A little bit about what I do...

So, a few months ago (like 6), my brother Wendel asked me to fix his laptop power plug that was flaking out to the point where it wouldn't charge any more. It's kind of like asking a car mechanic to fix your refrigerator, since I design motherboards for desktop and CE devices, not laptops and not chassis', but I thought I'd give it a try. There were a few delays, but I finally took it apart tonight.

First diagnosis, it looks like someone has tried to "fix" this with tape previously... I know Wendel got it for a good deal, so this seems highly likely. Coupled with the fact that you can see the tape on it, and there are three cracks in the plastic housing.



Second diagnosis: Once I pulled the PCB out of the chassis, I could see that the connector was not usable anymore (no more tape!). You can see both halves in the next two pictures.
The half that came off:

The half that stayed on:


Third diagnosis: I can re-solder a new connector on there, if we can find the right one. I'm pretty sure it's the CQ21516 from Laptop Jacks, but we might be able to find it cheaper.... I'd also like to see a data sheet, but I don't think I'll get that lucky. (Side note, I just found it at DCPowerJacks.net as well, much cheaper!)


And, finally, for anyone who wants to know what a laptop looks like if you're trying to fix "one little piece" here it is. Believe me, I couldn't have done it with fewer parts taken out.... These things are like onions and I'm trying to get to the inner-most bulb.... There were a hundred little screws that I didn't have the right driver for, but I found something that worked. also, there are several connectors and ribbons that I *think* I can remember how to plug them in...


Sorry you had to see that, Wendel... But no worries! We'll get it back together. and hopefully I won't have a bucket of parts left over. :)


"All of the biggest technological inventions created by man - the airplane, the automobile, the computer - says little about his intelligence, but speaks volumes about his laziness."
~Mark Kennedy