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Phoenix Gamma · #1

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 · #2

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 · #3

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

Phoenix Gamma · #4

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalMilitia

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 · #5

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

MetalMilitia · #6

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 · #7

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

Evil Robot · #8

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 · #9

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 · #10

only if you don't suck at soldering

Dimnos · #11

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 · #12

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 · #13

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

Phoenix Gamma · #14

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...