Forma forma usb connector?

lumpynose · 05-09-2019, 02:26 PM

What is this socket on the side of the Forma? It is a bit wider on one side so I thought it should work with the older USB cord I've been using, Micro-B, which it sort of does but the connection is unstable and Windows makes the disconnect and connect sounds several times while it's connected.

Then I looked at the USB cable that came with the Forma and it's not wider on one side, and it looks like the newer USB. But I have a newer USB-C cable and that connector on it is wider than the Kobo's.

The Kobo's cable gives me a solid connection so I'll stick with it. I hope I haven't damaged the socket by using that other cable.

Here's a picture of different USB connectors. The Forma ereader's connector is Micro-B, the second one. But the cable looks like it's Micro-USB AB, the first one.

Here's also the wikipedia article, scroll down to the "Receptacle (socket) identification" table. It looks like the Forma's cable is Micro-A but it's rounded, not rectangular like in their picture.

I'm confused.

Click image for larger version

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

rosalita · 05-09-2019, 02:41 PM

The connection slot on my Forma is the same as on my Glo HD, and I can use the same (Kobo) cable to charge/connect both. So whatever connector type it is, it hasn't changed for the Forma. Looking at your photo, I'd say it is a Micro-B. I know with my phone some third-party cables don't provide good connection; that's probably the case with your older USB cable and the Forma.

lumpynose · 05-09-2019, 02:59 PM

Yes, the connector on the e-reader is Micro-B. But what's confusing to me is that the provided cable is not Micro-B.

DNSB · 05-09-2019, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumpynose

Yes, the connector on the e-reader is Micro-B. But what's confusing to me is that the provided cable is not Micro-B.

I'm not at home so can't check but is it a reversible micro USB connector? Check the attached image. Basically, you can plug it in either way and it will work. Kinda like USB-C.

lumpynose · 05-09-2019, 04:08 PM

DNSB, yes, I think that's it. I've never heard of it.

USB standards are like a hydra.

DNSB · 05-10-2019, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumpynose

DNSB, yes, I think that's it. I've never heard of it.

USB standards are like a hydra.

The reversible connector is not actually a standard. I have a couple of the micro USB to USB A cables with both ends reversible. Check the rather thin piece of plastic in the USB A connector in the image.

rosalita · 05-10-2019, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumpynose

Yes, the connector on the e-reader is Micro-B. But what's confusing to me is that the provided cable is not Micro-B.

Ah, I misunderstood your question — sorry about that! I'm glad someone else had a better answer than I did. I have actually still been using the cable that came with my GloHD to charge both the Glo and Forma, so the cable that came with the Forma is still in the box. Maybe I should dig it out and start using it if it's reversible (and assuming it is backwards-compatible to the Glo, which I can't imagine it not being).

05-09-2019, 02:26 PM	#1
lumpynose Wizard Posts: 1,086 Karma: 6719822 Join Date: Jul 2012 Device: Palm Pilot M105	forma usb connector? What is this socket on the side of the Forma? It is a bit wider on one side so I thought it should work with the older USB cord I've been using, Micro-B, which it sort of does but the connection is unstable and Windows makes the disconnect and connect sounds several times while it's connected. Then I looked at the USB cable that came with the Forma and it's not wider on one side, and it looks like the newer USB. But I have a newer USB-C cable and that connector on it is wider than the Kobo's. The Kobo's cable gives me a solid connection so I'll stick with it. I hope I haven't damaged the socket by using that other cable. Here's a picture of different USB connectors. The Forma ereader's connector is Micro-B, the second one. But the cable looks like it's Micro-USB AB, the first one. Here's also the wikipedia article, scroll down to the "Receptacle (socket) identification" table. It looks like the Forma's cable is Micro-A but it's rounded, not rectangular like in their picture. I'm confused. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

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05-09-2019, 02:41 PM	#2
rosalita Connoisseur Posts: 66 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Iowa Device: Kobo Glo HD, Kobo Forma, Kindle Paperwhite 3	The connection slot on my Forma is the same as on my Glo HD, and I can use the same (Kobo) cable to charge/connect both. So whatever connector type it is, it hasn't changed for the Forma. Looking at your photo, I'd say it is a Micro-B. I know with my phone some third-party cables don't provide good connection; that's probably the case with your older USB cable and the Forma.

05-09-2019, 02:59 PM	#3
lumpynose Wizard Posts: 1,086 Karma: 6719822 Join Date: Jul 2012 Device: Palm Pilot M105	Yes, the connector on the e-reader is Micro-B. But what's confusing to me is that the provided cable is not Micro-B.

05-09-2019, 04:08 PM	#5
lumpynose Wizard Posts: 1,086 Karma: 6719822 Join Date: Jul 2012 Device: Palm Pilot M105	DNSB, yes, I think that's it. I've never heard of it. USB standards are like a hydra.