:( POD HD500 USB Pins got bent - My Bad!! :(

[arturocivit]

Hi there guys, the pins on my POD500 USB port got bent, it was my bad, not sure how, but when placing the USB cord I think I pushed to far and didn't noticed the plastic block was missing, at the end I got the plastic block outside the USB port and the inner pins bent, wondering if there's a way to fix this? I love my pod and will hate to not being able to edit using the pod edit or not even being able to backup all my patches.

 

:(

 

Thanks in advance!

Arturo

[arturocivit]

Or at least, if exist, a way to back up my patches.

[silverhead]

I would recommend getting the repair done properly at an authorized Line 6 service center. Chances are it's not just the port that needs to be replaced - an inner circuit board likely also needs to be replaced.

 

Until your USB connection is working properly again there is no way that I know of to backup your presets, use the editor, or update/reinstall the firmware.

[arturocivit]

I would recommend getting the repair done properly at an authorized Line 6 service center. Chances are it's not just the port that needs to be replaced - an inner circuit board likely also needs to be replaced.

 

Until your USB connection is working properly again there is no way that I know of to backup your presets, use the editor, or update/reinstall the firmware.

 

Thanks a lot Silverhead, problem is, I live in Venezuela, so no L6 support center here :(

[arturocivit]

on your own risk!

 

a possible quick way workaround

 

the long way fix if you have at least decent tech skills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlY3sV4UXk4

 

Hey man, thanks a lot, the second video is kind of complex to do it by myself, the first one makes sense, the thing is, how he attached the wires to the pins?

[arturocivit]

I would say that he soldered the wires to the pins

 

I see, well I still need to find a way to have the wires attached to the pins in order to solder them together, a knot or something, thnaks a lot bro

[skybone]

If there are no Line6 Authorised repairers near you, why not have a chat with your local PC repairer/technician. Surely they can repair, or at least assess what's wrong with your USB port.

[turbopyt]

If you still have the plastic you can glue it back. This was my solution.

[pfsmith0]

This happened to me as well. All I did was plug in the USB cable slightly off-center and "snap", the black plastic center piece fell out.I was able to replace the connector without any issues at all, but I'm used to soldering and taking things apart (MSEE degree - old school, back when we actually touched circuits). I removed the PCB to get access to the top and bottom layers and had to suck solder off both sides of the old thru-hole USB connector to get it out without tearing up any traces. You don't need to replace the USB chip if all that's broken is the connector. A great USB connector replacement can be bought here from Mouser. In case the link doesn't work, the Mouser part # is 649-61729-1011BLF. They cost less than $1 USD each and are quite robust.

[bjnette]

The USB connector replacement is the way to go. Use a wick or solder sucker to clean off the joints and I think the fixing lugs might also be soldered to the board  to prevent the USB socket from breaking easily. Who knew the internal lug would be the weak link.

 

The work around would be your alternative but it looks like the pins are tinned then the tinned joining wire is 

soldered after they are all tinned firsts.

[bjnette]

Most importantly, a quality iron is needed especially one with a  controllable temp.

The cheap irons generally aren't hot enough and often fail after a few hours of use.

Even someone skilled at soldering can be a failure with a iron that is too cold. 

The $50 to $100 ones are generally better then $10-20 ones.