How can I prevent a broken power pin?

[nobody@nowhere]

It finally hit me too, and after only about two weeks of use.

Can anyone recommend a technique for inserting and removing the power connector which does not break the pin so easily?

- Paul

:mad:

[reinbeau]

Originally posted by nobody@nowhere
It finally hit me too, and after only about two weeks of use.

Can anyone recommend a technique for inserting and removing the power connector which does not break the pin so easily?

- Paul

:mad: Don't us it? :rolleyes:

Seriously, it's so fragile I'd avoid it like the plague.....which I didn't, broke mine while hiking and using an external battery pack. I'm having the universal palm connector put on the pack now, and won't have the problem anymore......also won't have the pin, but I don't think I really need it. I could RMA it, I suppose, but I'll wait for a more pressing issue.

[nobody@nowhere]

Originally posted by reinbeau
. . . I'm having the universal palm connector put on the pack now, and won't have the problem anymore......also won't have the pin, but I don't think I really need it. I could RMA it, I suppose, but I'll wait for a more pressing issue. [/B]

What is the universal pal connector?

And how does this make such that you "won't have the pin"?

[f4phantomii]

I heeded Ann's advice....just don't use the pin....period.

Nearly all of the accessories for the iQue come with a standard Palm-style universal connector. I imagine everyone strongly recommends using those over ones that connect through the pin.

I also recall a post by Jonas(?) a few days ago about some 3rd party pin connectors that were less harsh on the power pin if you are one of those people that just absolutely *must* use the pin. Do a search for it.

But, I still recommend my approach....leave the pin virgin....don't use it.

-Michael

[reinbeau]

Originally posted by nobody@nowhere
What is the universal pal connector?

And how does this make such that you "won't have the pin"? The universal palm connector is the same as the connector on your cradle, it doesn't use the power pin at all. Much better connection to the battery pack.

[pdegnan]

Paul, I broke mine after a month, and it wasn't inserting or taking it out - I use mine on a motorcycle and haven't set up a real solid mount yet, so I am sure the vibration and bouncing probably caused the problem. It it's mounted securely wherever you use it, I think you'll be fine, just don't yank it out or push it in as an afterthought, take your time.

Ann, nothing in the FAQ's directs me to where to find a universal Palm connector - if you have a website address, sure would appreciate it. Even though I think the pin connector is usable, sure would rather the stability and ruggedness of the palm plug. Thanks.

Phil

[nobody@nowhere]

Originally posted by reinbeau
The universal palm connector is the same as the connector on your cradle, it doesn't use the power pin at all. Much better connection to the battery pack.

Ann, that helps a lot. But this causes two more questions to arise.

1. The pin is still stuck in my adapter. The cradle still uses the adapter to get power. So is there any good way to get the pin out, like chewing gum or something?

2. Using the cradle is okay for when I am home, but what is something good to use when I am in my car? Do the various mounts use that?

- Paul

[terrier]

Originally posted by nobody@nowhere
Ann, that helps a lot. But this causes two more questions to arise.

1. The pin is still stuck in my adapter. The cradle still uses the adapter to get power. So is there any good way to get the pin out, like chewing gum or something?

2. Using the cradle is okay for when I am home, but what is something good to use when I am in my car? Do the various mounts use that?

- Paul

Paul, I had the same thing happen to me on the way home form our Christmas vacation. I ended up pushing the pin all the way in, after trying tweezers (with no luck at all). This allowed me to be able to connect to the power supply to the cradle and run the power supply with my power inverter. I secured the cables with tape and acutally used a candy wrapper to keep the cables from getting gummy (one makes due).

I am avoiding using my post-RMA power connector so I order a set of power adapters (ac and dc) that use the universal connector, travel sync cable, and a bunch of extras that I really don't need but came in an ebay package deal. Not a bad price if they ever get the shipping right. You can pick up the cables individually for less than $10 each or get the package for $30 with a buch of other stuff.

BTW, the cradle fit perfectly on my Honda Pilot's console. I drove about 3000 miles using the Q sitting on the hot sync craddle using the internal antenna. Sounds a bit silly I guess, but worth the trouble.

[jonasolof]

Originally posted by nobody@nowhere
It finally hit me too, and after only about two weeks of use.

Can anyone recommend a technique for inserting and removing the power connector which does not break the pin so easily?

- Paul

:mad:

Sorry, but first you need to study the mechanics of the jack, pin and plug. The pin in the jack is frail to take the tensile load and the leverage of an inserted plug, being only 0.65 mm thick and probably not well fastened at its "root".


To use the pin, I think it is a good idea to

- lubricate the hole in the plug using a non resinating lubricant.

- increase the diameter of the plug near its base so that it inserts with friction into the jack barrel and prevents moving sideways.


Look in this thread for more details (http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34052&highlight=jack)

But: The easy solution would be to use a Palm Tungsten/m5xx charger with a universal connector. Garmin would be grateful for your not using their power jack.