Libra micro-USB port issues: is this just me?

DrChiper · 03-21-2022, 03:46 PM

This weekend the micro-USB of my Libra H2O (not even a year old) gave up the ghost due to a hefty short-circuit during charging. The Libra H2O became very hot on the USB location and an evil smell was noticed. Windows immediately warned: "Power surge on the USB port. Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply." Windows closed the port and prevented further issues.

The point is now that this malfunctioning Libra H2O was meant as a (long time) replacement for a Clara HD which about a year ago *ALSO* had micro-USB troubles. But that did not last long I am afraid.

Anybody with similar experiences?

The Libra H2O is still under warrant so no issues there. To ease the pain (and prevent me from at least a week without reading) I indulged myself with a new Libra 2, which is sold over here at a discount price at the moment while having 4x the GB's and USB-C, with which USB port I have very good experiences during repeated usage. Hopefully it lasts longer then a year now.

rtiangha · 03-23-2022, 04:07 PM

Is your PC a custom build? Or do you live in an old house? Considering you've lost two devices in as many years and Windows literally complained about a power surge, I would check the motherboard for grounding or power/voltage issues, and ditto with your power outlet. A good surge suppressor should have a grounding light; if it's red instead of green, I'd try plugging everything somewhere else.

DrChiper · 03-23-2022, 05:45 PM

No, it was the micro-USB on the ereader itself. Just literally a moment ago confirmed by the repair shop. Also I did noticed there was some slack in the female connector inside the ereader which caused the male cable connecting part to wiggle which is not good. So I suspect it is caused due to wear and tear by plugging in/out the cable.
I charge most of the time via the PC and always side-load my ebooks. And as I'm a very heavy reader, the plugin/out did happened very often accordingly. Actually micro-USB connectors are not meant to be used that very often, so I was already amazed they were still used on the Libra H2O when I bought it about a year ago. Luckily they (Kobo) changed that for the new Libra 2 as USB-C is much sturdier.

rtiangha · 03-23-2022, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrChiper

No, it was the micro-USB on the ereader itself.

Yes, I get that; what I'm saying is that maybe your computer over time is frying your e-readers due to bad wiring inside the PC, a short, a faulty power supply, or bad electrical wiring in the building. I mean, maybe you did get two dud Kobos, but if this third one were to die too, then the issue probably isn't with the e-readers.

PeterT · 03-23-2022, 06:10 PM

I've seen some USB cables that have a magnetic end. You permanently insert a little adapter into the usb port on the device, and then the actual usb cable attaches magnetically to the adapter.

BOTHER: looks like these cables are mostly (if not totally) charge only

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

John F · 03-24-2022, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrChiper

...

I charge most of the time via the PC and always side-load my ebooks. And as I'm a very heavy reader, the plugin/out did happened very often accordingly. Actually micro-USB connectors are not meant to be used that very often, so I was already amazed they were still used on the Libra H2O when I bought it about a year ago. Luckily they (Kobo) changed that for the new Libra 2 as USB-C is much sturdier.

What is the definition of "often"?

I would think the opposite. I believe many cellphone users use the micro usb connection daily, maybe multiple times daily. Also I'm thinking there are other devices that are using a micro usb connection "constantly", for example power.

salamanderjuice · 03-24-2022, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtiangha

Yes, I get that; what I'm saying is that maybe your computer over time is frying your e-readers due to bad wiring inside the PC, a short, a faulty power supply, or bad electrical wiring in the building. I mean, maybe you did get two dud Kobos, but if this third one were to die too, then the issue probably isn't with the e-readers.

Another thing to consider is a bad cable especially if the same one was used with both devices...

Quoth · 03-24-2022, 08:19 AM

My Sony-Ericsson phone is ancient (last model with Ericsson on it). Micro-USB and used every couple of days to recharge.

I've just one item ever with micro-USB that has a dodgy port, though still works. I've dumped a few USB cables where the micro-USB end gets hot and some that simpley stopped working. Never had a faulty Mini-USB cable.

Mini-USB are more robust. But if they had made if have more pins & reversable there would have been no need for later connectors. The Original USB-B was a crazy design and still used. Apple's fault.

It's too early to say about USB-C on gadgets.

Calenorn · 03-24-2022, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

I've seen some USB cables that have a magnetic end. You permanently insert a little adapter into the usb port on the device, and then the actual usb cable attaches magnetically to the adapter.

BOTHER: looks like these cables are mostly (if not totally) charge only

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

I have a magnetic USB cable that I use with a Clara. It transfers data just fine. The exact model is no longer for sale on Amazon.

It must be used carefully, though, because it is a VERY strong little magnet!

JSWolf · 03-24-2022, 09:19 AM

After roughly 6 years of use, my H2O has not has a single issue with the microUSB port. One thing I did as soon as I found out I could was install NickelMenu so when updating the Metadata of the H2O, I would only have to plug in the UBS cable once. Also, I used the same USB cable with my H2O from the start.

My Libra 2 does have a tighter fit to the USB-C port.

DrChiper · 03-24-2022, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtiangha

Yes, I get that; what I'm saying is that maybe your computer over time is frying your e-readers due to bad wiring inside the PC, a short, a faulty power supply, or bad electrical wiring in the building.

I doubt that as I'm also still have a Glo HD, 2x Aura 2ed v1 and a Clara HD in use for years while using the same setup. They would be effected too by using the same PC. Both affected ereaders were using 2 different USB cables.

DrChiper · 03-24-2022, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quoth

It's too early to say about USB-C on gadgets.

I'm using USB-C in some devices on a daily basis since 2018 and was positively surprised by its sturdiness, so that caused me to utter the remark in one of my previous posts. But YMMV of course

DrChiper · 03-24-2022, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

What is the definition of "often"?

Read "Often" as "Daily, multiple times". As calibre needs 2 attachments to store new added ebooks correctly in the Kobo ereader DB, that becomes the minimal plug/unplug sequence.

DrChiper · 03-24-2022, 11:23 AM

The point for my OP was to see whether the previous Kobo ereader generation (Libra, Clara HD) were possible affected by a bad batch of micro-USB female connectors, or not.
As all the current replies are just concerned with (greatly appreciated!) aiding my connection habits for the better, I assume this phenomenon is indeed just me and I was just unlucky to have encountered twice some device which, I guess, was crafted on a blue Monday morning

It happens.

DNSB · 03-24-2022, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrChiper

Read "Often" as "Daily, multiple times". As calibre needs 2 attachments to store new added ebooks correctly in the Kobo ereader DB, that becomes the minimal plug/unplug sequence.

Use NickelMenu and add the USB connect entry to the menu. Saves having to unplug/plug to bring up the Connect/Cancel popup.

03-21-2022, 03:46 PM	#1
DrChiper Bookish Posts: 1,017 Karma: 2003162 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: PC, t1, t2, t3, Clara BW, Clara HD, Libra 2, Libra Color, Nxtpaper 11	micro-USB port issues: is this just me? This weekend the micro-USB of my Libra H2O (not even a year old) gave up the ghost due to a hefty short-circuit during charging. The Libra H2O became very hot on the USB location and an evil smell was noticed. Windows immediately warned: "Power surge on the USB port. Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply." Windows closed the port and prevented further issues. The point is now that this malfunctioning Libra H2O was meant as a (long time) replacement for a Clara HD which about a year ago ALSO had micro-USB troubles. But that did not last long I am afraid. Anybody with similar experiences? The Libra H2O is still under warrant so no issues there. To ease the pain (and prevent me from at least a week without reading) I indulged myself with a new Libra 2, which is sold over here at a discount price at the moment while having 4x the GB's and USB-C, with which USB port I have very good experiences during repeated usage. Hopefully it lasts longer then a year now.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Aura HD Micro Usb port problem	Cesco	Kobo Reader	2	10-02-2016 10:03 AM
stupid question on DR800SG - Micro-A or Micro-B USB?	X. Trapnel	iRex	4	12-01-2015 03:25 AM
PW1 lost PADs for serial port, but found signals near USB port	uniqdom	Kindle Developer's Corner	1	04-29-2015 08:45 AM
Color Will NC accept any mini USB (micro USB?) cable for Charging?	Quadzilla	Nook Color & Nook Tablet	1	07-11-2013 03:43 PM
Can anything cool be done via micro USB port? Connect to camera, iPod, etc?	judith009	Barnes & Noble NOOK	3	01-24-2012 11:26 AM

03-23-2022, 04:07 PM	#2
rtiangha Evangelist Posts: 495 Karma: 356531 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: 'burta, Canada Device: Kobo Glo HD	Is your PC a custom build? Or do you live in an old house? Considering you've lost two devices in as many years and Windows literally complained about a power surge, I would check the motherboard for grounding or power/voltage issues, and ditto with your power outlet. A good surge suppressor should have a grounding light; if it's red instead of green, I'd try plugging everything somewhere else.

03-23-2022, 05:45 PM	#3
DrChiper Bookish Posts: 1,017 Karma: 2003162 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: PC, t1, t2, t3, Clara BW, Clara HD, Libra 2, Libra Color, Nxtpaper 11	No, it was the micro-USB on the ereader itself. Just literally a moment ago confirmed by the repair shop. Also I did noticed there was some slack in the female connector inside the ereader which caused the male cable connecting part to wiggle which is not good. So I suspect it is caused due to wear and tear by plugging in/out the cable. I charge most of the time via the PC and always side-load my ebooks. And as I'm a very heavy reader, the plugin/out did happened very often accordingly. Actually micro-USB connectors are not meant to be used that very often, so I was already amazed they were still used on the Libra H2O when I bought it about a year ago. Luckily they (Kobo) changed that for the new Libra 2 as USB-C is much sturdier.

03-23-2022, 06:10 PM	#5
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,511 Karma: 78910202 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Libra H2O, Libra Colour	I've seen some USB cables that have a magnetic end. You permanently insert a little adapter into the usb port on the device, and then the actual usb cable attaches magnetically to the adapter. BOTHER: looks like these cables are mostly (if not totally) charge only Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

03-24-2022, 08:19 AM	#8
Quoth Still reading Posts: 14,016 Karma: 105092227 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper	My Sony-Ericsson phone is ancient (last model with Ericsson on it). Micro-USB and used every couple of days to recharge. I've just one item ever with micro-USB that has a dodgy port, though still works. I've dumped a few USB cables where the micro-USB end gets hot and some that simpley stopped working. Never had a faulty Mini-USB cable. Mini-USB are more robust. But if they had made if have more pins & reversable there would have been no need for later connectors. The Original USB-B was a crazy design and still used. Apple's fault. It's too early to say about USB-C on gadgets.

03-24-2022, 09:19 AM	#10
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,745 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	After roughly 6 years of use, my H2O has not has a single issue with the microUSB port. One thing I did as soon as I found out I could was install NickelMenu so when updating the Metadata of the H2O, I would only have to plug in the UBS cable once. Also, I used the same USB cable with my H2O from the start. My Libra 2 does have a tighter fit to the USB-C port.

03-24-2022, 11:23 AM	#14
DrChiper Bookish Posts: 1,017 Karma: 2003162 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: PC, t1, t2, t3, Clara BW, Clara HD, Libra 2, Libra Color, Nxtpaper 11	The point for my OP was to see whether the previous Kobo ereader generation (Libra, Clara HD) were possible affected by a bad batch of micro-USB female connectors, or not. As all the current replies are just concerned with (greatly appreciated!) aiding my connection habits for the better, I assume this phenomenon is indeed just me and I was just unlucky to have encountered twice some device which, I guess, was crafted on a blue Monday morning It happens.

Advert

Advert