Karen Kay

I am new to the forum, having found it while searching for information pertaining to problems with the sync connector on the Axim X3. I am currently using my second X3. Both units worked fine until I tried to charge them "on the road" using a travel charger. I have used two different chargers and neither of them fits properly into the connector, a fact which does not become evident until the damage to the connector has already occurred. The unit is now out of warranty and I am trying to find out (a) whether anyone has tried to have their connector replaced (there is a company called Pocket PC Techs which claims to be able to replace the part with original equipment parts) and (b) whether anyone has found a way, short of carrying the cradle in their luggage, to charge it away from home. I posted this message earlier under an existing thread, but realized that the thread was over a year old. If I have violated some kind of forum etiquette by reposting, please excuse. I really like what I have seen on the forum so far...

CRXGSR

I have the broken connector pins on my X3i as well. What I've noticed is it depends on which pins are broken/bent.

If the pins are bent on the left (closest to the Voice Recoder button), then you'll have problems synching.
If the pins are bent on the right (closest to the WiFi button), then you'll have problems charging.

Luckily mine still charges, but won't synch via cable.

As for replacing the connector, I've looked at it myself, and the connect is soldiered into the motherboard. Many people say the only way is to replace the motherboard. But I guess Pocket PC techs found a way, but they chargfe $60 unless you buy some other service from them.

jpmarth

Welcome to the site.

I use a USB travel sync cable to charge when on the road and have had no problems with the connector. You have to make sure to put it on and off straight and squeeze the release on the sides when doing so.

PPCTechs can repair it for you if you are out of warranty. I think they charge about $60 to do so.

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willyneu

It might be worth it to have it repaired. I have been victum of the pins in the Axim getting bent more then once. It was caused bt the 3rd party auto charger that Dell sells. The only connectors that work now is either the cradle or the removable adapter.

aalotg

I also have the X3i. My pins are bent on the left and certainly will not sync. I have to admit I am rather upset that DELL would have produced something so flimsy. I noticed the thin pins the day I pulled the X3i out of the box and was saddened because my expectation was that it might not last long. That was just 4 months ago. It has been even less time that I had expected.

My Axim came with the travel charger. This may have something to do with the very short life of the pins.

I am preparing to use infrared to sync, as it will be the only way after this to do so.

Hope this information is helpful to others trying to figure out why they can't sink or charge.

willyneu

Originally Posted by aalotg

I also have the X3i. My pins are bent on the left and certainly will not sync. I have to admit I am rather upset that DELL would have produced something so flimsy. I noticed the thin pins the day I pulled the X3i out of the box and was saddened because my expectation was that it might not last long. That was just 4 months ago. It has been even less time that I had expected. My Axim came with the travel charger. This may have something to do with the very short life of the pins. I am preparing to use infrared to sync, as it will be the only way after this to do so. Hope this information is helpful to others trying to figure out why they can't sink or charge.

After my travel charger broke, out of warranty naturally, I tried using the gps adapter charger for a while & it finally stopped staying connected.

Even though I can no longer use the auto travel charger the Dell adapter &/or cradle are working ok to sync & charging.

I have briefly read about using the infrared to sync but have not tried it yet. This could be an advantage since & bought a pocket pc w/ a built in receiver. Last week I was able to sync both units using their cradles. Using the infrared sync method could save the inconvenience of connected the two different usb cables.

js1to4

I'm having strange problems with the sync where it will start and complete sync'ing a few items and then it will just stop sync'ing, the activeSync window on the PC times out and then displays a disconnected state. I've tried everything else and am running out of ideas. Does this resemble the symptoms that you've encountered sync'ing with bent/broken pins?

Originally Posted by CRXGSR

I have the broken connector pins on my X3i as well. What I've noticed is it depends on which pins are broken/bent. If the pins are bent on the left (closest to the Voice Recoder button), then you'll have problems synching. If the pins are bent on the right (closest to the WiFi button), then you'll have problems charging. Luckily mine still charges, but won't synch via cable. As for replacing the connector, I've looked at it myself, and the connect is soldiered into the motherboard. Many people say the only way is to replace the motherboard. But I guess Pocket PC techs found a way, but they chargfe $60 unless you buy some other service from them.

Jim Robb

I purchased a used Axim and either damaged the pins on first use, or they came damaged, and I have never been able to sync using the cradle or the adapter. My laptop at home has an IR port and IR syncing works fine there. With my office desktop I'm trying to use an IR to USB connection, but can't get Mircrosoft ActiveSync to recognize it yet. Good Luck!

szpakpapsco

I contacted Dell support today as my pins are bent again and this time I am out of warranty as well. I can charge but not sync so I guess that makes me a lefty. Has anyone actually used PCTechs to get their pins repaired? If so, did it work and if it did, how long did the fix last.
I am thinking about going to a Palm, as I can't sunc with my iBook anyway with the Dell and Dell support sucks!

willyneu

Originally Posted by szpakpapsco

I am thinking about going to a Palm, as I can't sunc with my iBook anyway with the Dell and Dell support sucks!

I do not like the Palm concept. The Pocketpc recognization is better but I prefer using the keyboard.

BMW328AW

id really like to know if PCTech's replacement of the pins really works as mine are bent and i can only charge the x3i. I bought mine used so its not under warranty.

So are there any people who have sent their Axim to PCTech and gotten it fixed?

Karen Kay

Yes, I am the person who originally started this thread, and I did send mine for repair. PCTechs were wonderful and I would highly recommend them. My X3 now syncs great again in the cradle and I will not be using a travel charger any time soon, but instead will carry the parts with which I charged the X3 when I originally purchased it.

Originally Posted by BMW328AW

id really like to know if PCTech's replacement of the pins really works as mine are bent and i can only charge the x3i. I bought mine used so its not under warranty. So are there any people who have sent their Axim to PCTech and gotten it fixed?