Question about USB cables

[Phoenix Gamma]

My wacom tablet was plugged into my laptop, and when I got up to get the door, I tripped over the USB cable, snapping it in two, much to my surprise.

I'm worried, because I need it for my finals, and I don't have the cash to replace it right now. btc said he'd try soldering it after class tomorrow, but I'm afraid I might have shorted it out since it was plugged into the computer when it was snapped. Windows also displayed some sort of USB device error a few times, but at that point the tablet was already snapped clean off.

I figured I'd bring an extra cable just in case we need to frankenstien a different plug on the end, but I'm still really nervous. Anyone know enough about electronics to give me any kind of prognosis or advice?

[10,000 Volt Ghost]

Go to Wal-Mart in your area. Buy one then switch it. Return it and said it broke as soon as you opened it. They should give you a refund and you get a free new USB.

[MetalMilitia]

It's unlikely you'll be able to solder it back together to be honest.

[Phoenix Gamma]

It's unlikely you'll be able to solder it back together to be honest.

http://www.fixup.net/tips/usb/index.htm

Seems simple enough.

[darkvare]

i used to do this a lot when repairing cellphones is easy i even repaired my old xbox controllers

[MetalMilitia]

It just seemed like one of those things that might be possible in theory but in practise is far more hassle than it's worth.

[Phoenix Gamma]

It's $300 I can't spare right now :V

[Evil Robot]

The only thing that can short on a usb cable is 5 Volt supply and thats not going to harm anything. Short circuit protection is part of the design guidlines for a device to be USB compliant. The errors were from the device still having drivers running for it after your stoner ass forgot it was in your lap.

[Phoenix Gamma]

Hey now, I don't do drugs. I'm naturally dense.

Good to know it's not fucked to high heaven, though. I've been worried all night. So I take it soldering the original cable pieces together would be fine after all?

[darkvare]

only if you don't suck at soldering

[Dimnos]

So... what is stopping you from just throwing away the old USB and just using the new one? Did the tip break clean off in the USB port on your computer?

[Phoenix Gamma]

So BTC is officially my hero, and I'm going to have to buy him lunch for a really long time to pay him back. It was a quick and easy fix. I just need to be extra careful because I'm afraid the electrical tape won't hold.

Maybe I'll just tape over the whole fucking cord...

[Fathom Zero]

I love chopping together Cat5 cables, this should be just as fun.

[Phoenix Gamma]

It'd probably be more fun if $300 and three final projects weren't on the line :V

I'm realizing that I need to learn to solder on my own. I tryed resoldering a headphone jack onto an MP3 player once and royally fucked it over.

"I'll figure it out as I go" I says...

[Fathom Zero]

The margin for error should be low, provided you've given yourself enough space and apply some heat-shrinking plastic afterward.

[Evil Robot]

or he could just use a fucking mouse.

[spazboy]

YOU EVER TRIED TO DRAW DICKS IN MSPAINT WITH A FUCKING MOUSE? THEY ALWAYS COME OUT WRONG!

[Phoenix Gamma]

or he could just use a fucking mouse.

Mice don't have pressure sensitivity. But if you can draw freehand using a mouse, by all means post it.