I've got two Garmin Edge computers - a 200 and a 500 - with dead mini USB ports. Or at least, I think that's the problem - despite trying different cables and power sources, neither charges when plugged in. Is this the most likely cause? I've cleaned the ports with no success.
If it is a new port that'll save them, I'm struggling to find a guide online for replacing them. I can solder, but it's a mess and I'm not very precise. Is it a straightforward enough job for someone who's not particularly electronically minded? What is the process?
And is this the port I need?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004818118085.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.2c5e6c2dxB4PG8&mp=1
It seems a shame to chuck them if they could be saved. Failing that, if someone in Edinburgh wants them they're yours for nothing.
On two devices? Most likely cable issues but the batteries may also be so goosed they don't wake up. Try leaving them on charge for a hour (even if display doesn't wake) with your best cable then unplug and replug and see if they wake up. Then I might open up and check battery voltage, maybe disconnect battery and apply voltage direct if that works change battery - that's pretty cheap and easy to do. Changing the port even with the correct tools is hella difficult you are more likely to do damage than fix, very last thing I'd attempt.
Some types of batteries won't charge if their voltage drops below a certain point. I've had this issue with old Nickel Metal Hydride mobile phone batteries.
The best fix I've found is to get to the battery (remove the cover on a Garmin Edge I guess) then attach a higher voltage power source to the battery plus/minus terminals and give the battery a quick 'zap' of the higher voltage. I've done this for somewhere between 10-60 seconds. It's a bit of trial and error 😮
I did this to a 3.6v battery and I used a 6v power supply.
That should be enough to raise the battery voltage to the point where it will start to accept a charge from the normal charger.
I had a Garmin 520 that died because the micro USB copper contacts got bent and mangled after many years of use.
I had a Garmin 520 that died because the micro USB copper contacts got bent and mangled after many years of use.
Garmin used to be pretty good at offering cheap replacement units for out of warranty issues. Might be worth contacting them.
The problem is the USB port is attached to a ribbon cable which is then encased in a resin making it difficult to replace just the port. It can be done if you have the tools to micro solder. In the past I have just bought a new back. You can pick these up from ebay and aliexpress for about £10.
Funnily enough I came across this earlier today. Not used myself so buyer beware.