I've got a Garmin nuvi 205 unit and it is able to charge when connected to the PC via USB (to mini-usb) cable. for some reason the cable I have does not charge the device. I've noticed that the only difference btwn my cable and one specified as garmin accessory is the cylindrical plastic on the cable near the mini-usb connector. I've tested this theory by borrowing such a cable for a Motorola phone and it charges without issue. does this cylindrical bit have a role to play in getting a device to charge via USB? Have a look at the attached pic.
device not charging via USB port
- Thread starter gphillipk
- Start date
joe_burban
Registered
The little thing is just a magnetic/electric shield. If you were to remove it and open it, you would find that it houses (one or two) magnets that would surround the cable.
I doubt that it would cause the difference -- but I really don't know. I would think that you might be able to get a shield from Radio Shack/Circuit City (whatever still exists) to attach to your your cable... to test the theory. Or, remove the shield from the Garmin cable -- it just snaps around, right? If so, you could snap it back on afterward.
I hope this helps. If not, I hope it's at least a wee bit informative.
I doubt that it would cause the difference -- but I really don't know. I would think that you might be able to get a shield from Radio Shack/Circuit City (whatever still exists) to attach to your your cable... to test the theory. Or, remove the shield from the Garmin cable -- it just snaps around, right? If so, you could snap it back on afterward.
I hope this helps. If not, I hope it's at least a wee bit informative.
Got this on another forum - could be my problem:
"The mini-USB specification is fairly reliable and rigid in terms. But
it does include some options that allow for variations. For example,
there is a resistor involved and the value of it can be varied to give a
cable supplied with a for a specific device a "personality".
For example, some cell phones will only change from the charging adapter
(which has a mini-USB connector) that was supplied with the device.
That is a case where the phone checks for a resistor of a know specific
value and won't charge if it is not found. So it puts you in a position
of having to have a number of chargers, one for each specific device,
with all of them doing the same basic thing.
If you add a resistor or change the value of a resistor, you can
sometime amend the personality of a charger to work with other devices.
Of course, life is a crap game, you're betting that it won't ruin your
device, and you may lose the bet. :>)
All the details of what Garmin has done or may have done in the way of
giving any of their cables "personalities" is not documented by Garmin
so it has to be figured out as we go along. That link about the nuvi
cable resistor value is one case of that."
"The mini-USB specification is fairly reliable and rigid in terms. But
it does include some options that allow for variations. For example,
there is a resistor involved and the value of it can be varied to give a
cable supplied with a for a specific device a "personality".
For example, some cell phones will only change from the charging adapter
(which has a mini-USB connector) that was supplied with the device.
That is a case where the phone checks for a resistor of a know specific
value and won't charge if it is not found. So it puts you in a position
of having to have a number of chargers, one for each specific device,
with all of them doing the same basic thing.
If you add a resistor or change the value of a resistor, you can
sometime amend the personality of a charger to work with other devices.
Of course, life is a crap game, you're betting that it won't ruin your
device, and you may lose the bet. :>)
All the details of what Garmin has done or may have done in the way of
giving any of their cables "personalities" is not documented by Garmin
so it has to be figured out as we go along. That link about the nuvi
cable resistor value is one case of that."
Hughvane
Registered
Have you tested the cable you currently have, cylinder 'n' all, with any other devices? That would show if the cable itself is faulty, a distinct possibility.
I would be skeptical about a 'planted' resistor in a standard USB A - USB Mini cable. They're inexpensive, and you could perhaps test one if you bought it over the counter at an electronics store rather than online.
I would be skeptical about a 'planted' resistor in a standard USB A - USB Mini cable. They're inexpensive, and you could perhaps test one if you bought it over the counter at an electronics store rather than online.