USB Cable instead of Cradle?

[offroadgeek]

thanks corky!  but I now only sync with my 760, and for some reason (maybe the new usb drivers) the usb syncing is flawless with my win2k work laptop.  I plug in the cable, sync up, then unplug several times a day without a single issue.  I have to admit that I\'m surprised it works so well.  because of that, I haven\'t had the need for serial or wireless syncing anymore...

great how-tos though!

[Pirate]

Hey
I just found a USB A to mini A 4 pin that fits the cradle of the Zaurus SL-6000 for next to nothing.  It's like $5.99 and two bucks shipping.  You can add devices with it I hear.

[Pirate]

Forgot to give you the URL.   http://www.dcables.com/catalog/1_8_meter_u...in__3239068.htm

This is for the Zaurus SL-6000  USB A to mini A  4 pin.

[DaBird]

well - the part you quote is for the 4-pin mini-A cable - the cradle needs a 5-pin mini-A (http://www.dcables.com/catalog/1_8_meter_usb_2_0__plug_type_a_to_mini_usb_b_plug__5pin__3238931.htm)

Neither fit the USB-OTG connector on the bottom of the SL-6000

[Pirate]

Sorry about that.  Some one told me they used the mini A 4 pin to connect devices.  I have never seen a mini A 5 pin.  I have seen the mini B 5 pin but that does not work.  Good luck in finding one.

[DaBird]

Yeah - I've seen a bunch of garbage about this connector - Even Phillips page at http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/mark...s/otg/overview/ leaves a little to be desired. The following are what I can see as facts.

Both USB connectors (the one on the cradle and the one on the 6K's butt) are 5-pin connectors.

The one on the craddle is the fairly common USB Mini-B connector found also on camera, disks, etc.

The one on the 6K itself is a USB Mini-A (5-pin) connector.

I have not been able to find out if the receptacle is the A/B that Phillips speaks to or not. My current thinking is that it is NOT an A/B receptacle but a Mini-A only receptacle.

Would have been useful if Sharp documented the dang thing in the first place.

BTW - Unlike some of the folks that claim to have used the 4 pin cable I actually have used a Mini-A 5 pin to Mini-B 5-pin cable to connect a USB drive to the 6K. Works just fine (Had to use external power for the disk - the zaurus couldn't supply sufficient juice). The cable I used was a QuickConnect USB from Gold-X products. (http://www.goldxproducts.com/cable/qus.htm) I found in Staples. This comes with 5 different connectors an a single cable. Let's you make whatever you need (sorta). Unfortunately the 6K can't go back in it's cradle because the connector stack-up is too long.

Have fun.

[acpkendo]

I picked up an "iPDA" cable from ShirtPocket.  Looks more convenient than the zThinCable, and cheaper too.

I've been really happy with it.  Not only a great product, but a great company that's been supporting the Z.  My only issue is that it seems like I need to turn the backlight off if I want to charge it. . . otherwise the power LED starts blinking in a way that makes me a little nervous for my battery.  But it's not like I'm using the thing while sync'ing anyway.

[ulf1]

Has anybody tried the USB sync/charge cable offered by a guy from ebay?


http://stores.ebay.com/RW-Sherwood-Imports...genameZl2QQtZkm


I ordered one for $12 inclusive shipping and await it eagerly to try. Seems a good deal to me.

Ulf

[lardman]

I picked up an "iPDA" cable from ShirtPocket. Looks more convenient than the zThinCable, and cheaper too.

they show 0 stock so I emailed to enquire and have not heard anything back. When did you get yours (i.e. are they bought to order - hence no stock at the mo?).

My only issue is that it seems like I need to turn the backlight off if I want to charge it. . . otherwise the power LED starts blinking in a way that makes me a little nervous for my battery.

Probably because the USB port can't supply enough power to charge and power the back-light at the same time.


Si

[raybert]

These USB charging cables all look like the one that I bought from Brando a while back: <http://shop.brando.com.hk/ipdaretractablecable.php>.  This one is retractable which I find to be a very nice feature (no more excess cable on the desktop).  It's also cheap at $15.  And Brando, even though they're in Hong Kong, has proven to be very reliable: they take credit cards in US funds and standard shipping is *very* fast.

The only potential snag is that I can't say for sure that it will allow access to the keyboard on 5x00 and 6000 Z's (but I suspect it will).  I can check it with a 5500 when my wife brings hers home tonight.

I've been using the USB charging cable almost exclusively for almost a year with no problems (C860).  The key to making them work is to plug it in to a powered hub.  Most PC USB ports don't provide enough juice but powered hubs do.

~ray

[jubjub]

If you are in the UK and interested in getting one of these extendable USB cables, with a multiplicity of charging options, try the "Sharp Zaurus Mini Travel Kit Plus" from PDA Addons. They sell on E-bay or you can buy direct from their site. Here is one of their E-bay auctions:

Zaurus Mini Travel Kit Plus

I just got one of these kits and I am delighted with it. It includes:

- extendable USB sync/charge cable
- wall charger 110/240V with plugs for UK/USA/EU/AUS
- car charger
- battery extender

Basically you plug the USB sync/charge cable into your Z and the other end goes to a USB port or to one of the included chargers.

It works great for charging, but I haven't used it for syncing beyond a brief test.

Their "Buy It Now" price for this kit is £21.99 + £2.00 shipping (£3.00 worldwide). If you don't want the battery extender there is a cheaper kit for £17.99.

I'm not affiliated with this company, just happy with the product they sold me! Now I can play MP3s and OGGs in the car to my heart's content ...