d0pefish

I have successfully modified my Brando retractable Charge + Sync cable so that it does NOT try to charge my Axim over USB while it is turned on and synced - i.e. cause the screen to flicker / charging to be erratic.

So it is now just similar to the official Dell cables if I am correct - it only charges when the Axim is off.

Here's how I did it to my Brando, it's quite simple. Just be careful. I am guessing that other sync / charge cables might be similar.

Stuff you'll need:


Undo the two screws on the plug at Axim end of the cable, and gently take the plug halves apart. Then lift out the actual socket and board from the plastic housing.

Determine which side is which. On the Brando, turn the socket so that the half with the three sets of double PCB tracks (leading to soldered pins on the socket) is facing up towards you.

Then slide a very thin screwdriver under the metal plate to unclip it and remove it.



Find the pair of tracks on the left of the PCB (i.e. if the connector's edge is facing away from you, and the rest of the cable is towards you). Look at the next photo for reference.



You want to make a clean cut across the two tracks leading to the far left pins, as shown. Do NOT cut the actual wire leading to the PCB, as it also delivers power to the Axim's "real" USB power in via the other side of the PCB.

Cut firmly but not too deep, just enough to break the connection. Make sure that the connections are fully broken and that there is an actual gap - look very closely to make sure. Be VERY careful here. You may find it easier if you gently scratch off some of the green coating over the tracks.

Once you have made the cut, reassemble the plug, making sure everything's the right way round. If you did it right, it should sync up with your Axim but not try to charge it unless you turn it off.

DISCLAIMER
This worked perfectly for me. My Axim behaves correctly and as expected having done this procedure. I cannot be held responsible if you fry your Axim or your PC, or render your cable useless. Or even cut your hands. Your fault. I am only posting my advice here in case anyone confident and capable enough to do this would like to try it.

I did this because I really did not feel comfortable seeing my Axim's screen flicker on and off in that way. It didn't even charge the battery properly, on all of the PCs I tried it with. The Axim is not supposed to be charged in this way over USB while it is on, so I am quite sure that doing this will make the cable much safer to use - either charge OR sync, but not at the same time.

I hope this is helpful! :) Good luck!

d0pefish

Sorry. Maybe this thread would be more appropriate in the X50 Accessories forum...

Any nice moderator care to move it? :)

uzziah0

I have an X%, and I am always careful about my work retractable sync cable (can't remember which brand) in reguards to connecting while battery is low. But, I will take mine apart next week to look to see if it is the same. I'll let you know next week how it works for mine.

Cheryl

Originally Posted by d0pefish

Sorry. Maybe this thread would be more appropriate in the X50 Accessories forum... Any nice moderator care to move it? :)

Your wish is my command ;). Just remember - I'm a nice one

d0pefish

Originally Posted by Cheryl

Your wish is my command ;). Just remember - I'm a nice one

Cheers!

Well, I've been using my modified cable at various places now and it's working great - I use it at school to copy my work to/from my Axim, and then when I'm done I just switch the power off so I can top up its power. :)

If anyone else tries this mod, or can post details on how to do it to a different brand of cable or for a different model of Axim let us know how it goes in this thread! :)

ironchef

Nice hack. :)

uzziah0

Ohhh crumbs.

I have a Lil' Sync cable (by ppc techs) and it is different, so this will not work for me. I opened my cable and it looks very different inside.

noone289

Thanks for the tip. My cable was a bit newer and so the pics were a little different from mine, but the concpet was the same and it worked like a champ! Thanks a lot. Now we just need to figure out why Brando didn't do this to begin with.