[Ovmsdev] USB port fragility

[Jarkko Ruoho]

Hi,

USB-C would be good for future proofing.

Another mechanically lasting option would be fixed cable. It's also very
ugly :)

In my experience also shaking could be a problem, if you have the USB-cable
connected. So maybe Micheal's warning should include also a warning against
vehicle usage with USB-cable always connected to the device. Hot glue with
good installation (also cable supported near the connector), should last
there quite well.

I have an electrified lawnmower, where I use Arduino for the blade speed
control. Due to blade imbalance there is more shake than in an electric
car, but micro-USB connectors broke there in less than one hour. Mini-USB
variants lasted longer, but I think that's just a small incremental
improvement. Now it works fine, as I have no cable connected during normal
operation.


ke 5. elok. 2020 klo 18.23 Collin Kidder (collink at kkmfg.com) kirjoitti:

> I've had my fair share of USB connector failures over the years. Actually,
> that is the reason that all EVTV boards have had USB-B (the type you see on
> a printer) ports for years now. The giant USB-B connector is not likely to
> break off and hasn't ever done so for us. I'll bet you probably don't want
> to switch to such a huge connector but it solved the problem for us.
>
> On Tue, Aug 4, 2020 at 2:51 AM Mark Webb-Johnson <mark at webb-johnson.net>
> wrote:
>
>> In this batch we tried to address the reported / experienced problems:
>>
>>
>>    1. USB port dislodged with rough handling - change was to increase
>>    solder pad area and adjust thermal profile when soldering
>>    2. Large capacitors dislodged during shipment - change was to
>>    increase solder pad area and adjust thermal profile when soldering
>>    3. Reports of GPS Antenna non functional (no continuity) - change to
>>    new (more robust) internal antenna cable
>>
>>
>> We have also seen #3 seen internally, during random QC checks, with the
>> GSM Antenna (although no reports from users).
>>
>> If you remember, back when v3.2 was released we had to change that
>> internal antenna cable (due to ROHS issues with the type of plastic used).
>> Since then we have had a number of reported issues with GPS reception that
>> were traced back to poor contacts or no continuity with these internal
>> antennas (particularly the batch late last year). So, we (a) add a QC step
>> to check continuity and ‘wiggle’ the antennas to ensure they are stable,
>> and (b) change the component to a ROHS compatible antenna similar to the
>> previous one we used. The new component feels much more solid (particularly
>> when connecting to the modem PCB) and so far tests 100% with no QC failures.
>>
>> Regards, Mark.
>>
>> On 4 Aug 2020, at 2:39 PM, Michael Balzer <dexter at expeedo.de> wrote:
>>
>> Great, that looks much more rigid and should solve the issue.
>>
>> What's the reason for / benefit of the thicker antenna cables? Also just
>> rigidity, or do they have an effect on signal strength?
>>
>> Regards,
>> Michael
>>
>>
>> Am 04.08.20 um 03:24 schrieb Mark Webb-Johnson:
>>
>>
>> The small solder area is my suspicion too, and a relatively easy fix.
>> Through hole would be better but would require a new component and circuit
>> redesign (with associated complexity and re-certification issues). Here are
>> some pictures of the 2020-06-15 batch with the changes. But it will be some
>> time before distribution stock is cleared out and those start to be
>> shipped. Note also that 2020-06-15 also includes a change to new thicker
>> antenna cables for both GPS and GSM.
>>
>> Regards, Mark.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4 Aug 2020, at 9:11 AM, Craig Leres <leres at xse.com> wrote:
>>
>> On 2020-08-03 01:26, Michael Balzer wrote:
>>
>> I've had multiple cases now of damaged and broken off USB ports.
>>
>>
>> I managed a mechanical "no heat" desolder of the usb port on one of my
>> modules last year (I wasn't careful when sliding the seat back with a cable
>> plugged in). When I took it apart I could see that there was not very much
>> solder in the four holes that secure the usb shell to the board. At the
>> time my suspicion was that the small amount of solder from the factory wave
>> solder made for a weak bond. I was lucky that I didn't lift any pads and
>> was able to resolder it.
>>
>> Craig
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>>
>>
>> --
>> Michael Balzer * Helkenberger Weg 9 * D-58256 Ennepetal
>> Fon 02333 / 833 5735 * Handy 0176 / 206 989 26
>>
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