Database Develop

[Fix]Nexus 7 Bent USB Port

I just wanted to let everyone know that the usb charging port on the N7 is very, very fragile. I had my device connected with the stock cable while transferring file from my pc and it accidentally fell on the carpet. The connector bent slightly and now my port outside metal contactor is deformed. It still works like it's supposed to, but it really bugs the hell out of me.
Edit: I managed to bend the connector back to shape. See pictures below. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Sent from my Nexus 7 - 1.5 Ghz OC Atlantis R2

Damaged port
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This is how I fixed it. I needed a small tool with a smooth, rounded end.
Connect a spare USB cable. Don't risk damaging the original.
Ensure it is firmly connected and hold it straight.
Place tablet between your legs as shown.
I disconnected the USB cable for better view. Apply a small force at a 45° angle with connector plugged in and straight.
Disconnect cable and see the results. You might need to repeat this process if enough force was not applied.
Before on left, after on right

Soldier-2Point0 said:
I just wanted to let everyone know that the usb charging port on the N7 is very, very fragile. I had my device connected with the stock cable while transferring file from my pc and it accidentally fell on the carpet. The connector bent slightly and now my port outside metal contactor is deformed. It still works like it's supposed to, but it really bugs the hell out of me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 - 1.5 Ghz OC Atlantis R2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All micro usb ports are pretty fragile.
For the very small portion that actually goes into the port, the external portion is much longer and pretty rigid. It provides lots of leverage to do damage to your port if you put a little force on it - which dropping easily can do.
you're lucky the middle connector section inside the port didn't break.

Ouch that reminds of someone's post about the docking stations that use the usb port to charge. They mentioned they would hate to damage the port, and preferred to have a dock that used the 4 pin dots instead..
I feel your pain.

I hope Asus didn't go for the cheapest mini USB port like they did for the audio DAC. This port will get a lot of use, every time you charge at least and if if fails the tablet would be useless.

bend it back to shape as best as you can.

demandarin said:
bend it back to shape as best as you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recommendations?
MB860, CM7.2.0, Faux 026b1 1Ghz

Soldier-2Point0 said:
I just wanted to let everyone know that the usb charging port on the N7 is very, very fragile. I had my device connected with the stock cable while transferring file from my pc and it accidentally fell on the carpet. The connector bent slightly and now my port outside metal contactor is deformed. It still works like it's supposed to, but it really bugs the hell out of me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 - 1.5 Ghz OC Atlantis R2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry about your damage, but I'd hardly call this fragile. I'm really starting to be amazed by people's expectations. I'm sorry to say that it you drop a small electronic device on the floor, you run a reasonable risk of some damage. In your case you add the focal point of the charger plug to direct the force of the fall entirely on the USB port. There's no USB port out there that's going to hold up to that without some kind of damage.
I would caution a bit against trying to straighten the port though. You may end up severing the connection in the process. I'd personally only attempt it if the functionality of the port is somehow reduced (like the charger doesn't stay plugged in very well.

MWBehr said:
I'm sorry about your damage, but I'd hardly call this fragile. I'm really starting to be amazed by people's expectations. I'm sorry to say that it you drop a small electronic device on the floor, you run a reasonable risk of some damage. In your case you add the focal point of the charger plug to direct the force of the fall entirely on the USB port. There's no USB port out there that's going to hold up to that without some kind of damage.
I would caution a bit against trying to straighten the port though. You may end up severing the connection in the process. I'd personally only attempt it if the functionality of the port is somehow reduced (like the charger doesn't stay plugged in very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only fell from a height of less than 2 ft on top of plush carpet. It didn't even fall on top of the connector because it was still plugged in. I guess the sudden pull did it. I would not let young children handle it while plugged in.
MB860, CM7.2.0, Faux 026b1 1Ghz

chisaki said:
I hope Asus didn't go for the cheapest mini USB port like they did for the audio DAC. This port will get a lot of use, every time you charge at least and if if fails the tablet would be useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it even detemined as an absolute fact that the DAC was a very cheap one, or is that just what everybody assumes since a few reviews got out about sub-par audio quality when it's more than likely they were listening to poorly compressed audio tracks? There's been enough reviews swaying the other way, citing it's better than a lot of tablets out there to suggest it's not nearly as bad as some people once said.
On the topic of the USB port, it's almost inheret by design that this would be an issue. I've seen the usb ports fall out of phones already. It really comes down to how the tablet is treated when plugged in. After all, there's very little depth to a micro USB port, and the stiff end of it is long enough (as some users have already said) to create some serious leverage.

I managed to bend the USB port back to shape. I will add the pictures to this thread if anyone else wants to try and fix.

A good reminder never to drop any electronics.
It's better to be safe than sorry. Don't hold it while on the phone and while paying little attention etc. A little patience goes a long way. Thanks for the repair tip, some users will benefit from that, but be careful with how much force you put on it.
Better results might be better had with some needle nose pliers.

Seems a lot like the original Nook Color

clockcycle said:
Ouch that reminds of someone's post about the docking stations that use the usb port to charge. They mentioned they would hate to damage the port, and preferred to have a dock that used the 4 pin dots instead..
I feel your pain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we're lucky the 4 pin pogo-pin contacts on the side of the N7 are actually USB pins (VCC, D+, D-, and GND), so we can use it for both charging and USB stuff. Then we can get a dock and not have to worry about wearing out or damaging the USB port.
The Galaxy Nexus only had 3 contacts, and could only charge via the contacts.

MWBehr said:
I'm sorry about your damage, but I'd hardly call this fragile. I'm really starting to be amazed by people's expectations. I'm sorry to say that it you drop a small electronic device on the floor, you run a reasonable risk of some damage. In your case you add the focal point of the charger plug to direct the force of the fall entirely on the USB port. There's no USB port out there that's going to hold up to that without some kind of damage.
I would caution a bit against trying to straighten the port though. You may end up severing the connection in the process. I'd personally only attempt it if the functionality of the port is somehow reduced (like the charger doesn't stay plugged in very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This a million times. Thank you for speaking my mind!

My USB Port has worked fine after performing the fix.
Sent from my Nexus 7 CM10

I have this EXACT same problem. Same bend/break in the usb and the EXACT same spot. Same reason too, is there any way to get this fixed?? I bought mine through gamestop unfortunatly but i did pay for the warrentee and i took it in they said to call a number on the box and see what they can do about physical damage.. gamestop says they only replace for nonphysical damage.. wtf. lol... but anyways. is there any way i can get this nexus 7 fixed 100% or replaced for a new one?.... please help.. i really want this fixed.. worked all summer for mine..

srry20wnu said:
I have this EXACT same problem. Same bend/break in the usb and the EXACT same spot. Same reason too, is there any way to get this fixed?? I bought mine through gamestop unfortunatly but i did pay for the warrentee and i took it in they said to call a number on the box and see what they can do about physical damage.. gamestop says they only replace for nonphysical damage.. wtf. lol... but anyways. is there any way i can get this nexus 7 fixed 100% or replaced for a new one?.... please help.. i really want this fixed.. worked all summer for mine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the pictures I posted on the first Page. This is what worked for me and I still use the tablet without issues charging.
Sent from my Nexus 7 on official CM10

This is the very reason I wish wireless charging was the standard for all mobile devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

JD914 said:
This is the very reason I wish wireless charging was the standard for all mobile devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lumia will release a batch of devices that charge when placed on top of a pad.
http://www.techgoondu.com/2012/09/09/nokia-reboots-lumia-phones-with-pureview-and-wireless-charging/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q8tlSDpVDI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my Nexus 7 on official CM10

Nexus 5 Teardown over at ifixit

So here it is: http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus+5+Teardown/19016
Overall a nice repairability score: 8 out of 10.

Great read. Thanks OP.

The back removal looks promising...it would seem as though we can swap the back easily.

I love iFixit as much as the next guy, but their KitKat and candy puns were painfully abundant in this tear-down. A few puns bring a little wittiness to an article, but they way overdid it. Other than that, great tear-down as usual iFixit.

Achtung! Soldered buttons!
This: http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/icFVVVvbsCg1LuLQ.huge
Are they serious??? Excuse me, but this is bull****! It is a well-known fact, that those parts break easily. So, one would need to replace the WHOLE motherboard in case of button malfunction (at least, not everyone is familiar with SMD soldering technique). Both thumbs down for such a poor design!

esskayy said:
The back removal looks promising...it would seem as though we can swap the back easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate, was going to ask you if you had changed your mind in exchanging for the white, then I thought of this after looking at the video lol.
This looks like the ideal option, doesn't it? :good:

Deeco7 said:
Hey mate, was going to ask you if you had changed your mind in exchanging for the white, then I thought of this after looking at the video lol.
This looks like the ideal option, doesn't it? :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed it does, and with the added bonus of retaining the black speaker grille. I just hope the backs do become available, and that they are the genuine OEM ones.

esskayy said:
Indeed it does, and with the added bonus of retaining the black speaker grille. I just hope the backs do become available, and that they are the genuine OEM ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but not sure if wireless charging or any other component is attached to the back plate, as this will bump up the price.

Deeco7 said:
I agree, but not sure if wireless charging or any other component is attached to the back plate, as this will bump up the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the video, it seems not. The inductive coils have glued to the battery, not the rear of the case. So fingers crossed...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

So how does it seem to you more knowledgeable, is it possible to fit another battery?

esskayy said:
Looking at the video, it seems not. The inductive coils have glued to the battery, not the rear of the case. So fingers crossed...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a second look and looks like there are a lot of components glued to the back plate, as shown in step 4.
-vibration motor
-Wifi, NFC, GPS antennas
-Wireless charging coil
-4 magnets for docking
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Hopefully, we can see a Genuine (affordable) rear plate.

Deeco7 said:
Had a second look and looks like there are a lot of components glued to the back plate, as shown in step 4.
-vibration motor
-Wifi, NFC, GPS antennas
-Wireless charging coil
-4 magnets for docking
Hopefully, we can see a Genuine (affordable) rear plate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's $35 for affordable?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/181254599302
Yes, it's black but the seller has promised that the white will be in stock soon.

This was refreshing coming from iPhone.
Looks like you can seas swap the back easy which was my main concern since I'm going case free.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Alexander T. said:
This: http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/icFVVVvbsCg1LuLQ.huge
Are they serious??? Excuse me, but this is bull****! It is a well-known fact, that those parts break easily. So, one would need to replace the WHOLE motherboard in case of button malfunction (at least, not everyone is familiar with SMD soldering technique). Both thumbs down for such a poor design!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... how is that really different from the design of most other phones? Don't think they normally use a button on a separate PCB. at least none that i've noticed.

elementaldragon said:
... how is that really different from the design of most other phones? Don't think they normally use a button on a separate PCB. at least none that i've noticed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most phones nowadays have their buttons on seperate plates, connected with mainboard via connectors. Search the ifixit for other teardowns. Even Nexus 4 had them.

Alexander T. said:
Most phones nowadays have their buttons on seperate plates, connected with mainboard via connectors. Search the ifixit for other teardowns. Even Nexus 4 had them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... yes, they are on separate plates on the Nexus 4. But to say "most phones nowadays"... not exactly true from a couple minutes of Googling. The only 4 fairly recent phones i can find searching iFixIt for a little have been the Moto X, Galaxy S3, Lumia 920, and Lumia 1020 (though the inclusion of this one might not be fair, since they DON'T seem to have a teardown of the phone, and the Nokia repair manual does not show the buttons actually being removed from the rear panel assembly... only disconnecting the ribbon). The HTC One's side buttons seem to be in line with a ribbon cable, and it does not seem to be removable judging by what can be seen on iFixIt. The Galaxy S4, as well as the Note 2/3 (it seems that for at least the volume buttons) uses micro-switches directly soldered onto the board.
It seems to be more of a design choice more than a repairability choice. I think it's far easier to keep a phone thin if they're not worrying about trying to tuck tiny ribbon cables and PCB's everywhere. I've yet to really ever have a hardware button crap out on a phone that i've owned, so it doesn't really bother me much.

elementaldragon said:
Well... yes, they are on separate plates on the Nexus 4. But to say "most phones nowadays"... not exactly true from a couple minutes of Googling. The only 4 fairly recent phones i can find searching iFixIt for a little have been the Moto X, Galaxy S3, Lumia 920, and Lumia 1020 (though the inclusion of this one might not be fair, since they DON'T seem to have a teardown of the phone, and the Nokia repair manual does not show the buttons actually being removed from the rear panel assembly... only disconnecting the ribbon). The HTC One's side buttons seem to be in line with a ribbon cable, and it does not seem to be removable judging by what can be seen on iFixIt. The Galaxy S4, as well as the Note 2/3 (it seems that for at least the volume buttons) uses micro-switches directly soldered onto the board.
It seems to be more of a design choice more than a repairability choice. I think it's far easier to keep a phone thin if they're not worrying about trying to tuck tiny ribbon cables and PCB's everywhere. I've yet to really ever have a hardware button crap out on a phone that I've owned, so it doesn't really bother me much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pointing this out to me. Didn't know, Samsung has moved to soldered buttons too. So, they've definitely decided to sacrifice repairability for the sake of thinness. I use to repair phones (as a hobbyist), and I had several phones with water damaged buttons. Now, with the disconnectable ones, it is always fairly easy to replace them, but with the soldered ones, it requires SMD soldering experience, as well as special equipment.
So, my point here, is that separate buttons design would be more user-friendly.
My personal choice would be micro-switches on a separate plate, since they deliver better tactile experience, and are more reliable, than a membrane-type tablets.
Found a video, demonstrating the replacement process: http://youtu.be/Vo0hH8iIUjI
By the way, installing the new button should not be done with hot air gun, since it will most probably deform the button's plastic at least to some degree, if not totally.

esskayy said:
How's $35 for affordable?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/181254599302
Yes, it's black but the seller has promised that the white will be in stock soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is actually pretty affordable considering it comes with all the parts already on the back cover.

Anyone found a 'White' back plate?

Deeco7 said:
Anyone found a 'White' back plate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=161154639345
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Modified my laptop to hold my Nexus 5.

I use my phone for internet when I am on the go and I just got this laptop specifically for its 6 hour battery life. It otherwise kinda sucks but then again it was $230 bucks and runs windows. But while it doesn't have an optical drive it actually has the bay for one so I modified it to hold the phone. This way I can secure the phone in the laptop rather than my pocket and reduce disconnects from walking too far.
Picture:
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So the original idea was to cut the blanking plate that laptop comes with but I couldn't find a replacement for warranty purposes. Not only does removing one width divider make it the perfect width, that width happens to be the same as a 2.5 inch hard drive. So the next idea came. They make 2.5" HDD adapters to fit into laptop optical bays:
Now I just need to put a screen protector on the phone. I used a piece of paper to cover the metal inside but dirt dragged across paper is still very bad for the screen. I still need to get a faceplate that matches this chassis to cut (which I believe I have found) to fill the excess left and right. It would be really cool if I was skilled and could throw a USB charger in there to run off the SATA's 5V line.
Here is the real purpose for this dock with one of my other laptops ODD drives as an example:
Once again I don't have a face plate on hand that matches this laptop, Yet.

Edit: Never mind I'm an idiot LOL
It's done really well, nice idea
Sent from my Nexus 5

Letharqy said:
what do you mean by "reduce disconnects from walking too far"?
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Far might not be the problem as much as whats between me and it. I use it at work alot and while it defaults to sitting on top of my bag with the phone in it. I like to walk around with it. I don't like leaving the phone loose and walking behind a bunch of steel kinda doesn't seem to work. So instead of in the bag or in my pocket I was thinking securely attached to the computer might work.
Ive had the laptop in the lobby and walked probably 40 feet behind some equipment and came back and everything had been disconnected. It was already reconnected by the time I got to it but for things that are continous transmission/recieve its not a good scenario.

RainMotorsports said:
Far might not be the problem as much as whats between me and it. I use it at work alot and while it defaults to sitting on top of my bag with the phone in it. I like to walk around with it. I don't like leaving the phone loose and walking behind a bunch of steel kinda doesn't seem to work.
Ive had the laptop in the lobby and walked probably 40 feet behind some equipment and came back and everything had been disconnected. It was already reconnected by the time I got to it but for things that are continous transmission/recieve its not a good scenario.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I realized, I somehow missed the first few words of your post so it confused me. Good job on it though!
Sent from my Nexus 5

Nice work OP. I'm a sucker for diy projects like this. I believe if you could get the phone to charge while "docked" in the laptop that would be pretty cool. You could maybe rig up a wireless charging pad in there or something. Keep us posted of any improvements you make.
Sent from my Nexus 5

This is pretty dang awesome. That hard drive holder is a perfect fit for your Nexus!

.Gibson. said:
Nice work OP. I'm a sucker for diy projects like this. I believe if you could get the phone to charge while "docked" in the laptop that would be pretty cool. You could maybe rig up a wireless charging pad in there or something. Keep us posted of any improvements you make.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. If it were my old laptop wireless charging would probably be possible, except for the fact that the laptop alone sucked too much power to begin with. Its a gaming laptop so its huge and while this one is a 9mm thick bay that one was an extra 3.5mm to play with.
Really I have the OBHD Sata connector from the kit and I could probably find a cheap usb dock to rip apart. But I am not confident in my skills for such a delicate situation of lining it up and making it stay there. Would be charge only though if there is a spare usb header on the board (doubt it) like my other laptop had could do data too.

Looks sweet! Good work!!

This is sick! Mad props

That's so sick! Do you have it connected to USB on the inside?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

why torture the phone like this. THough the idea is original I feel its kind of a torture for the phone. Think of all the heat that it will have to face, heat from using it as modem for your 3G and the computer itself. Man this will reduce the life of your phone in the long run

Look at this as a stepping stone. . . the beginning of a new chapter for next gen devices that allows for even faster data transfers. . . maybe even faster charging due to direct connections from manufacturers. His idea could make it big one day. For example, the Android Reboot feature that took so long to get LoL that I only got using CM back in Tue day

Nice idea, nice work!

That's pretty awesome!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

kailashnj said:
why torture the phone like this. THough the idea is original I feel its kind of a torture for the phone. Think of all the heat that it will have to face, heat from using it as modem for your 3G and the computer itself. Man this will reduce the life of your phone in the long run
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well perhaps the real torture would be laying on top of the laptop and letting it drop on the floor all the time. Couple reasons it doesn't concern me is with the laptop off were looking at roughly the same impact to heat dissipation as an otterbox style case. With the laptop doing what its doing the phone runs cooler than it would if it were gaming whilst in a case.
Now laptops have a reputation for being hot I should know I was a laptop gamer for years. However this is powered by what is basically a Tablet cpu. The only real difference between BayTrail-M and BayTrail-T is the Graphics clocks. It underclocks with dynamic voltage scaling aggressively just like a phone reducing heat and power consumption. It runs cooler than anything I have ever layed my hands on and the phone is complete opposite of anything heat generating. It however shares the ambient heat dissipation plate thats in the top of the case that is meant to dissipate heat through the palm rest and keyboard. Now while this could be a good thing I look at it more as theres a way for heat to move from one side towards the phone. But on a hard surface the phones in the coolest portion of the unit.
Also whats 3G j/k.
This is from today with it in the laptop. Tests regular vary for me from 40/20 to 20/20:

Best thing in years! Ultra cool job mate! Just WOW!

Love the idea of it, creative and would be even better if u were able to charge it too

Woow , where from did you the idea, I mean this is so cool, I hope it doesn't damage the phone at all right? If it doesn't then this could do big things one day....

so its just a case now?? whats the purpose/use ?

meethere said:
so its just a case now?? whats the purpose/use ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the first post? It's literally the first few sentences.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

$5 Gear VR cooling solution for non-stop gaming...

Looking at two possible GVR cooling solutions for less than $5:
TEST RESULTS:
Metal Sponges - FAIL:
At first I thought the copper sponges were causing interference and stutter but I then realized I was using the wrong governor in Synapse. Once I fixed that the lag disappeared.
Unfortunately, although the copper became warm, it was not wicking off enough heat to prevent shutdown. I am thinking this is because there is not enough surface area of the copper in contact with the battery as you would have in an actual heatsync with 100% contact.
So, metallic sponges are a fail due to not enough surface contact. Interesting idea, doesn't work.
Chilled Hobby Ziplock Bags Full of Fake Ice Goo - SUCCESS!:
Ok, bought 4" x 3" plastic ziplock bags from the hobby section of Walmart. Also bought bag of Coleman Ice Goo. Filled baggy about 1/2 full (don't want it too thick) and triple bagged it alternating direction of the seal to protect against leaks. Chilled baggy until cold but not frozen (didn't want to fog lenses if too cold). Played various 3D games for about 1/2 an hour before I had to quit to do some other things. After 1/2 hour no heat warnings and battery was cool to the touch - so I'm assuming it was working.
The baggie was however only cool and no longer cold. I do not know if it would still cool the battery enough in that state but might due to the fact this is good and not just water. Will need a longer test for that. Regardless, easy enough to create multiple baggies for quick replacement without quitting your game.
So anyway, there it is, $5 cooling solution from your local Walmart. Hope it works for you.
** I do not claim using chillpacks to be an original idea, just a really cheap implementation of an idea lots of folks have discussed.
*** I placed this directly on the battery but if that makes you nervous I should think it would still work placed on the back cover - as a matter of fact it might stay cold longer that way and will be easier to switch out on the fly without your battery falling out. Make sure you don't overfill the baggie because with the cover on you will have a lot less room.
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I just read this online:
From a chemical standpoint, aluminum is a better thermal and electrical conductor than steel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll see if I can buy some at Lowe's.

mitchellvii said:
This may be a crazy idea but I'll put it out there. What if you were to take some loosely woven aluminum wool and stuff it between your Note 4 with the back cover off and the GVR cover? Would this provide enough of a heat sync to prevent overheating while gaming?
Super cheap and easy if it works. I'll try it and report back.
** I know nothing about electronics. Is this will short out my phone or something else terrible, please give me a heads up before I break things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you're gonna want to do that, because that aluminum wool can shed little "flecks" of aluminum just by squeezing/pulling it- just from the friction action within the wool. These little microscopic flecks can get into everywhere and everything. If they get inside electronics, they can create electrical bridges (shorts), and truly mess up your electronics. I'm not saying absolutely don't do it, I'm just sharing that it's something to be aware of. I don't like that stuff.

FauxForce said:
I don't think you're gonna want to do that, because that aluminum wool can shed little "flecks" of aluminum just by squeezing/pulling it- just from the friction action within the wool. These little microscopic flecks can get into everywhere and everything. If they get inside electronics, they can create electrical bridges (shorts), and truly mess up your electronics. I'm not saying absolutely don't do it, I'm just sharing that it's something to be aware of. I don't like that stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks yes I also considered that. What I ended up getting was two small copper sponges from Walmart. I don't think these will shed as they are woven not wool.
I also picked up some of that ice substitute stuff and some 4 x 3 hobby zip lock bags. My idea is to chill the baggy full of goop then place it inside a cloth sunglass pouch and that between the N4 back cover and the GVR cover. Will report back.

Just a followup. I do recommend you go with a chilled pack as opposed to frozen for a couple reasons:
1) Frozen may not fit well as the liquid expands when it freezes.
2) Frozen will cause fogging.
3) I believe a nicely fridge chilled pack will last you about 30 to 40 minutes of gaming at which point you can swap in a new one without stopping.
Yes this is a bit of a cludgy inelegant solution but it is simple, cheap and it works without modding anything permanently.

Did you experience any problems with condensation when you used the ice pack?

aclays said:
Did you experience any problems with condensation when you used the ice pack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the pack was frozen, yes. If only chilled well then no. YMMV.

mitchellvii said:
Looking at two possible GVR cooling solutions for less than $5:
TEST RESULTS:
Metal Sponges - FAIL:
At first I thought the copper sponges were causing interference and stutter but I then realized I was using the wrong governor in Synapse. Once I fixed that the lag disappeared.
Unfortunately, although the copper became warm, it was not wicking off enough heat to prevent shutdown. I am thinking this is because there is not enough surface area of the copper in contact with the battery as you would have in an actual heatsync with 100% contact.
So, metallic sponges are a fail due to not enough surface contact. Interesting idea, doesn't work.
Chilled Hobby Ziplock Bags Full of Fake Ice Goo - SUCCESS!:
Ok, bought 4" x 3" plastic ziplock bags from the hobby section of Walmart. Also bought bag of Coleman Ice Goo. Filled baggy about 1/2 full (don't want it too thick) and triple bagged it alternating direction of the seal to protect against leaks. Chilled baggy until cold but not frozen (didn't want to fog lenses if too cold). Played various 3D games for about 1/2 an hour before I had to quit to do some other things. After 1/2 hour no heat warnings and battery was cool to the touch - so I'm assuming it was working.
The baggie was however only cool and no longer cold. I do not know if it would still cool the battery enough in that state but might due to the fact this is good and not just water. Will need a longer test for that. Regardless, easy enough to create multiple baggies for quick replacement without quitting your game.
So anyway, there it is, $5 cooling solution from your local Walmart. Hope it works for you.
** I do not claim using chillpacks to be an original idea, just a really cheap implementation of an idea lots of folks have discussed.
*** I placed this directly on the battery but if that makes you nervous I should think it would still work placed on the back cover - as a matter of fact it might stay cold longer that way and will be easier to switch out on the fly without your battery falling out. Make sure you don't overfill the baggie because with the cover on you will have a lot less room.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What governor do you use? I've noticed on Lollipop that there is stuttering using the interactive governor.

I have had no problems just yet. But also I have not used it for more than half hour.

Wow, interesting read.
I just got a Gear VR Innovator edition for Note 4. It overheats like crazy!
I was thinking of a way but I am glad I found this because at least I can use the freezy things while I work on what I had planned for cooling.
My plan... Ummm, is to make the battery remote. The note 4 fits in the gear vr without the back cover installed, so I am wanting to make some sort of remote battery tray, just to get all that heat AWAY from the phone.
If anyone has any cheap ideas on what to use to make a battery tray, and also the dummy battery that I would need to put in the phone, please chime in?
I was thinking I could do it all with cardboard(ugly style) or dremel out the parts from flat plastic. 3D printer would be nice... lol
Edit) This would be ideal. All I would have to do is pry it apart and solder 3 leads onto the board where the pins connect, then use the spare battery, with the leads blocked, or gutted, or some sort of homemade insert for the connection to the phone.
In my case, 25 bucks would be worth it. Both my kids, and I have Note 4's, so about 8 bucks per phone.. not bad. OOPS. I chose that link because I thought it would last a while, but I found many of these for 20-30 bucks elsewhere.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Battery-Charger-Replacement/dp/B00NQG2XNC
Found a knockoff here,, 10 bucks.. I am ordering this one for sure.
http://www.amazon.com/LEMFO®-Galaxy...id=1456774018&sr=1-18&keywords=note+4+charger

mitchellvii said:
Looking at two possible GVR cooling solutions for less than $5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use to see your post all the time on the Tab S forums. Do you still have it? Anyway I think it's crazy to have to go through so much to use a GVR without it overheating. I'm using mine with a S6. 5 to 10 minutes after using it, videos, games, pictures, doesn't matter, I get the need to cool down message. I tried all of the phone settings suggestions I could find to resolve the overheating and nothing works. I pre-ordered a S7 and should have it around next Friday. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the S7. If not I may try your solution or just sell it and wait for a reasonably priced PC VR to come out.

In my opinion the best of the cooling fan.

Magnetic Charging Port Falls Out

Hi,
after getting the back of my Z3 Compact replaced (directly by Sony Care cause Vodafone Germany neglected to fix it ) the magnetic charging port fell out during the last weekend (after a usage of around 90 days, 1 time each day). That is ridiculous for a phone in that price range in my opinion. Just have a look at the picture below.
I really feel like it doesn't matter how I'm going to charge my phone I will either destroy the charging flap or the magnetic charging port. I'm thinking about selling it and to go back to the S3 after reading some posts over at Sony Mobile.
https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-Z3-Compact/Magnetic-Charging-Port-Is-Not-Covered-By-Warranty/td-p/891158
Please excuse the picture quality taken by Nexus 7 (2013).
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Superglue?
You're right - it's ridiculous to have such a new phone literally fall apart like this. If Sony offered better customer service, I'd suggest you call them. That will likely get you nowhere though. They believe they are perfect and that the customer must have done something wrong.

@OP: sorry to hear this. not the first time on the forums, either. were you using a dock? or a charging cable? and if so, what brand?

The same happened to me..
I charged my Z3 Compact on the Sony DK48 dock and after 1 week(one charge a day) it fell out.
What should i do? Send it to Sony Care to get a new charge plate with cheap glue?

jorbazz said:
The same happened to me..
I charged my Z3 Compact on the Sony DK48 dock and after 1 week(one charge a day) it fell out.
What should i do? Send it to Sony Care to get a new charge plate with cheap glue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you can live without the phone for 10 days, then give it a shot. If not, then it really shouldn't be too hard to fix yourself. A single drop of super glue should hold it permanently.

PuffDaddy_d said:
IF you can live without the phone for 10 days, then give it a shot. If not, then it really shouldn't be too hard to fix yourself. A single drop of super glue should hold it permanently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I try with superglue. Do you know if this can make it less waterproof?

jorbazz said:
Maybe I try with superglue. Do you know if this can make it less waterproof?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't honestly know - I haven't had any issue with my port, but I also didn't buy the phone to take pictures under water. I live in Kansas now - nowhere near water.

jorbazz said:
Maybe I try with superglue. Do you know if this can make it less waterproof?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happened the same to me, used superglue and the phone is still waterproof in my case (I used it in a pool, no problems). Just procure to not use too many superglue.

PuffDaddy_d said:
I don't honestly know - I haven't had any issue with my port, but I also didn't buy the phone to take pictures under water. I live in Kansas now - nowhere near water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not like there are no pools nor faucets in Kansas, lol. Have you at least checked your phone's waterproofing with the pressure sensor in test mode?

Pyres said:
It's not like there are no pools nor faucets in Kansas, lol. Have you at least checked your phone's waterproofing with the pressure sensor in test mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL!
Like I said, my charging port never had this issue, so I can't vouch for the fix. But if you can't wait for sony, it's probably your best option.

Sorry then, I thought you had

After having my z3c for a few months. This has also happened to me OP did you send it off or super glue? Also, I'm considering on supergluing it but does it affect it's water resistance/ charging? Won't the glue melt or even cause fire because of the electric current producing heat/electric?

Magnetic charging port fell out
I've had my new phone for 2 months and used the magtron x2 accessory and a cheaper one. My phone has now been sent back to Sony so a wait of 28 days. After only a few days use I was getting a message to say shut the port as it had come loose. Is this going to be an ongoing problem? I bought the phone because it is waterproof.

try B-7000 glue, find pict on google

My magnetic charger took it off too.
I was able to repaired though easily.
A few notes first:
I would not use superglue type (cyanocrilate). It is not waterproof itself but the worse is that it would be very difficult to maintain the device hermetic since it is hard to have a homogeneous glue layer.
To reintroduce the port back properly you would have lift frontal glass and the frame within since the internal port contacts needs to be sitting underneath the frame. I glued mine without this procedure, but this would be the right one for a proper contact between the port and the phone.
What I did:
First clean both the port and its socket from leftover sticking tape. Use alcohol and a cloth.
Then look that just by putting a light pressure there is contact between the terminals. (hopefully you dont have to meddle with the contact a bit)
Then apply a very thin and homogeneous layer of waterproof glue that does not dry increasing its volume like Gorilla glue does. I used Loctite Glue2 but other in that category will work. Important to use a very thing layer and homogeneous since a bit more in one side it would not glue properly in the other and if is a think layer it wont make electrical contact with the phone.
Then put in place the charger because it fits easily and surround the phone and charger adaptor with a rubber band tightly and leave it overnight.
You can verify right after glueing that it is charging and if not, undo everything before the glue sets.
After 24h, not before, you can check that the device still hermetic by typing *#*#7378423#*#* then tap on Service Tests > Pressure Sensor and press in the middle of the front screen to see if the milibar increases
Instead of pulling the charger off now I split the connection like you will split a chocolate bar since it puts lets stress than pulling. Half a year never had the problem repeated.

polar_bay said:
To reintroduce the port back properly you would have lift frontal glass and the frame within since the internal port contacts needs to be sitting underneath the frame. I glued mine without this procedure, but this would be the right one for a proper contact between the port and the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not so sure about this. For black phones; Sony part number: 1282-3345 is the replacement port. Google it - lots of places sell it. I got mine from an ebay seller - came complete with the adhesive pad fixed, so you just have to clean off the adhesive and re-stick. There aren't any hooks on the component whatsoever - it has two blade-type connectors that sit in another socket which is retained in the phone.. It looks like Sony (very sensibly) designed this port to be sacrificial in the event of damage.
One word of warning; if you have a port which is only detaching at one end, and you need to replace it; try and pull the connector out as straight as possible (perpendicular to the phone). If you tilt it too much it might damage the permanently attached socket in the phone, or you might snap off one of the blades, which will be a bit of a pain to retrieve.