Easy fix for stock charging cable

[deadbot1]

So after ending up on my third cable, I've decided to attempt a fix for the problem. The issue that I've had is the end flexing to much/often ending in broken solder joints at the micro USB connection. To alleviate this I performed the following...

1. Carefully drill o hole in the top of the connector shell above the n. This hole needs only be large enough to allow air to escape.
2. Drill second hole below n on connector, slightly larger to accept end of mixing nozzle from 5 min epoxy.
3. Insert end off mixing tube into second hole and fill case to capacity. Allow to partially set and trim overflow/excess with razor knife or similar tool.

After doing this the circuit board and connector in the end of the cable are potted in epoxy and can no longer flex at the solder joint.
Hopefully this will end the problem. Be aware that this WILL cancel any warranty on the cable!! There will be obvious holes in the plastic, although they will be filled with epoxy if done correctly.

Pics to follow...

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[deadbot1]

The epoxy I used...as a bonus the connector is now water resistant


The holes I drilled..could be placed on bottom or side...just be careful not to go too far and wreck the PCB or wires


The placement of the mixer tube...I did this with the connector flat on the table and the syringe straight up and down so as to get good injection.

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Edit:
A few hours down the road..epoxy has fully cured...zero flex on the connector now..like its set in concrete. Cable is functioning perfectly. Noticed that some resinmust have forced into the jacketing of the cable...really stiff for a half inch or so directly from the plastic end shell...additional stress relief?

 

[deadbot1]

Next up, I will attempt to repair the last cable I had...the one that the end DIDN'T break all the way off.

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[k8108]

Please do report back. I have a dead cable on my desk right now. Where did you get the epoxy?

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[deadbot1]

Local hardware store...having trouble finding the other cable...think the wife may have tossed it...

The one I did the fix on is holding up well. Maybe to well. I'm almost thinking about opening my NC up and putting a blob of epoxy on the internal connector...all the stress is on it now.

Edit: update on second cable...

Its a no go. Apparently there must have been damage to the chips inside the end. All I can get is the red led out of it. Wish I had a good magnifying set to see the part numbers...this thing doesn't look that hard to duplicate, other than getting a hold of that 12 pin end.
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[MISRy]

... I have a dead cable on my desk right now. ...

Take it to B&N and swap it out.

 

[deadbot1]

Yep, I have to agree. Get a new on from B&N. The traces on the PCB in the end connector are beyond most peoples skills to fix. They are damn small.

As I stated above..this fix has completely solidified my cables end...but it is putting more stress on the receptacle in the nook itself. I'm starting to think that the cable design is no accident..the cable is cheaper for B&N to replace than the cost for replacing/fixing the NC itself.

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[k8108]

Take it to B&N and swap it out.

I'm on my 5th or more cord right now. I tried taking them to my local BN, but no go. I have to call and get a new one sent to me. I got the extended warranty on my NC, thank goodness! So I will just keep calling away when my cord breaks. They never give me a hard time about replacing them.

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[jacjar1]

I used my charger from my blackberry..it worked in a pinch until i got my replacement B&N cable...I don't think it ever fully charged but it was enough to get me by

 

[bobstro]

[...] As I stated above..this fix has completely solidified my cables end...but it is putting more stress on the receptacle in the nook itself. I'm starting to think that the cable design is no accident..the cable is cheaper for B&N to replace than the cost for replacing/fixing the NC itself.

I've purchased some Sugru and plan to try reinforcing my NC charge cables. I tested it on another connector, and it provides a strong yet flexible shroud. It might be a good middle ground. I'll be able to test this weekend.

 

[deadbot1]

Good luck. The problem( for me at least) has never been the cable, but rather the solder joint where the micro USB joins to the tiny PCB in the end( the circuit with the leds for the n logo). That seems to be the major stress point. All my fix does is prevent that joint from flexing. It does this by supporting both the connector and the PCB at the same time.

I'm not sure about using sugru inside that same area. I don't know if it is electrically inert or not. MOST epoxy resins are, especially the clear ones.

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[bobstro]

I'm hoping using Sugru over the joint where the cable inserts into the 'n' LED housing will reduce that flexing without making it too rigid. A bit more to widen up the cable housing where it inserts into the NC to stabilize the plug and reduce flex on the device.

Then again, a sample of one means nothing. I just hope to keep it working longer.

Your caution about merely transferring the strain to the internal connector is appreciated!

 

[tightwad]

I'm hoping using Sugru over the joint where the cable inserts into the 'n' LED housing will reduce that flexing without making it too rigid. A bit more to widen up the cable housing where it inserts into the NC to stabilize the plug and reduce flex on the device.

Then again, a sample of one means nothing. I just hope to keep it working longer.

Your caution about merely transferring the strain to the internal connector is appreciated!

Anything touching the metal at the end of the plug will stop it from fully inserting into the charging port. I think the epoxy method is the best way to help the cable. Another alternative would be a charging dock that doesn't allow the cable to be pulled down but this would preclude the option of using the nook while charging.

I have lost 3 cables now...

 

[deadbot1]

Well, so far so good. My "fixed" cable seems to be holding up just fine. Still have my concerns about overstressing the connector on the nook itself...but so far no issues. Guess if it breaks ill just have to upgrade to a more expensive toy.

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[Peoplephobic]

Thanks for this post. the nook charger is kind of stupid expensive for what it is. I saw a thing once that you could adhere to a device and it would hold the cable out away from the dock. Can't find it now (that i'm actually looking for it) but it seems like it would take stress off the dock and weak parts of the cable.

 

[deadbot1]

I've been thinking and looking at it more. I'm toying with modifying the connector end so that it will sort of go over the nook body, giving no area for flexing the internal connector. Instead of a plug in it would end up being the plug in the center, with stabilizers over the top and against the back. Still figuring out how to make it. Sugru doesn't seem strong enough. Maybe ill do a modified paper mache using epoxy as the binder.

Will post pics and process when I get it figured out. Suggestions welcome!

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[bbqncigars]

I'd try InstaMorph or some steel filled epoxy putty, although the latter might be too rigid. InstaMorph is nice because you can reuse it.

 

[eljamz]

Is not posible just to use a normal USB to microUSB cable with the Nook Charger... i mean, just replace the USB cable?

 

[bbqncigars]

A 'normal' microUSB cable will charge at a low rate compared to the stock NC cable and suitable power supply.

 

[akenis]

A 'normal' microUSB cable will charge at a low rate compared to the stock NC cable and suitable power supply.

Thanks.... didn't know that. My kids have gone thru three on their two nooks, and mine finally broke. Any good sources for a high rate cable? Bought one for my son an B&N before for like$25.... ridiculous!

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