happens on quite a few phones with micro usb such as the evo, but i have not seen too many people mention it about the g2.
Anyways, no warranty since I got the hardware from craigsist. Even if there was a warranty htc has not been covering this sort of damage on the evo.
From what i can tell there are a couple of possible fixes and a workaound.
fix one - new motherboard. too expensive
fix two - have a new replacement port soldered onto the existing board. i am not sure if this is worth it. i don't have much soldering experience, so i would probably have to send it somewhere. Does anyone have any idea of what that sort of thing would cost? is it pretty risky in terms of further damage to the board?
workaround - Get an external charger and possibly a second battery to reduce downtime while charging. This is probably what we will do for a while. Does anyone have a solid suggestion for an external charger for the g2? Is the battery the same format as other HTC phones such as the evo?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't need a working micro USB port for connecting to your computer, just pick up one of those power mats that charge your devices by just placing them on the mat.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
OriginalGabriel said:
If you don't need a working micro USB port for connecting to your computer, just pick up one of those power mats that charge your devices by just placing them on the mat.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked into the powermat product last night. As far as I could tell, it seemed like they didn't have one for the G2. In that case, they provide a workaround, but it sounds like it also requites a working port of some sort.
"If your specific device is not listed in Step 1, we currently do not have a receiver for your model. By choosing "other" your solution will include a wireless Powercube universal receiver with 7 tips to allow your device to charge on a Powermat mat."
"The Powercube Universal Receiver Allows you to Charge Hundreds of Devices Wirelessly
The perfect accessory to your mat. Seven Interchangeable tips (micro USB, mini USB, Samsung, LG, Apple, Nintendo DSi, Sony PSP) allow you to wirelessly charge hundreds of mobile devices using just one receiver. Works with all Powermat mats."
After reading that, it stops sounding wireless at all. The universal powercube is wireless to the powermat, but it needs to attach to the handset with a cord. Pretty silly for $100. maybe there are other companies besides powermat?
I found a great thread about sanding chintech batteries. I ordered the two pack plus charger and will peel and sand them. So for now, I will use the external charging workaround.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=945090
In the meantime, if anyone else has a broken usb microport issue, post up your experience here. The issue seems rampant in the evo's, but maybe not so much on the G2. It is a heck of a small plastic tab in there holding the contacts.
Or get one of those 2 batteries + 1 charger deals on ebay and charge one while you're out and when you run out of battery just swap it. That's what I do and I think it's a hell of a lot more convenient.
Just chiming in
I have the same problem, except my micro usb connector still functions very testily. I have to plug and unplug it several times, and the slightest of jostles will disconnect it. Charging is more reliable than tethering, and I definitely use tethering, as I don't have a wired broadband connection at home. I'd love to get this repaired, if it's not too costly or difficult, so I'm going to watch this thread. Thanks for the suggestions on getting an external charger and extra batteries. If my connector continues to deteriorate, it makes me feel very relieved to know I'll have a backup. Thank heavens this phone has an sdcard slot!
Tethering and file transfer can be accomplished over wifi with some apps. Look for wireless tether and the samba or ftp apps
This is planned obsolescence at its worst. The switch from mini-USB to micro-USB doesn't save any space and makes the plug VERY VERY delicate.
Personally, I would take it apart, unsolder the micro-USB socket from the board, solder in a new MINI-USB socket, and reassemble. It is relatively low risk, as long as you are careful while soldering (use proper desoldering wick to disassemble). Be sure that you don't use too strong a soldering iron -- about 15 watt, and be sure to use one that is GROUNDED (three prong plug).
Thats some good advice. I was not aware you could swap out the interface in that way.
It's actually not quite that simple to change interface. You would first need to find a mini-USB connector having the same alignment pegs (to help with strain relief) and pad spacing as the current micro-USB connector. You will also need to hack the chassis of the phone some as well (and even then, a mini-USB connector will still probably stick out slightly).
Despite what was stated earlier, although both mini-USB and micro-USB have about the same width, mini-USB connectors are significantly thicker (or taller) and slightly longer (as far as depth). Micro-USB actually does give a pretty nice space savings for a hardware designer and can be more robust in design depending on the actual connector used.
Probably easier to just try and find the same connector HTC used if you are going to go through the trouble of replacing it.
I like to know all the great advise I was also worried about this when I just had the EVO. But to transfer files you could use a sdcard slot adapter for your pc or one of those usb sdcard readers I had used that when rooting my g1 along time ago LOL. Thanks for the backup ideas
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
soreyes said:
Tethering and file transfer can be accomplished over wifi with some apps. Look for wireless tether and the samba or ftp apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, soreyes I already use the wifi tethering now and then, but it really drains the battery and makes the phone very hot. In fact, I accidentally left my wifi tethering on overnight the other night and woke up to a dead battery and a radio that wouldn't work for half the day. I was actually worried I had fried my phone and turned it into an expensive PDA. After turning it off for about 8 hours, it worked fine again, thank goodness.
I definitely hadn't thought of FTP or samba for file transfer, but thanks for the suggestion. I hate taking out the battery to get to the sdcard, just to transfer a file or two.
Having this problem with a G2 as well
I started having charging issues a few months ago, before my warranty ended, but now, I'm screwed and the phone will not charge at all. I know it is not the battery.
I have a G2 from T-Mobile. I took it apart and it looks like the job to get the port off and replace it would not be simple.
Has someone actually completed that task?
Does anyone have the part number on the port? I see several very similar ones on ebay. (search for microUSB and android)
Or, has someone sent theirs off to be fixed out of warranty? I've seen a place called Mission Repair mentioned here and there on the web...
Thanks!
-g
I had always thought (if mine usb port broke) about trying these guys ( www.cellulardr.com ), i mean if your phone is not really working you could check them out to see if the price is right.
I know I sent my itouch off for screen repair and it was worth it.
gelainest said:
I started having charging issues a few months ago, before my warranty ended, but now, I'm screwed and the phone will not charge at all. I know it is not the battery.
I have a G2 from T-Mobile. I took it apart and it looks like the job to get the port off and replace it would not be simple.
Has someone actually completed that task?
Does anyone have the part number on the port? I see several very similar ones on ebay. (search for microUSB and android)
Or, has someone sent theirs off to be fixed out of warranty? I've seen a place called Mission Repair mentioned here and there on the web...
Thanks!
-g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might consider buying one of those G2's on eBay with the broken screen, and swapping out the motherboard, then along with that you'd get all kinds of other spare parts, including battery etc.
I've never taken apart the phone, so can't attest to the difficulty, but I've seen a few guides around.
Update on repair options
So I called a local shop and they said that it was too complex of a procedure for them and referred me to Mission Repair in KS.
Called Mission and they said they get several calls a day from folks with G2's/Evos/and Desires with this exact problem. The guy said that in 80% of the cases it is not fixable without replacing the logic board because the issue is often that the logic board connectors break. This is a known issue with these similar HTC phones.
On the other side of things, I called HTC and it turns out these phones have a warranty from 15 months of manufacture, which T-Mobile did NOT inform us about. They said they will take the phone and fix it for free if i hadn't voided the warranty.
Now if only I hadn't open the phone up after the T-mobile rep told me there was no hope. *arg*

[Q] Phones touch screen acts up when USB port is stressed - How to fix?

So, after a couple weeks of trying to figure out the problem, I have finally narrowed it down (yay me!).
Anyways, when there is a cable (and sometimes not) plugged into the USB Port on the phone, and the port is stressed so that it is angled downwards, all input to the touchscreen goes haywire. I attempted to follow the ifixit guide, however I don't have any plastic removal parts, and using my fingers and nails was becoming really painful, but, I don't think it is going to work, because the headphone port began to come off as well, and judging by the pictures in the guide, that isn't supposed to happen.
Anyways, I am wondering, is there any way to fix this? Possibly other then opening the device up? Or should I just go to the repair store and swap it out?
If I do swap it out, what is my chance that I would get a new phone versus a refurb, seeing as how the phone is so new?
GH0 said:
So, after a couple weeks of trying to figure out the problem, I have finally narrowed it down (yay me!).
Anyways, when there is a cable (and sometimes not) plugged into the USB Port on the phone, and the port is stressed so that it is angled downwards, all input to the touchscreen goes haywire. I attempted to follow the ifixit guide, however I don't have any plastic removal parts, and using my fingers and nails was becoming really painful, but, I don't think it is going to work, because the headphone port began to come off as well, and judging by the pictures in the guide, that isn't supposed to happen.
Anyways, I am wondering, is there any way to fix this? Possibly other then opening the device up? Or should I just go to the repair store and swap it out?
If I do swap it out, what is my chance that I would get a new phone versus a refurb, seeing as how the phone is so new?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Known issue.
Potential solution: use a different USB cord.
Sent from the future.
SocialReject said:
Known issue.
Potential solution: use a different USB cord.
Sent from the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive tried this. A new cord actually didn't work for me. I also tried it with a different phone, which is where I came to the conclusion that its the actual charging plug. Something in it is either fried or just malfunctioning. The cause of it is unknown, but luckiliy i have a few micro usb chargers laying around and the rest work fine. You should also ask yourselves the following question: Do you have the same problem when charging thru usb on a Comp? If the answer to that question is no, then its clearly not the USB wire. If the answer was yes, then I just didnt have the same problem as you and you can disregard this entire post.

USB port broken

Hi,
Just wondering if anybody else has had any issues with the USB port. The centre of the USB port on my Tab Pro 10.1 has a flat bit that sticks out (like on all USB ports), only the plastic side and the metal side have come apart. When I first got my tablet it was sometimes difficult to plug the cable in, then the other day it wouldn't go in at all. I had to slip a nail file behind the metal bit that was touching the side, and push it back into the middle. I have to plug the cable in at a slight angle so it will go around that, and sometimes have to bend it back.
Obviously it can't stay this way, so I'm going to have to call Amazon and pray I don't get stuck without a tablet for weeks...
(it looks battered but that's just because of the close up, it looks perfectly new when you actually look at it)
Not sure what Amazon will do for you, prob better off calling samsung.
Does it still charge and transfer data? Make sure if ask by either that you send them better pic's
It still charges and transfers data, but only if I push the metal bit back into place regularly so I can plug the cable in. That is not a long term solution as that will eventually completely break the USB port.
Amazon are usually very good with defective devices, at least here in France, and will often just replace the device. Not sure about the tablet though, so I'll find out soon...

Melted/short circuited charging port

Hey so i had my charger plugged in after having trying it on someone elses phone, but it said moisture detected in their phone. I plugged my phone in a little later and noticed a smell a few minutes later and came back to a powered off, warm phone with a hot cable.
Phone works, charging cable no longer fits all the way, and phone wont charge. Any idea what i can do ? Pretty sure warranty is done since ive had this phone since it came out. Is there an easy way to open it up and replace the port, ive replaced the camera lens glass in the past and dont mind getting dirty.
Thanks a bunch
Check with Google and ask them if they can help you out. You'll get a definitive answer as to whether you are still in warranty or not. Regardless of the answer however, you will need to send the device to them for servicing, as while you could use an iFixit teardown to open up the P2XL and replace the port, it's very likely that the really tiny surface mount components in the charging system were also damaged with this mishap.
The charging port on this phone is absolute garbage. I swapped a phone out because it would no longer hold a cable in the port. The slightest touch to the phone would make the cable unseat. Im having the same problem on the 2nd phone
And ever since i upgraded to 10 the phone charges SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO slow unless im on a google quick charger where i think its just charging normally

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