Free USB for UConsole

uConsole
, , ,
1

Thanks @Krim for an idea

If you want to extend your UC almost for free, you can re-use pcb which comes with non LTE unit.
There are 2 unused usb ports there, which requires some soldering

One is easy accessible

PXL_20240419_111109328
PXL_20240419_1111093281920×2550 257 KB

(2 in center is DP and DM), other - GND and 5V

Second one requires to take 2 contact for DP and DM from PCI connection and take 5V and GND from other places

PXL_20240420_111947070
PXL_20240420_1119470701920×2550 338 KB

I decided that i need only one external USB, and internal contacts i will leave for possible internal device mount.

With super glue, USB DIP pcb and strong knife you can cut out and mount usb directly to the board(could be safely cut where mounted, but is something would go wrong - you can solder all contacts, including speakers directly to pci)

I mounted it and re-used small black grill from other dead device to cover up(+bonus cooling)

PXL_20240420_112420733
PXL_20240420_1124207331920×1446 119 KB

8 Likes
2

for an external usb port i would suggest soldering a USBLC6-2SC6 in between, it is not required, but it will protect the main pcb from an electric discharge. you just need to solder one pin to the already existing 5V, the other to GND and then let D+ and D- go thru it.
pretty cheap: 5PCS USBLC6-2SC6 TVS DIODE 5.25VWM 17VC SOT23-6 NEW | eBay

Alternative: directly use a presoldered USB-PCB with it already installed, there are a few available on ebay/aliexpress, at least in europe.

2 Likes
3

Hey, thanks for your idea.
Is it possible to get a pinout of the pcb?

4

currently cannot tell you exact, as i filled this with glue. but reffer to the first photo and the comment. you could find there dp/dm and +5v/gnd, with multimeter you will easily determine power points, than just try ti connect some device. if not recognized - switch dp/dm pins

5

OK Thanks then i will probe around and see what i get. :slight_smile:

6

main is determine where is + and -, incorrect position of data wires will not broke anything

7

the pinout / schematic is in the official github of the uconsole

8

Thanks i find it myself after some google. :wink:
I got it working now i will add a usb hub board and see how far i can get.

9

Have you found how to do this on a 4g expansion board? Can you show in the photo how it was implemented? Does it work?

10

About to do this as it’s the last part of my mods and I’m freaking out. I suck so bad at soldering stuff this small. First I need to figure out how to strip these 4 tiny wires so I can even begin. Really hope I don’t botch this…