Replacing Charger cable. Without paying ASUS Prices.

[FTMatty]

Need to replace my charger cable due to oaf with large feet.

Tried some of the cables I have lying around, but they either charge slowly or are too loose in the socket.

Does anyone have a link for a good replacement (UK), as the genuine ASUS ones are silly money.

Thanks in advance

 

[TheAmazingDave]

With 3rd party non-OEM cables, YMMV.

I've had the best luck with Samsung microUSB cables, which allow an average of 1,300 mAh charge, measured with a battery monitor widget.

I actually have a tool enroute (thanks Colchiro!) that I plan to use to check the efficiency of the rat's nest of different cables I have laying around.

 

[WoohooGuy]

I ordered one of those as well out of cable curiosity, not to mention I am almost positive a couple ports of my powered USB hub are flaky and with that tool I will be able to verify it.

 

[colchiro]

Dave's referring to this: http://androidforums.com/nexus-7-20...ng-extremely-annoyingly-slow.html#post6189237

Plan on it taking at least 3 weeks to get here on a boat from China...

I used it the other day when I briefly owned a Galaxy Note 10.1 (Best Buy open box). The supplied charger wouldn't boot the dead battery and was supplying only 480 ma. Only the Samsung charger that came with my Note 2 would get me 1.2 ma. Even my Asus N7 charger wasn't enough. Later I read that Samsung chargers are needed for Samsung devices.

Bear in mind that big feet also cause worn usb ports so you'll eventually end up replacing that as well.

 

[TheAmazingDave]

Been monitoring with that tester, my N7 never pulls more than 900mA; flat-dead, off, on and idle, on and asleep, doesn't matter.

It pulls 900mA on a variety of charger/cable combinations.

Cable doesn't seem to matter unless it's a small-gauge and physically can't transfer the power; I identified a few of those.

Surprisingly, the generics charge at full-rate. I have one bad Samsung cable that will only charge at 480mA.

 

[TheAmazingDave]

Also, when the device is flat-dead (and appears to not be powering on) I'd like y'all to know that it is taking a charge.

Just let the damn thing sit, and do not touch it.

I found that by disturbing the connection (like wiggling the USB connector around) you can cause it to go into low-power charge at less than 500 mA, and if you're waiting for it to resurrect, you're going to be waiting a long time for signs of life.

 

[WoohooGuy]

I also have been messing around with that usb tester, its a great little tool.

My son needed a new cable for his Samsung, I ordered an Amazon Basics 6 foot USB cable.

b003es5zsw, gold plated connections and 23gauge wire makes it a very solid cable with ends that appear will last a long time. 6 bucks and prime eligible.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-Cable-Micro-Meters/dp/B003ES5ZSW

I tested the cable with the Nexus 7 and it was pulling 800ma on the factory supplied cable and 790 the Amazon basics, not bad for a cable that is twice as long as the original. They are available in a 3ft cord as well.

I ordered another one.

 

[colchiro]

I also have been messing around with that usb tester, its a great little tool.

I ordered another one.

You didn't trust us enough to order several?

I ordered TWO right off, then another 10 the second time. They came in a couple weeks ago and will be presents for my nephews (mostly IT guys) and the IT guys at work. (I'm also in IT.)

I leave one plugged into my heavy duty Samsung cable so i can check it anytime. I use this adapter between the meter and charger: Amazon.com: Mediabridge USB Charging Adapter - (6 Inches) - USB-A Male to A-Female: Computers & Accessories