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Author Topic: Problem with USB connector.  (Read 14639 times)

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BobR

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Problem with USB connector.
« on: September 29, 2008, 11:50:29 AM »
I know a few people on the forum have had issues with the connector on the rear of the RB box for the antenna in so far as a small movement can have a big effect on reception be it positive or negative.

However I seem to have an problem with the USB connector on the RB box and was wondering if anybody else had anything similar. I noticed it this morning with a distinct lack of contacts on the screen. The USB and Signal lights were hardly flashing. I picked up the box and held it verticall with the connectors facing down and the screen lit up.

As soon as I returned it to its horizontal plane the lights stopped flashing and the contacts timed out by about 80%.

After a bit of expeimenting I came to the conclusion it was the USB and not the Antenna. By putting a clothes peg (very technical I know) under the USB connector to it seems to make the connection more solid and the contacts return.

I am intending to contact and return the unit as faulty to the supplier as its only about 3 months old.

Has anybody else experienced this fault at all and if so I have a ready supply of clothes pegs available!!!

Cheers,

Bob

Allocator

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2008, 01:32:13 PM »
Bob,

It it the connector or the cable?

Have you tried a different USB cable?

The only other USB issue I can recall is when somebody managed to push the whole USB socket into the box whilst plugging in the cable!  My RadarBox has been used and abused for about 15 months now, being used fixed - at a number of different locations, and portable and I've had no antenna or USB connecter problems.  However, I am very carefull when making the connections but I'm aware that sometimes I'm putting sideways pressure on the connectors due to the location on the box.

CoastGuardJon

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2008, 02:44:01 PM »
Had the same with a USB and ethernet port on a lap-top, the connector to pcb solder joints cracked causing intermittent contacts, until they became 100% no contact.   The connector is usually just soldered to the pcb, using the electrical connections as the mechanical mount as well.
ANRB :  AOR AR8000 : Icom R-7000 : Icom IC-R9000 : JRC NRD-545 : OptoElectronics Digital Scout and OptoLinx Interface; Realistic Pro-2005 : UBC 800XLT - listed in alphabetical order, not cost, preference, performance or entertainment value!

flightchecker

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2008, 09:00:49 AM »
"Deadright" concerning the above, CoastGuardJohn.

A “trade off” to be realized with nowadays consumers equipment, whilst the commercial (and even “older” not to say vintage and of course more expensive one) ties(d) connectors to the (metal) cabinets, housing the PCBs. Expecially “tiny” connectors (as are RBs “SMA" ones) suffer this problem if “confronted” with rather thick and stiff coaxial cables, (Ecoflex, Aircell etc.) acting as a “lever arm” on the connectors, soldered directly to the PCB.
Two ways to get around: prevent moving the receiver / cable assembly if even possible, thus limiting the above “lever arm behavior”.
Better: provide a short peace of “flexible” (thin) coaxial cable (“pigtail” by its nickname) with  SMA male / female connectors between the (thick / stiff) feeder Coax  and the receivers SMA input connector.

Karl

PS.: BTW, I've seen hundreds of thousands of SMA connectors in my "RF / MW life". Not one,
whose inner connectors "withdraw", when plugged and screwed to its "counterpart", as happened to some RB users during attaching the antenna to the input connector, to be read up in earlier threads. Again a question of quality. And, a BNC connector would have done better. More rugged, and FULLY capable of handling the input signals frequency range that it is about.

K.

“PS.: & BTW 2”, always try to ONLY tighten / turn the “connecting nut” in the above and similar application if making a connection. NEVER twist the connectors outer contact-surfaces themselve against each other. Their fine surface coating will wear out, thus deteriorating contact between them, consequently increasing the connections attenuation.
It’s worth to “fight for any db” (even fractions of a db)  in this frequency range.
K

« Last Edit: September 30, 2008, 09:47:39 AM by flightchecker »

Allocator

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2008, 09:29:56 AM »
It's interesting that the "new" SBS-1e has replaced the BNC connector with an SMA connector.

flightchecker

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2008, 09:54:33 AM »
Damm it !!!! Allocator.

Let's hope at least, they've been deciding for a good quality type of SMA connector. With other words: an "inner - pin - non - retractable" version.

Regards

Karl


Allocator

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2008, 10:16:04 AM »
Yes, we all know what progress is ........... :-)

In fairness to AirNav, the problem with the retracting SMA centre pin was with the antenna and not the box itself and it didn't appear to affect all users.  Once you've approved an item, unless you are building it in-house, then the quality control is down to the supplier but they're not the ones who suffer 6 months down the line if there's a probem!

GlynH

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2008, 12:34:13 PM »
Interestingly although ML&S have mention of it on their website there is no sign of it whatsoever on Kinetic Avionics own website.

Usual show of support from the manufacturer?

Nothing new there then...;^)

Rregards,
-=Glyn=-

Allocator

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2008, 12:50:11 PM »
That will be the Kinetic Avionics Website with the PDF specifications sheet that says that the SBS-1 has MapModeS - "..a unique sharing network etc" - still not delivered after 2 years of promises.

I really wonder how they can get away with publishing this incorrect information.

Do check out my eBay sale for a device that turns lead into gold - it doesn't quite work yet, but if you buy it now, then I'll let you know as soon as it's fully functional - ha ha!

Terry

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2008, 01:09:23 PM »
Have you seen this months magazines at all ,very nice spread,hailing the new device.They say it fits into the palm of your hand,well,so does my old machine after i reversed over it and i must be ahead of them because mines 3 months old.Enough levity,the RB gets a good mention too,but nothing will sway me from this side now!Remember,a bit of lipstick,powder and paint,can make a woman look something that she aint!No offence intended to the fairer sex,its just an old quote?

                   Terry.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2008, 01:15:07 PM by Terry »

Allocator

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2008, 01:19:20 PM »
Even better, the SBS-1e magazine advert shows a screen shot that is actually 2 screen shots of 3rd party programs Google Earth and Flight Display(?) joined together, rather than a screen shot of the Kinetic BaseStation software - there's confidence for you!
« Last Edit: September 30, 2008, 01:21:21 PM by Allocator »

Terry

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2008, 01:24:49 PM »
I wonder.If its two screen shots,thats, why you gey a pair of those green and red paper glasses thingies,they`re going 3D ,HaaaaA! In yor dreams........

            Terry.

BobR

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2008, 03:42:59 PM »
Looks like its the connector rather than the cable. I tried a new cable last night and it is replicating the same problem.

RB support have been excellent and I am returning the unit for repair/replacement tommorow. Hopefully it wont be too long or what will I do with all my time!

Bob

Bob,

It it the connector or the cable?

Have you tried a different USB cable?

The only other USB issue I can recall is when somebody managed to push the whole USB socket into the box whilst plugging in the cable!  My RadarBox has been used and abused for about 15 months now, being used fixed - at a number of different locations, and portable and I've had no antenna or USB connecter problems.  However, I am very carefull when making the connections but I'm aware that sometimes I'm putting sideways pressure on the connectors due to the location on the box.


GlynH

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2008, 03:47:32 PM »
That will be the Kinetic Avionics Website with the PDF specifications sheet that says that the SBS-1 has MapModeS - "..a unique sharing network etc" - still not delivered after 2 years of promises.

I really wonder how they can get away with publishing this incorrect information.

Yes...that'll be the one and I haven't a clue!

I know it's off topic but I just can't resist...please bear with me...;^)

I have just seen the latest annoouncement from that same Kinetic website, quote;

"Update 27/06/2008 PLEASE NOTE We are experiencing ongoing telephone problems due to a British Telecom routing issue. It appears as if we are not answering the phones when, in fact, they are not ringing. We kindly ask that you keep trying whilst BT endeavour to resolve the problem."

SBS-1 users deserve to be told the truth...it's not BT really is it...you've all gone home haven't you?

Is it any reason the abbreviation for their BaseStation software is BS?

<snigger>

Seriously though I believe Christmas 2006 is going to be great for all SBS-1 users according to the latest news update;

http://www.kineticavionics.com/news.php

And here was me thinking the good news was they would only have to wait another 6 months...for AirNav to release the RadarBox in June 2007!

Remind me again - why on earth did I buy a RadarBox when I could have a display like this;

http://www.kineticavionics.com/imagepopup.php?images/Basestation1.jpg

Do you know what it is yet?

It looks like migraine to me...I'll have that pair of green & red paper glasses for Christmas 2006 if that's OK please Terry?



Do check out my eBay sale for a device that turns lead into gold - it doesn't quite work yet, but if you buy it now, then I'll let you know as soon as it's fully functional - ha ha!

Question for Seller:
The .pdf for your device that turns lead into gold states it has MapMode-S.
I believe you and wish to waste my money - will you take PrayPal?

I've got to stop...all this laughing hurts and I am finding it difficult typing with tears in my eyes...

Regards,
-=Glyn=-
« Last Edit: September 30, 2008, 03:49:32 PM by GlynH »

Terry

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Re: Problem with USB connector.
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2008, 05:53:46 PM »
Chaps,i`ve got a lot of those 3D paper thingies,thought they would come in handy one day.Glyn that display takes me back to the 60s,all you need to go with that is a Led Zepplin LP and a couple of LSD pills,god only knows what you could see then?

   
                            Terry.

     P.S Sent you a pair in 2005 in anticipation,
« Last Edit: September 30, 2008, 06:01:29 PM by Terry »