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A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:31 am
by HCMarkus
Having recently been forced to disassemble my almost new Nexus T6 keyboard to access, desolder and replace its USB port (I fractured the connector when I stepped on an attached USB cable), I was interested in finding a way to prevent future similar damage. Let's face it: a USB port with a cable projecting from it at 90 degrees from the plane on which the port is mounted is an accident waiting to happen. And when that mostly-plastic port is the only way a device can be powered and/or connected, its integrity is critical. Replacement USB Type B ports are super cheap, under $1 each. The problem is the time and skill required to remove and replace them when they fail.

In the interest of reducing future hair loss, I found and ordered these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LP ... UTF8&psc=1

Had I only thought of this before destroying the port on my T6 and, over time, wrecking the USB port on my Yamaha Motif. By placing the cable fulcrum close to the USB port, angular forces are much reduced and the port protected. The linked pair of short cables is one of several solutions, and offer the added benefit of a release point external to the attached device.

Anyone using a USB-connected keyboard might want to consider adopting one of these adaptors. Up/Down/Left/Right orientations are available.

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 6:18 pm
by FMiguelez
Not only a good, but a great idea!

I use similar ones (but not nearly as nice as those) for my iLok and eLicensers. They are just like little USB extensions, and they only protect the iLok but NOT the USB port as you pointed out.

I'm getting at least a couple of these.

Thanks HCM! :dance:

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 12:17 am
by HCMarkus
My Pleasure FM!

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 9:00 am
by terrybritton
Excellent idea! Having just a few months ago having to solder in a replacement USB socket on my Akai MPK225, I never want to do it again if I can help it! :-)

Thanks!

Terry

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 9:03 am
by mothra
Oooooo gonna order a few of those today!! Im not worried about killing my ports but, the way my desk is setup, I have a bunch of wasted space in between some gear because the USB B plugs stick straight out of the back of like my Blofeld and TD-3. My MPC can use one too!

I wonder if they make these in USB-C too.. My new Mac mini could use some of these, those USB-C ports are tiny and all my cables are just hanging down off the back of it..

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 9:13 am
by HCMarkus
terrybritton wrote:Excellent idea! Having just a few months ago having to solder in a replacement USB socket on my Akai MPK225, I never want to do it again if I can help it! :-)

Thanks!

Terry
With you there... and it's not the soldering so much as accessing and Desoldering the broken socket.
And then there's the fear that always accompanies surgery; will the patient awake in post-op? :smash:

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 5:27 am
by SheltonBeckfield
I utilize comparative ones (yet not close to as pleasant as those) for my iLok and eLicensers. They are much the same as little USB expansions, and they just ensure the iLok however NOT the USB port as you called attention to.

Re: A Good Idea, methinks

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 8:58 am
by mikehalloran
These solve similar problems at the other end:

Image

Amazon, eBay etc.