Damaged FUIM3 - repairable?

[Scooterman]

Happened a while ago, I had senior moment and forgot to unplug it before moving the laptop.

Initially it looks like an easy fix, but looking closer some of the tracks have been pulled off with the mini usb socket

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RpYi7Jk4MX8bkemh6

[Burgerman]

Depending on your soldering sills, and logic, (and microscope!) you can take a USB cable, solder the wires to the rear in the right places. But shirley may be able to sell you an alternative. And theres always BT as I use too.

[Scooterman]

I've got another dongle that's okay. But will only use it when re-charging pack from long winter storage when cells are more unbalanced.

Hopefully Shirley might spot this thread and chip in re his alternative.

Satisfy my curiosity BM, what is BT, a dongle?

Also I have a PL8 which charges find but won't discharge internally, something went pop inside and a puff of smoke a couple of years ago. But like I said it still charges fine. I think I did start to explore taking it apart to have a look, but thinking back I think I came to the conclusion PL8s aren't that easy to dismantle?

[Burgerman]

BlueTooth
I fitted a module in a couple of mine. It does the same thing as the FUIM3 without needing one, or any wires... Lets me drive the PL8 from my bed even if its in th next room.

WHAT went pop would likely be a resistor or a mosfet. Probably easy to see.

[shirley_hkg]

I have one.

You can take it @£10, postage to UK included.

[Scooterman]

Oops sorry for the late reply Shirley I've not had time to get onto WD.com until now.

Yes please if it's still available.

I've messaged you with my new postal address.

[Scooterman]

The dongle arrived today Shirley, I couldn't believe it! You must have sent it by rocket

I'm going to test it out tomorrow.

And the docan cells arrived yesterday, so it's happy days

[Burgerman]

Last year I ordered 3 lenses from 2 companies in HK.
ALL 3 arrived at my dor in 3 working days. I even watched the flight on my Laptop from takoff to landing...

It can be rediculously fast even if HK is the opposite side of the planet.

[shirley_hkg]

NEVER add an extension cable, IF you're doing firmware update.

[Scooterman]

Understood Shirley

But for charging, monitoring, discharging cells, etc, is it okay to use male to female mini usb extension cable?

[Burgerman]

Safe but less reliable. Cable quality matters too.

[shirley_hkg]

for charging, monitoring, discharging cells, etc, is it okay to use male to female mini usb extension cable?

Tested , and everything is fine.

[Burgerman]

All depends how long.

I have a couple that are 3 meters long that go from the 2 PL8s on my bench to my desctop PC base unit. Total reliablity.

All wires including the USBs are in that white trunking. I hate wires... So I dont have any!

[Scooterman]

I have one.

Ah so if I wanted to make a spare one myself...

I need to buy a FT323RL serial converter adaptor.

Then solder a male serial connector (that plugs into PL8) onto them 6 pins.

Then I just need micro male to male USB A cable.

Have you got a wiring diagram for the solder connections?

[Burgerman]

Make sure its opto isolated or bang goes the charger or PC...

[shirley_hkg]

Thanks to woodygb.

[Scooterman]

Thanks Shirley but I'm bit confused as the PL8 plug has 3 wires and diagram only shows 2

[Burgerman]

Shos just ground and signal wire used.

[Burgerman]

Make sure its opto isolated or bang goes the charger or PC...

If you use that, the PC is grounded via the ground wire in the wall.
The PL8 may be powered by a grounded connection in the wall.
So if theres any voltage difference under load or if its tied to ground at any point you will have 30A or more trying to go doen a USB cable... It can take out the PC or the charger...

[Scooterman]

So is GND and RXD wires all that’s needed?

How about TXD, shouldn’t that have a wire for writing preset to PL8?

[Scooterman]

Ignore my above reply I posted it while you were posting. I don't really know what I'm doing.

I don't think I will make one up, I've got the Revolectrix one and Shirley's one, that'll be enough for now.

And if in the future I need another one, I'm sure shirley would make another one for me.

Thanks for your's and shirley's help anyway

[Burgerman]

Never saw shirleys, hope its isolated!

If it isnt, remove the earth, ground cable in the wall plug at least if its a desktop, if its a laptop you are likely OK.

Best insurance is https://www.amazon.co.uk/usb-isolator/s?k=usb+isolator