Calling all Geeks

[SeaCat]

I thought I had posted this question last night but for some reason I can't find it, so tonight I will make sure to post it.

As I mentioned before I received an HP Pavilion Laptop. It does have a problem though, and one I can't seem to fix. (At least not yet.)

It seems it doesn't want to charge correctly.

I have found that the problem is purely hardware. It is the connection between the Transformer and the Computer itself.

This is a Coaxial type plug. Unfortunately either due to use or bad design the plug is now loose which does not allow for a good solid connection.

I have attempted to build up the Male Connector with different types of Solder, (Electrical Viagra? ) which works for a very short period of time but the Solders are all too soft.

I have attempted to build a ring of sorts to attach inside the Female Connector but it is either too thick, or I can't get it to adhere while producing a good connection.

I am looking at maybe creating a single strande winding around the male connector and soldering this in place, but have low hopes on it working.

Any other ideas short of taking it to the local thiefs shop and having them replace the Female Connector? (I'll resort to that if I have to, but I know they'll try to play me for a fool.)

Cat

 

[R. Richard]

I have attempted to build up the Male Connector with different types of Solder, (Electrical Viagra? ) which works for a very short period of time but the Solders are all too soft.

Cat

Cat:
Have you thought of super glue? It should be easy to get into the places you want. Of course, once in, it is not coming back out.

 

[SeaCat]

Cat:
Have you thought of super glue? It should be easy to get into the places you want. Of course, once in, it is not coming back out.

I have thought about this but it does not conduct Electricity well. Now if there was a way to do this with the Copper wire, while allowing the copper wire make contact on both sides it would be just fine.

Cat

 

[Huckleman2000]

This sounds beyond duct tape or stove wire, which puts me almost categorically out of my depth.

Given a few hours and a few beers at your keyboard, I might have some advice. As it is, I must plead ignorance. I totally respect your posts and everything, and it pains me to say I'm useless in this respect. I'm the guy my relatives turn to for PC advice! (bite your tongues, you geeks!). When it comes to pulling out the soldering gun, my friend, you're on your own. Not to say it isn't worth a try, but it's open-heart surgery.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I'm assuming it's just a standard low voltage plug like any one of a million accessories. A male plug with a negative conductor on the outside and a hole in the middle for the positive.

Have you just tried bending the center pin on the female side just a tiny bit? Tweaking it to the side would make it come into contact with the inside of the male plug and might pinch it enough to hold it in place. Or maybe try to deform the plug just a bit, maybe flatten it slightly, very slightly, with a pair of pliars. Might keep it in better and it would be contacting hard at least on two points.

 

[SeaCat]

I'm assuming it's just a standard low voltage plug like any one of a million accessories. A male plug with a negative conductor on the outside and a hole in the middle for the positive.

Have you just tried bending the center pin on the female side just a tiny bit? Tweaking it to the side would make it come into contact with the inside of the male plug and might pinch it enough to hold it in place. Or maybe try to deform the plug just a bit, maybe flatten it slightly, very slightly, with a pair of pliars. Might keep it in better and it would be contacting hard at least on two points.

Those are a couple of ideas to think about. Yes it is the basic low voltage CoAx plug as you described.

I have been thinking of getting into the female plug with a micro driver and attempting to bend the contacts there in a bit. The only thing holding me back is the knowledge that they are made out of a nickel allow that is somewhat brittle and easy to break.

We shall see what happens when the weather changes enough for me to work outside again. (I don't solder inside and it'e been raining like mad here.) I'll try the wrap first, then try other solutions. Of course the final solution is to take it in and have the damned part replaced. (Ouch!)

Cat

 

[MagicaPractica]

I don't have any answers for you SeaCat but can I ask a question here too? My mouse is squeeking. Anybody know what to do for it and is it going to die soon?

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Try Radio Shack, they may have a replacement plug you could replace yourself. Shouldn't cost any more then a couple of bucks at most. I've done that a couple of times with speaker plugs and such things.

 

[Lisa Denton]

I have attempted to build a ring of sorts to attach inside the Female Connector but it is either too thick, or I can't get it to adhere while producing a good connection.
Cat

Um, is that not a good thing?

With all this sweet talk about building things for the female connector and getting it to adhere while producing a good connection you certainly deserve an "A" for effort.

I think its workin Cat, I'm getting wet.

 

[SeaCat]

Um, is that not a good thing?

With all this sweet talk about building things for the female connector and getting it to adhere while producing a good connection you certainly deserve an "A" for effort.

I think its workin Cat, I'm getting wet.

Beer Spew.

Cat

 

[SeaCat]

Okay,

I'm irritated now. I took the back off the Laptop and got in to the fitting. The damned thing is soldered to a board.

It still isn't working right.

Next step is to talk with HP and find out how much it would cost to replace that board. Depending on the price I will have two choices.

The first is to pay the money and replace the board.

The second is to pull the board, use my trusty soldering iron and pull the connector, replacing it with another connector. (Or just hardwire the Transformer to the board and use it that way.) I hate soldering to a board, it's always a pain in the ass and if your iron is too hot you can ruin the board. (They delaminate)

Yep, I'm irritated now.

Cat

 

[popcorn2721]

I thought I had posted this question last night but for some reason I can't find it, so tonight I will make sure to post it.

As I mentioned before I received an HP Pavilion Laptop. It does have a problem though, and one I can't seem to fix. (At least not yet.)

It seems it doesn't want to charge correctly.

I have found that the problem is purely hardware. It is the connection between the Transformer and the Computer itself.

This is a Coaxial type plug. Unfortunately either due to use or bad design the plug is now loose which does not allow for a good solid connection.

I have attempted to build up the Male Connector with different types of Solder, (Electrical Viagra? ) which works for a very short period of time but the Solders are all too soft.

I have attempted to build a ring of sorts to attach inside the Female Connector but it is either too thick, or I can't get it to adhere while producing a good connection.

I am looking at maybe creating a single strande winding around the male connector and soldering this in place, but have low hopes on it working.

Any other ideas short of taking it to the local thiefs shop and having them replace the Female Connector? (I'll resort to that if I have to, but I know they'll try to play me for a fool.)

Cat

Use Silver Solder...It has better holding properties than conventional Tin/Lead solder. Be sure to use Hydrocloric Acid Flux too...This will allow it to bond without having to heat up the material. Keep in mind that too much heat will destroy the peice too.

 

[TxRad]

Use Silver Solder...It has better holding properties than conventional Tin/Lead solder. Be sure to use Hydrocloric Acid Flux too...This will allow it to bond without having to heat up the material. Keep in mind that too much heat will destroy the peice too.

Also before you start to desoldier the old fitting, clean off the protective coating with nail polish remover..... and clean it with the same and alcohol before soldiering the new piece on....

 

[TxRad]

Uh... question... is the male end on the board or the female......

 

[SeaCat]

Uh... question... is the male end on the board or the female......

The Female Connection is on the Board.

Cat

 

[R. Richard]

Cat:
I misunderstood the problem. If I have it right, you need to byuild up the male connector so that it will make proper contact with the female receptor. I may have a solution for you. I found a conducting silver PAINT that should do much the same as solder, only without the heat. Also, you can try several applications until you get just the right thickness. Link below:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/searchtemplate.asp?criteria=CONDUCTING+GLUE

 

[SeaCat]

Also before you start to desoldier the old fitting, clean off the protective coating with nail polish remover..... and clean it with the same and alcohol before soldiering the new piece on....

Popcorn, TxRad,

Thanks for the tips. I have some Silver Solder floating around. I'll dig it out.

I knew about the Nail Polish Remover but not the Alcohol. (I was thinking about just cleaning it with the Flux.)

Cat

 

[SeaCat]

Cat:
I misunderstood the problem. If I have it right, you need to byuild up the male connector so that it will make proper contact with the female receptor. I may have a solution for you. I found a conducting silver PAINT that should do much the same as solder, only without the heat. Also, you can try several applications until you get just the right thickness. Link below:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/searchtemplate.asp?criteria=CONDUCTING+GLUE

Hey now that might be an idea. Thanks. (I wonder if they sell that here in America? I shall check.)

Cat

 

[SeaCat]

It lives!!!!!

I went on a visit to the local Radio Shack and did some diggin through their arts bins. I found roughly what I wanted. A Male connector, Aligator Clips, etc.

Made a double Jumper Cable. Had to do some resizing of connectors. Tinned the ends of the wires and made the connections nice and clean.

It's not pretty but it works.

Tomorrow I'll redo it. Trim it back, resize it and make the ends even. Hell I'll even make it so there are no exposed wires. Yep I'll make it even easier to use so the wife doesn't have to keep asking me to connect it.

The day after Christmas I'll be visiting my parents, and my father will help me make a permanent cure fo it.

But for right now,
It Lives!!!!!!!

Cat

 

[rgraham666]

Very cool, Cat. Well done.

 

[SeaCat]

Very cool, Cat. Well done.

Thanks Rob.

It took a bit of playing and a lot of cussing but I got the basic set up installed.

Oh how I wish I had my fathers Workshop. He has bins of parts and a nice place to do the work.

Oh well Ill be visiting him the day after Christmas and he has informed me that he expects me to bring the Laptop up so we can do a permanent fix.

My wife will be happy, as will I.

Cat