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sqfmi / watchy-hardware

Watchy Hardware CAD Files
MIT License
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USB-C #22

Open MichalLebeda opened 1 year ago

MichalLebeda commented 1 year ago

It would be great to use more durable USB-C. The downside is that it would make all the existing cases obsolete. On the other hand it is better to do sooner than later, as all the devices are migrating to type C currently.

onionhammer commented 1 year ago

I was about to post this independently, I ordered this but definitely holding my nose about the micro USB

clarebowman22 commented 6 months ago

I have just ordered a Watchy but am really keen on changing the USB Type B Micro to a USB Type C connector. I am trying to find out has anyone done this?

I am also looking to see if anyone has built a 'Pomodoro app' / function for this watch. If not I will try figure it out and build it. I really need a physical prompt to stay on target and also take a break from work! ADHD brain.

Back to the USB quandary.. from what I understand, they are not the same in terms of dimensions. USB Type B Micro connectors are smaller and have a different shape compared to USB Type C connectors.

USB Type B Micro connectors typically measure around 6.85mm × 1.8mm in size, while USB Type C connectors are slightly larger, measuring approximately 8.4mm × 2.6mm. Additionally, USB Type C connectors are reversible, meaning they can be plugged in either way, whereas USB Type B Micro connectors are not reversible.

I would very much like to change the Watchy USB Type B Micro connector to a USB Type C connector, but I believe I would need to modify the device's port and maybe even the circuitry to accommodate the new connector's dimensions and functionalities. I would also like MichalLebeda mentioned need to change the case...

adapt-L commented 1 month ago

I concur with OP. microUSB is very fragile and USB-C has quickly become the standard. Perhaps it is possible to retrofit boards by soldering something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-vFtiDYiIw but this is a lot of extra work for the end user.

adapt-L commented 1 month ago

I would need to modify the device's port and maybe even the circuitry to accommodate the new connector's dimensions and functionalities. I would also like MichalLebeda mentioned need to change the case...

You wouldn't need to modify the circuit board. If you are worried about spacing, you could solder on some wires and install the new port on the other side of the board. I think it will likely require a case redesign though, which is fine because I was planning on making a custom case anyways. I have a soldering iron so I might try retrofitting it after I am done experimenting with the software.