[MOD] microUSB to Tab dock adapter (one of a kind!) - Galaxy Tab Accessories

I finally received my spare Tab usb cable and a few microUSB SMD sockets and have successfully hacked them together to make a very portable adapter so that all of my existing microUSB cables work on the Tab as well. No more having to carry a different cable with me!

Nice work. How did you mount the female micro so neatly?
Sent from my SGH-T849 using XDA App

A video of it functioning would be awesome. I am interested in making this as well. I actually want to create a full USB adapter. I know there is a schematic of the cable and what each one does. Its just a matter of wiring it up right. Perhaps you can make a how-to? what if you plug a USB thumb drive using a USB to micro USB adapter. Would that work?
From the Tab.
www.twitter.com/ayman07

I don't know if it would do anything with a thumb drive or anything else that requires a host port. For a microUSB socket, there are 5 pins, of which 1 is unused when you wire it to a regular usb dock connector like this one. I haven't looked at the pinout posted, but it's possible that 5th connection is to toggle/enable host mode on the Tab. If I get a chance I'll plug in an external drive and see what happens.
As to how I shoehorned the micro socket into the dock port connector, it just required an X-acto knife and some super glue. Soldering on those tiny smd pins is a pain, so if I make another, I'll etch a small pcb and mount it that way.

Great work! Do you have any pictures of the inside of the adapter?

Unfortunately no. I will take pics of the inside of my next project, which is to make a dock connector adapter that'll break out into a microUSB port alongside of a miniHDMI (kind of how Samsung should've done it to begin with). I'll definitely snap some pics then, and post up the Eagle files if anyone's interested.
EDIT: Looking at the pinout thread, it looks like the HDMI dock has all sorts of stuff in there that I had assumed were inside the Tab. I'll probably make another microUSB adapter so I can prototype the pcbs.
EDIT2: For USB On-The-Go, it looks like the unused pin 4 (ID) just needs to be grounded to pin 5. I'll test that too.

Wow, this looks great. Have you thought about making a few spares and offering them up for sale? I would definitely be interested. Let me know

I'm currently trying to track down a supplier of the 30-pin connectors. Seems a very daunting task at this point, since I can't speak Chinese, and the majority of the component suppliers do. It wouldn't be cost-effective to purchase full usb cables with the connectors just to harvest the connector off of them. Also, to even test the OTG functionality would require a dock connector with all the pins (or at least pin 13 + the usb ones); most of the usb charging/sync cables only have 7 of the 30 pins. The only connector I know of that has pin 13 is from the HDMI dock, and that's an expensive way to test.
So once these connectors are more readily available, I'll look into making a batch.

Related

Dell Streak PDMI connector modded for mini USB

Sorry if someone else already posted this somewhere... Looks like they modded the Streak PDMI connector into a mini-USB adapter.
http://www.streaksmart.com/2010/08/dell-streak-pdmi-connector-modded-for-mini-usb.html
-ag
Good idea but would be nice to see the inside and what wires soldered to what
I checked out John's website over at http://www.linuxslate.com, and while I don't have time to look at everything now, it looks like there's a lot more info there, including pinouts and pictures the board.
I'll read through everything later, and may have to order another cable from Dell to give it a try.
ag
Instead of cutting up dell cords, anyone have a clue where we could get raw pdmi connectors?
I don't really see the point - you've still got to plug in the PDMI connector so what's the advantage?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
I don't really see the point - you've still got to plug in the PDMI connector so what's the advantage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you have a point.
If you plug in a mini USB to USB-A cable into the adapter I made, you end up with exactly what you had in the first place (With the Dell Cable): PDMI to USB.
Furthermore, There's the cost:
Their way: Dell Cable: $20
My way: Dell Cable to destroy + Something to get the mini Female USB + mini USB cable + labor = >> $20
But, there are 2 points:
1. I have shown that the Pin-out of the Dell implementation of PDMI is known. USB breakout is just a simple demonstration. Manufactures can built lots of different breakout cables and docks.
2. It is far easier to carry the tiny adapter that I made than it is to carry the Dell USB cable. When I already have standard mini USB cables at home, in each car, and a couple at work, I really don't want to have to buy half a dozen $20 Dell cables, just to have one at each location I might need it. I can connect the little adapter I made to my key chain, and always have it with me, while hardly knowing I am carrying it. My little adapter is far more durable than a cable (especially since the Dell cables seem rather stiff).
He's another what's the point question:
What's the point of having Audio on the PDMI when there is already audio on the 3.5mm jack?
If I had a Audio/USB breakout adapter, I can make both connections with one action (such as when getting in the car.), and I don't have wires sticking out of 2 sides of the device.
Perhaps if you wanted to use your Sony Walkman Cassette Player in your car instead of it's built-in 8-Track deck, such arrangements were acceptable, but I was under the impression we had made some progress since then.
(For the record, I'm not old enough to have actually done that.)
Just my opinion, but I'd rather carry around an adapter that I could plug any one of my numerous USB chargers into (wall, car, etc...), than buy new chargers from Dell (especially at the prices they're charging for them).
-ag
I also would much rather have one adapter as shown except perhaps a micro-usb on the other side in addition... If we are going to have an adapter, make it multifunctional.
If we want to get really crazy, put a micro switch between pins 2&3 on the USB (or whatever the pinout is for data in/out so we can use any USB power supply, but open it for syncing if necessary
Ok, point taken!
So put me on your advanced order list for a micro adaptor ... I left my cable at home today and was out of power by 1 pm.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Another advantage if you could actually buy just the raw pdmi connector form some kind of electronic component whole saler like digikey or newark or something, you'd probably be talking about something that costs 2 bucks to make instead of paying 20 for a cord.
I bought the slacker G2 dock and tested i with the streak. Initially, nothing would work, no charging, no audio output. So i decided to take it apart and check the pin out.
So opened it up, took the board out and checked the usb pins, it was correctly mapped to the right pdmi pins, was dumbfounded why it did not work.
Then I just plugged the board in to the streak and lo and behold it started charging. When it was in the dock, I think the streak was not getting seated properly on the pdmi connector, because of the thickness of the plastic top cover. The headphones and line out ports do not seem to work though, I will have to do some more trouble shooting.
Keep us up to date on this.
I am VERY interested in this for desktop charging.
this would be HUGE, since if you don't need the HDMI out, why pay for $70 at Dell?!!
If there was some way to create an adapter that slid in flush with the phone, that would be perfect. Nothing extra to carry, just snap it in and you can use any mini/micro USB cable.
Get on that and let me know how it's coming along.
So did I see somewhere that the Samsung Galaxy Tab will be PDMI? If so Here is an accessory from it to USB http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/samsung-galaxy-tab-accessories-may-include-bluetooth-stylus-and/
Bohemian said:
So did I see somewhere that the Samsung Galaxy Tab will be PDMI? If so Here is an accessory from it to USB http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/samsung-galaxy-tab-accessories-may-include-bluetooth-stylus-and/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now that will be very handy... keep one of those handy and most cable issues will go away
I saw that and the accessory port looked like a PDMI - I hadn't read anything, tho.
Perhaps we will see more as more devices have the plug.
perhaps Dell is on the leading edge more than we thought!!!
PDMI has been around for a couple of years but no one has used it until now, the Samsung connector certainly looks like a PDMI but it hasn't even been released yet so there's no way to tell for sure.
I saw that accessory for the Tab on engadget.
They copied me !!
Raw PDMI connector Part No.
DeathOfAllThings said:
Another advantage if you could actually buy just the raw pdmi connector form some kind of electronic component whole saler like digikey or newark or something, you'd probably be talking about something that costs 2 bucks to make instead of paying 20 for a cord.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked the dude who made his own PDMI to USB adapter if he has seen some markings inside the connector he used, no reply.
Could it be the Molex (or whoever is the manufaturer) part no is mentioned in the official PDMI specs?
I checked DigiKey and Newark for "PDMI" and got zilch.

6 inch picture easel from Walmart makes a great stand for Nook Color

I bought a 6 inch black picture frame easel from Walmart for $2.50 to use as a stand for my Nook Color. The easel is open at the bottom to allow the right angle micro usb to female usb adapter (from Amazon for $4.49 free shipping. Low cost solution!
Got a link?
Cannot post link here but just type this in search field in Amazon website
USB A 2.0 female to Micro USB B male Cable Adapter
IDS
*
Wasn't able to find one with a search at walmart.com,
The 6 inch black picture frame easel can be bought at your local Walmart.
i do basically the same thing.. but i bought the cheap .99 wire frame picture frame eisel and its about perfect plus it don't look cheesy like some of the homemade ones i have seen on here ..
There's a small cheap metallic easel from IKEA that works great as an ereader holder.
Hey...this might sound stupid but, why do I need that cable converter. Cant I just use my usb charger?
Correct me if I'm going down the wrong path with this but to me the "full" Nook charge cable is a very tight fit and is prone to breakage at the smallest hint of mistreatment. If I can plug the unit into a standard cable using a third party brick and get a full charge by letting it charge overnight I'll save the "good stuff" for my laptop bag for when I might actually need a 3 hour full charge. As long as my battery indicator shows full in the morning I don't need a shiny green "n".
The micro USB male to USB female converter is useful for USB hosting of thumb drives, USB mice, USB hubs (powered and non powered), WD passport hard drives, USB keyboards etc.
The micro USB male to USB female converter is useful for USB hosting of thumb drives, USB mice, USB hubs (powered and non powered), WD passport hard drives, USB keyboards etc.
hwong96 said:
The micro USB male to USB female converter is useful for USB hosting of thumb drives, USB mice, USB hubs (powered and non powered), WD passport hard drives, USB keyboards etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooo! Speaking of shiny! I hadn't thought of that.
--------------------------------
Sent from my NookColor CM7.1
great idea im going to get one
thought I drop in and say I found one in my local Walmart a few days ago!
I've done just that with my Nook Color with a 99 cent picture frame stand from Walmart. It works groovy with my Powered USB Hub.

OTG cable angled "correct" for the N7

I thought I saw a thread about this a long time ago but search as I might I can't find it again. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had a link to an OTG cable that angles...well...down if the N7 is in landscape mode with the camera on the left side? I've ordered 3 and they all angle up which really doesn't work well in a case or anything since the "hinged" side is generally on the left.
Hopefully this makes sense. LOL
Alternatively, does anyone have a link where you can buy the male MicroUSB connector? I've tried Amazon, Monoprice, and even Radio Shack (that's desperate) and can't seem to locate this part.
Thanks!
here is the one i have.. You must also get a micro a usb to a usb female adapter.. Not sure i ordered from the same company but i know it was over seas.. i bough them as a set one up angle one down angle..
that is term.. down angle micro a usb cable... Be careful that you do not end up with a usb mini which is a b type connector..
micro a down . look close at the picture so the flat part of the connector port is to the top . which is the back side of the plug. ok that all sounds confusing but . well here is the link..
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_kw=down+angle+micro+usb+cable
One more thing.. Make sure its a 5 pin if its not usb. just slit the wire carefully and cross pin 4 and 5 will turn it into otg. Or use a otg connector at the end... This is what i did.I pluged my otg connector into this.. and its stil flat to the back of device..
erica_renee said:
here is the one i have.. You must also get a micro a usb to a usb female adapter.. Not sure i ordered from the same company but i know it was over seas.. i bough them as a set one up angle one down angle..
that is term.. down angle micro a usb cable... Be careful that you do not end up with a usb mini which is a b type connector..
micro a down . look close at the picture so the flat part of the connector port is to the top . which is the back side of the plug. ok that all sounds confusing but . well here is the link..
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_kw=down+angle+micro+usb+cable
One more thing.. Make sure its a 5 pin if its not usb. just slit the wire carefully and cross pin 4 and 5 will turn it into otg. Or use a otg connector at the end... This is what i did.I pluged my otg connector into this.. and its stil flat to the back of device..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the down angle would work. Basically, when plugged in, I want it to angle to the left side of the device. It seems most angle to the right. Then I could actually put the cable and flash drive inside the case and out of the way so it would be more "permanent" when I'm out and about.
I'm all for angled cables, but the down angle one doesn't excite me. I was much happier with this style cable:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Left-angled...=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item23243a6e6a
This isn't an OTG cable, but I use this in my car so the cable is tucked away neater. I had the same confusion when trying to figure out if I needed left or right. I ended up buying both because my phone is one way and the Nexus 7 is the other, so I knew that was a win/win. Prior to realizing that I just hit up Google image search and looked for a larger picture of each one... then tried to envision how it would plug in accordingly.
Hmmm. Mine faces "down" when the camera is on the right side. The smart case folded behind from the top.
I got mine from Amazon for my Galaxy Nexus a while ago.
Those listed above from eBay are wrong. Those would actually attach front to back (screen to back housing) and would be awkward IMO.
Mine attaches and the cable slides down the lining of the trim. I got it from Amazon.
Here is what you want. Take note of the micro USB port:
http://www.dcscsi.com/product/1040.html
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
My otg comes straight out but I have 3 adaptors. With the N7 in portrait, one lead will go left, one right and one backwards, all came from eBay.

[GUIDE] DIY smallest Micro USB OTG to USB Adapter

Update: v.2! (half a penny)
Inspired by this video/OTG, pass to 0:47. Which I couldn't find one to purchase. This L design when plugged in is a bit smaller than a penny. No welding needed! Use (female USB for game controllers, mouse, ect). Designed with a case-on in mind.
======
You'll need 3 parts for hardware. Micro USB OTG, Micro SD reader, ofcourse Micro SD card and a software of your choice to run it. I don't root so I'm using Nexus Media Importer.
Be safe and wear gloves. You don't want to get hurt for this mod.
======
Step1: Cut in the middle of the left or right side of Micro USB OTG. Be careful, use glove on the hand to hold it down. (note: the OTG link that i provided is the exact one that I used to mod, but you can find the cheapest parts from Amazon or Ebay, ect.).
Step2: Peel out the inner part of the OTG.
Step3: Cut the part closer to the Micro USB completely off (with wires still intact). Carefully peel the wires to the far end of the USB female. Then cut the rest of the plastic off like in the picture.
Step4: Turn the Micro USB end to make a L shape like in the picture. I used glue gun to clued it together. You can use electrical tape if you like. Enjoy!
**I'm not holding reliable for any injuries or broken parts from this mod, do it at your own risk**
This is the original size of the device when it's plugged in, it's about 3 size of a penny in length.
Step1-3
aaaa
Step4
====================================================================================
Version 2 still retained female USB for mouse and game controller or a case in mind.
==========
You'll required soldering, glue gun or electrical tape. (note: this version is a challenge to make. If you think you can solder the wires into the small spaces on micro USB's bins then proceed or you can make version 1 which required no soldering)
==========
Step1: Strip micro USB and female USB completely. (any spare female USB from old devices will do. Make sure you have the right micro USB end like in the diagram if you decided to get a spare)
Step2: Measure the wires as needed from micro USB to female USB. Then pre-cut the outer layer of the wires so you can bend at 90 degree angle with ease when wiring the wire along the sides. (careful don't cut the wires inside). Next, strip a few millimeter from both ends of the 4 wires.
Step3: I suggest to lay the 4 wires on top; along the micro USB and solder it in the pins. (though I didn't realized this obstruction was a big deal until it resulted in a bump on my model when wiring it downward). Curve your stripped end of the wires for easy soldering. A trick I used to solder the wires to micro USB is putting a thin foil paper in between 2 pins. After you're done, remove it and repeat until you're done.
Step4: Lay your micro USB on top of the solder point of the female USB at 90 degree to shape the L. (make sure no metal part of the micro USB touches the female USB sholdering point. You can lay it on top of the female USB but it will add a few millimeter thickness). Follow the diagram to solder all wires to the female USB.
Step3
aaaa
v.2 when plugged in it's half a size of a penny. You're seeing USB plugged into the OTG with microSD inside.
**Credit to redgreenlaser for diagrams**
Thanks for the "how-to", Capt.PP.
Thank you, with your suggestion, and pictures, I can also put the USB behind the tablet as a U, and maybe make it smaller without the USB (male and female) only the card reader
I like it!
It's quite similer to the one I made:
Aleemz said:
I like it!
It's quite similer to the one I made:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, Aleemz, how did you make yours?
If you want to make it smaller and you are going to the trouble of handsoldering and hot glueing, you can just get the Micro USB Plug
http://www.digikey.com/scripts/dksearch/dksus.dll?vendor=0&keywords=609-4051
Remove the USB shield, solder the Plug Directly to the USB traces, and Hot glue around it, you can reduce the size by half (maybe even more)
Maturola said:
If you want to make smaller it and you are going to the trouble of handsoldering and hot glueing, you can just get the Micro USB Plug
http://www.digikey.com/scripts/dksearch/dksus.dll?vendor=0&keywords=609-4051
Remove the USB shield, solder the Plug Directly to the USB traces, and Hot glue around it, you can get reduce the size by half (maybe even more)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool.
Maybe you should make some and sell them to those of us who don't have the necessary skills/gear/time...
ddlooping said:
Cool.
Maybe you should make some and sell them to those of us who don't have the necessary skills/gear/time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to do just that with my Indiegogo campaign.
Maturola said:
I'm trying to do just that with my Indiegogo campaign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one.
I'd rather use a USB flash drive but I've contributed nonetheless.
DIY smallest Micro USB OTG to USB Adapter
Capt.PP said:
This is the original thread but it doesn't show how to make one. The purpose of this thread so I can do Q&A more direct without colliding with other topics in the original thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that, if I were to make one of these, I would make it in a "T" shape after removing the male and female USB connection, with the opening for the micro sd card facing in whatever direction seems best, so long as the card and its holder are parralel to the side of the device that the micro USB port is on. That way the whole thing would stick out no more than 5/16th's to 3/8th's of an inch when plugged in to the micro USB port and the protruding top cross part of the "T", that being the part with the micro sd card, would act as a grip for removing the device from the port.
(If that makes sense.)
k.
kickofthecat said:
I think that, if I were to make one of these, I would make it in a "T" shape after removing the male and female USB connection, with the opening for the micro sd card facing in whatever direction seems best, so long as the card and its holder are parralel to the side of the device that the micro USB port is on. That way the whole thing would stick out no more than 5/16th's to 3/8th's of an inch when plugged in to the micro USB port and the protruding top cross part of the "T", that being the part with the micro sd card, would act as a grip for removing the device from the port.
(If that makes sense.)
k.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You also have to look at cost effective here. The parts that was used only cost $1 for OTG, 30 cents for small USB, minus the Micro SD card. Though i'm not recommending 30 cents for small USB (they didn't clued it and harder to get the Micro SD card out) compared to the one above I recommend in the link.
The L design flushed with the screen surface and thinner compared to the bottom surface or a device as a whole. It prevented from accidentally snag the OTG when swyping on the screen. It's very easy to plug or unplug since you have a penny side in width (when you DIY you can add grips) and 2 penny side in length if you have a big thumb.
The T design, if i understand you correctly, you want to stick out above the screen a bit so you have grips to pull it out? I can ensure you the L shape have no problem of unplugging. Though you eliminated the female/male USB but it still lay hidden on the edge bottom of your device. Instead of buying new parts (may cost more) you can use the OTG I recommended to strip out all the white plastic to make it even smaller as you want to reduce in length when laying on the edge bottom. Cheer.
Aleemz said:
I like it!
It's quite similer to the one I made:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get your inspiration. Great minds think alike.
Cool I'll tried one
I am going to just try soldering/wiring a micro-usb jack directly to a 32GB flash chip from a torn apart flash drive. Still waiting for parts to come in the mail. Here is a pretty good wiring guide that should help anyone looking to do the same.
http://tech2.in.com/how-to/accessories/how-to-make-your-own-usb-otg-cable-for-an-android-smartphone/319982
You could probably do the same thing with a micro-sd hard adapter.
Also another idea : Build it directly into a case, much like this Galaxy Nexus Battery Case
http://www.sackstark.com/store/product_info.php?currency=USD&cPath=12&products_id=88&language=en
Hey, I'm not very electronically inclined. Could I pay someone to make and ship me one of those "plug" OTGs? I have a 3" cable one, but I LOVE that little plug.
I'd even order one from Hong Kong and wait for it
Thanks
This one looks pretty good, for those who want it as un-obstructive as possible. I ordered one but will have to wait for it to see if it works fine.
http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/Right-An...006572?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27ccd180ac
Thanks, kenkiller, please let us know how you get along.
kenkiller said:
This one looks pretty good, for those who want it as un-obstructive as possible. I ordered one but will have to wait for it to see if it works fine.
http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/Right-An...006572?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27ccd180ac
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gonna buy two hope they work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
kenkiller said:
This one looks pretty good, for those who want it as un-obstructive as possible. I ordered one but will have to wait for it to see if it works fine.
http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/Right-An...006572?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27ccd180ac
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh snap, they read my mind. I finished v.2 of Micro USB OTG to USB Adapter but very similar to this last week, but since I sold my phone I couldn't take pictures and post DIY v.2. From the look of this, it seem my v.2 is even smaller.
Capt.PP said:
From the look of this, it seem my v.2 is even smaller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'd be cool.

[MOD] Android Charging Cable ★..:∞ Use Any USB Charger (Even Apple's) ∞:..★

[MOD] Android Charging Cable ★..:∞ Use Any USB Charger (Even Apple's) ∞:..★
This thread is being created to summarize and condense all the knowledge on the interwebs about charging the Nexus 7 and various other Android Devices.
***I have been told this works for a variety of Nexus/Samsung Galaxy/Blackberry/General Android devices.***
The Google Nexus 7, 10 & 4 (Plus a myriad of other Micro USB devices) will charge from any USB, car or powerbug charger, including those designed for Apple products.
That being said, let's discuss why there are so may issues with chargers/charging with the N7. In order to do that, we need to look at the USB specifications. If you don't care about the technical aspects, feel free to skip ahead to Post #3 (I won't be offended) but please don't ask any questions that are clearly answered here as they tend to clog up a thread.
From Wikipedia:
The USB Battery Charging Specification of 2007 defines new types of USB ports, e.g., charging ports.[48] As compared to standard downstream ports, where a portable device can only draw more than 100 mA current after digital negotiation with the host or hub, charging ports can supply currents above 500 mA without digital negotiation. A charging port supplies up to 500 mA at 5 V, up to the rated current at 3.6 V or more, and drop its output voltage if the portable device attempts to draw more than the rated current. The charger port may shut down if the load is too high.
So basically, The Nexus 7 with a standard micro USB cable with the data (inner) pins not shorted will default to a 500mA charging status using a generic/Apple Charger. You still will NOT CHARGE properly even with a 2.1A generic/Apple USB charger. I discovered that even with the N7 powered off and plugged into a 2.1A car charger not only didn't it charge but I'm pretty sure it drained the battery somewhat too.
So What is the Solution? Create/Modify a standard USB cable to allow the N7 to charge from any USB port! Even one that supplies less than 2.1A.
The only downside is that this cable will be incapable of data transfer.
Some generic chargers will work, however, if it says designed for iPad/Apple, chances are you'll need the modded cable.
I have built some of these cables and will show you how to build one yourself using the wonderful tool that is digital photography... Please excuse my less than wonderful photographic skills. Read on for instructions and Photos!
UPDATE: Android 4.2's Kernel has enabled charging without these cables (&$^#&%*!). They still will be useful for other devices on older versions of Android.
The History
So, I looked forever to find a solution. The Targus Universal USB Car Charger (2.1A) has a small (3") adapter cable that comes with it, ostensibly for the Galaxy Tab. That little cable also allows the N7 to be charged from ANY 2A car charger. I was using the adapter with a Scosche reVOLT c2 - Dual 10 Watt (2.1A) USB Car Charger (low-profile) Model# USBC202M
This is the Targus adapter connected to the charger and a standard USB cable.
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After some research I discovered the information located in the OP and decided to modify some of my USB cables to work as charging only cables for the N7. This cuts down on the clutter on my dashboard and I don’t need to use an adapter to charge.:victory:​
The Method
The method is fairly simple assuming you have a basic working knowledge of wire stripping, soldering and such.
The Materials Required::
A Micro USB Cable
A Soldering Iron
Electrical Solder
14 & 28 AWG Stranded Wire (American Wire Gauge) Strippers (A really sharp pocket knife and steady hands can be used instead, but it's harder)
Electrical Tape -OR- Liquid Electrical Tape
Heat Shrink Tubing (1/4" to shrink to 1/8")
A Heat Gun (A lighter will work but this is very tricky and dangerous and NOT recommended, Try a very Hot Hairdryer instead)
ENSURE THE USB CABLE IS COMPLETELY UNPLUGGED PRIOR PERFORMING ANY WORK
• First cut the USB cable in two. I recommend cutting it about 3/4 the way down toward the micro (Device) end.
• Strip about 1 inch of both ends of the USB cable (usually 14 AWG Stranded). If the cable is good quality you may find both bare wire and foil shielding around the 4 wire bundle.
• If present, unwrap and cut off both foil and bare wire.
• On the charger ended cable, Strip a bit off of the Red and Black wires (see photos) and shorten but don’t strip the Green and White wires.
• If you are using Heat-Shrink (Highly Recommended) slide it over the USB cable before making any connections. A 3 inch piece should be more than sufficient. Just remember it needs to cover both the job and a bit of the unbroken cable on each end to ensure a good fit and protection.
• On the device ended cable (micro) Strip a bit of wire off the end of all four of the wires.
• On the device ended cable (micro) Twist and solder the GREEN and WHITE wires together.
• Reconnect the 2 cable halves as follows:
o Twist the Black wires together and solder. I prefer to do it straight as in the photo but side to side works too, it’s just bulkier.
o Twist the Red wires together and solder.
o REMEMBER: Only a small amount of solder is required. The bigger the blob, the worse the job.
• Now you have a choice: You can lightly coat the soldered joints in liquid electrical tape (recommended) or wrap them individually in standard electrical tape. Standard electrical tape is trickier to use since the wires are so small. Since it’s only 5V, not a lot is required. For the liquid (dries in 5 minutes) I did 2 light coats to ensure I coated all exposed wire.
• Now place the wires next to each other and either:
o Slide the Heat-Shrink over the entire break, ensuring you have covered some unbroken cable on each end and apply a heat with a heat gun or a hairdryer on hot. Don’t hold the heat source too close or you can melt either your USB cable or the heat shrink. Use a sweeping back and forth motion for best results. -OR-
o Wrap the entire job in electrical tape, ensuring to have covered at least ½ inch of cable on each end. Wrap with overlapping wraps (spiral like) from one end of the break to the other and then without cutting the tape, reverse and still using the overlapping wraps, wrap back to the starting point.
• That’s it! The completed cable should look like this
The Test
To test this I used a Belkin Surge Suppressor with 2 USB charging outlets. I believe the amperage rating of the charging ports is only 0.5A each.
As you can see, using an unmodified USB cable, The Nexus wouldn’t charge:
Using the Modified USB Cable, Viola!
REMEMBER: Even though the Nexus 7 will draw current from less than 2.1A chargers, They may not provide sufficient current to charge your Nexus while in use. I used the 0.5A charger as an example. I created this cable for use in my car on the 2.1A cigarette lighter plug-in.
I hope this has helped you
<Reserved>
and now the guide to make it for pogo pins!
pogo pins
Flowyk said:
and now the guide to make it for pogo pins!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm working on that one.
I am waiting on delivery of a batch of PCBs for a pogo pin charger based on the N7 dock.
Re: [MOD] Android Charging Cable ★..:∞ Use Any USB Charger (Even Apple's) ∞:..★
Prostheta said:
I am waiting on delivery of a batch of PCBs for a pogo pin charger based on the N7 dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oooh... from what source?
Sent from my Nexus 4 or 7
I ordered these at a Forum member suggestion, from Monoprice dot com. They work perfect either with the factory charger or a Nook Color charger:
5457 3ft USB 2.0 A Male to Micro 5pin Male 28/24AWG Cable w/ Ferrite Core (Gold Plated) $1.10. I bought 3 @1.10 each and $3.30 shipping for total of 6.95. They also worked with my Samsung phone.
..
Re: [MOD] Android Charging Cable ★..:∞ Use Any USB Charger (Even Apple's) ∞:..★
2kst said:
I ordered these at a Forum member suggestion, from Monoprice dot com. They work perfect either with the factory charger or a Nook Color charger:
5457 3ft USB 2.0 A Male to Micro 5pin Male 28/24AWG Cable w/ Ferrite Core (Gold Plated) $1.10. I bought 3 @1.10 each and $3.30 shipping for total of 6.95. They also worked with my Samsung phone.
..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not bad!
Sent from my Nexus 4 or 7
TheByteSmasher said:
Oooh... from what source?
Sent from my Nexus 4 or 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom fab. It's basically an N7 dock circuit but slimmed down so it can be used in thin frames. I have a few designs I want to try out for custom wooden docks.
Re: [MOD] Android Charging Cable ★..:∞ Use Any USB Charger (Even Apple's) ∞:..★
Prostheta said:
Custom fab. It's basically an N7 dock circuit but slimmed down so it can be used in thin frames. I have a few designs I want to try out for custom wooden docks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar idea.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I don't get something. Maybe I'm missing something but wouldn't it be a lot easier to just solder the two pins inside the USB connector head?
ineedaname said:
I don't get something. Maybe I'm missing something but wouldn't it be a lot easier to just solder the two pins inside the USB connector head?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on what you find easy... I think that working with wires is easier and neater when done... It's harder to cut open the USB head and then uglier when done and you need to be MORE careful when you solder and you're working with smaller bits... Your choice though...
Question.
Would there be any problems with me shorting the two data pin outs on the charger side?
ineedaname said:
Question.
Would there be any problems with me shorting the two data pin outs on the charger side?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, no.
TheByteSmasher said:
Depends on what you find easy... I think that working with wires is easier and neater when done... It's harder to cut open the USB head and then uglier when done and you need to be MORE careful when you solder and you're working with smaller bits... Your choice though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway I took a pic of a plug to show u what i meant by shorting the plug because I don't think u knew what I meant. Basically soldering where the red line is. I think it would probably easier this way than cutting up the wire.
ineedaname said:
Anyway I took a pic of a plug to show u what i meant by shorting the plug because I don't think u knew what I meant. Basically soldering where the red line is. I think it would probably easier this way than cutting up the wire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to me you stand the chance of damaging your USB outlet this way...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Not pretty but easy and works great. Thanks for the information.

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