Fixing the Socket in an Audio Player
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Fixing the Socket in an Audio Player
Oftentimes, the audio jack of mp3 players gets "broken" due to mechanical strain. This simple guide shows how to fix it, and is intended for people with little experience in electronics.
Make sure this doesn't void your warranty: acquire cheap OGG-capable players that come without one.
Make sure this doesn't void your warranty: acquire cheap OGG-capable players that come without one.
Tools You Need
1. Soldering iron.
2. Screwdriver.
3. (optional) Solder-stick paste, or rosin.
4. (optional) Solder wire or other soldering material.
2. Screwdriver.
3. (optional) Solder-stick paste, or rosin.
4. (optional) Solder wire or other soldering material.
Disassemble the Player
Take the battery out, unscrew the case.
This one comes apart fairly easy, you just pull the facing part up. Some are tougher: for example, the ones with a retractable USB plug often have to be pulled sideways first.
So, after taking out the screws, inspect carefully. The things that get stuck most often are the USB plug, the buttons, the battery holder, and screws you've missed.
Depending on the construction of the player, you may only need to take one half off to reveal the audio socket, like in this case.
This one comes apart fairly easy, you just pull the facing part up. Some are tougher: for example, the ones with a retractable USB plug often have to be pulled sideways first.
So, after taking out the screws, inspect carefully. The things that get stuck most often are the USB plug, the buttons, the battery holder, and screws you've missed.
Depending on the construction of the player, you may only need to take one half off to reveal the audio socket, like in this case.
Inspect the PCB
The two most common things that can happen with an audio socket are:
1. the solder between it and the printed circuit board breaks; and
2. the narrow strips of metal that hold the plug in the socket become loose.
Try moving the socket element. If it's shaky, re-solder the pads (see next step).
If not, put the plug inside the socket full way. See if the metal strips on the socket touch the plug rings. If not, take the plug out, then push the strips on the socket inward using your screwdriver.
1. the solder between it and the printed circuit board breaks; and
2. the narrow strips of metal that hold the plug in the socket become loose.
Try moving the socket element. If it's shaky, re-solder the pads (see next step).
If not, put the plug inside the socket full way. See if the metal strips on the socket touch the plug rings. If not, take the plug out, then push the strips on the socket inward using your screwdriver.
Re-solder All Solder Pads Under the Socket
Heat up your soldering iron. When it's hot, clean it in rosin and wait some more. After that (or if you skip the rosin part), touch a solder pad on the socket briefly. The solder should melt and stick back to the PCB.
If it doesn't melt, your iron is too cool. (Get a cheaper-looking iron.)
If it doesn't stick or stays on the soldering tip, you might need to clean the tip in rosin again and retry; apply additional solder to the pad; or apply solder-stick paste to the solder pad (use the screwdriver).
When done with one pad, continue with the other two.
Shielded sockets have additional pads that connect the metal socket frame to the ground on the PCB. This one's plastic, though, so there's no additional hassle.
If your player uses an AA/AAA battery, you'll probably have to re-assemble it before testing.
If it doesn't melt, your iron is too cool. (Get a cheaper-looking iron.)
If it doesn't stick or stays on the soldering tip, you might need to clean the tip in rosin again and retry; apply additional solder to the pad; or apply solder-stick paste to the solder pad (use the screwdriver).
When done with one pad, continue with the other two.
Shielded sockets have additional pads that connect the metal socket frame to the ground on the PCB. This one's plastic, though, so there's no additional hassle.
If your player uses an AA/AAA battery, you'll probably have to re-assemble it before testing.