RogerH Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 I just bought a used HD500, but when I tried to connect to my computer I got an error message.Did a quick internet search and I realized that this is a common problem on the HD500. The plastic center tap in the USB socket is gone, just 4 pins left... I've seen youtube videos of how to replace the USB socket, but I'm not sure if I dare to do this by myself. I wonder if it's possible just to solder an usb cable directly on the four pins on the USB socket? I know that it wont be pretty, but I think its less chance for me to do any damage inside the POD. Have anybody tried this solution?Edit: I did it, and it's working great now.Se my video of the repair https://youtu.be/mPw0h4D7FPg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 There's probably already been damage inside the POD when the incident first occurred. Usually the fix to this problem requires a new chip inside the POD as well as a new USB socket. It's best to take it to an authorized Line6 service center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerH Posted August 22, 2015 Author Share Posted August 22, 2015 I don't want to spend much money for a repair. Saving for the Helix :-) So I think I will try to do it as I described. If the USB chip is broken then I just have to live wit the old firmware... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radatats Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 I've seen youtube videos of how to replace the USB socket, but I'm not sure if I dare to do this by myself. I wonder if it's possible just to solder an usb cable directly on the four pins on the USB socket? I know that it wont be pretty, but I think its less chance for me to do any damage inside the POD. don't bother trying that. Its really not that hard to replace the USB socket and if the controller chip isn't damaged you are good to go. Better off leaving it alone than attempting what you describe... I am going for the Helix too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexKenivel Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Don't mess with it if the pod works. You could damage it further by messing with the four pins. I speak from experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfsmith0 Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 I seriously doubt the USB chip is bad. All it takers is a slight misalignment to break that center plastic piece. It is quite possible to replace the USB connector. I've done it myself, but I have quite a bit of experience. The hardest part was searching the floor for the springs that go BOING when you open the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerH Posted August 23, 2015 Author Share Posted August 23, 2015 I really want to uppgrade the firmvare. I think it's got version 1.3XX or something. A lot of new features and sounds in the latest firmvare, so I think it's worth a try. I think my original plan is the easy way to check if the USB chip is broken. I just have to solder 4 wires to the pins, and no need for opening the POD. But thanks for your replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumblinman Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I really want to uppgrade the firmvare. I think it's got version 1.3XX or something. A lot of new features and sounds in the latest firmvare, so I think it's worth a try. I think my original plan is the easy way to check if the USB chip is broken. I just have to solder 4 wires to the pins, and no need for opening the POD. But thanks for your replies. Good idea. If it's already broken, you can't break the usb part "more". Let us know how it works for you. Pictures can help others in the future if you feel like adding them. It should be a simple procedure. No need to fork over way too much money to an "authorized repair center" that just pays a fee for a title and some manuals. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CipherHost Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Good idea. If it's already broken, you can't break the usb part "more". Let us know how it works for you. Pictures can help others in the future if you feel like adding them. It should be a simple procedure. No need to fork over way too much money to an "authorized repair center" that just pays a fee for a title and some manuals. Good luck! I was gonna ask if that was the case. (If they pay a fee to be "Authorized") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerH Posted August 24, 2015 Author Share Posted August 24, 2015 It will be at least 8 days before I get home and be able to try this. I will take pictures and maybe a video. But if others will try to do do this, it will be nice if they can share their experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerH Posted September 5, 2015 Author Share Posted September 5, 2015 I did not listen to those who told me it wouldn't work. I soldered a USB cable directly to the pins, and now everything works great. I downloaded the latest firmware, and POD HD edit works great. The solution ain't pretty, but it was easy and cheap. Now I wonder if I sould buy the model packs..... Edit: youtube link https://youtu.be/mPw0h4D7FPg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartnettle1 Posted September 5, 2015 Share Posted September 5, 2015 Now you know it was thew USB it is fairly easy to replace the one on the circuit board. A few screws. You dont have to remove the footswtch board. Just a few ribbon cables But then again save yourself the hassle if all working okay. Well Done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerH Posted September 5, 2015 Author Share Posted September 5, 2015 Now you know it was thew USB it is fairly easy to replace the one on the circuit board. A few screws. You dont have to remove the footswtch board. Just a few ribbon cables But then again save yourself the hassle if all working okay. Well Done! It's good to know that the USB chip is working. But the solution I have now with a USB cable permanently attached isn't so bad (as you can see in my video), so I don't think I'll bother to do any more repairs. The positive thing now, is that I always have a USB cable with me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Watt Posted September 5, 2015 Share Posted September 5, 2015 And you don't have to worry about busting the connector again. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerH Posted September 5, 2015 Author Share Posted September 5, 2015 Yeah, thats right:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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