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By pivotCE
Well, it’s 2024 and technology continues to advance. The TouchPad isn’t new by any means, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be slightly modernized to be more convenient today. Specifically, it is entirely possible to convert the TouchPad’s Micro USB port to USB C for charging and USB storage access. I’ll show you how.
This is a tough mod which requires micro-soldering and modifying a PCB which you will have a hard time sourcing a replacement for without buying another TouchPad. Proceed at your own peril.
Tools for the Job
To do this mod you’ll need a few things for tools and parts. Here’s a list of what I used:
– Needle nose pliers/tweezers
– USB C boards with 5.1k resistors
link hidden, please login to view
– Soldering iron, solder, flux and a hot air station
– Flush cuts
– Dremel with cutting or sanding wheel
– 28 AWG wire or smaller. 30 AWG is pretty good but any wire around 0.25mm to 0.5mm should work.
– Small file and screwdriver set
– Painter’s and kapton tape
– Metal spudger Disassemble the TouchPad
This is where you’re going to want to get that metal spudger out and be very careful not to snap clips. I can’t explain it better than iFixit already did so go check out their and then come back here.
Modify the USB Connector Board by Removing the Micro Port
There are a few ways to remove the Micro USB port. I added a bunch of flux and coated all the connectors in fresh leaded solder and then used a hot air station set to 800 degrees while wiggling the port very slightly with needle nose pliers. You don’t have to be particularly careful here so if you want to cut the port off with the dremel or the flush cuts or just rip it off with the pliers, (I don’t recommend it but…) that’s fine. We’re not using the pads it’s soldered to anyway. You should STILL be careful not to crack the board. Go slow. Be patient.
Trim the USB C Board
We need to expose the USB C port a bit on this board so let’s cut it down. Grab the painter’s tape and flip the USB C board upside down. You’ll see a small trace between the front and rear anchor points on the right side, which we don’t want to cut. Mark the tape just on the other side of that trace like I did. Dremel along the tape line until you get to the port. You can then use needle nose pliers, a flat file, and/or flush cuts to remove the rest of the board from the bottom of the port.
Prepare the USB Connector Board for the USB C Port
We need to slide the port into the old space so grab the painter’s tape again and mark off the area I marked to make room for the USB C port. You can place the port up to it like I did and use that as a guide. Grab your dremel again or a similar tool and cut out what you marked off. When you’re done, the USB C port should slide easily into the groove. It will fit tighter when we add the kapton tape in a later step.
Make Room in the TouchPad for the Added Thickness of the USB C Board
The USB C board will sit underneath the USB connector board so we have to make room by trimming away the plastic underneath. For this you’ll need to use flush cuts or any other tool you have to chip away. You could use the dremel for this if you’d like. Be careful to not go beyond the first inner layer. Beyond that is the outer shell of the TouchPad. There’s no real method here, just cut out the screw posts and chip away. Use the pictures below as a guide.
Cut the USB C Hole from the Old Micro USB Hole
To open the micro USB hole enough to fit the USB C port, take a rounded file to the left and right of both sides and just file a little bit at at time. Use a small flat file to widen the top and bottom of the port. This process is just trial and error. File a little and then grab the USB C board to test. The port will need to fit inside the hole a bit so you can push it through from the outside to test the hole size if that’s easier. Note: the USB C board will likely not rest on the bottom of the TouchPad and will float a little. This is good because it makes room for your wires and a little kapton tape underneath.
Tape the USB C Board
Since we hacked away at the USB connector board it’s possible we’ve provided the perfect environment for creating shorts! Oh no! So get out the kapton tape because we’re going to add a layer on both sides. You’ll see how I did it on one side below. Do it on both sides. You’ll also notice how I did not cover those two small square contacts just at the bottom of the tape. That’s because we need them.
Where To Get Power and Data
You’ll see the diagrams below which I’ve marked with VBUS (power), data in, data out, and ground. Obviously the old port is gone and most if its pads, but I wanted to show that both sides of the board have the connections. You could possibly do this mod differently, and if you so choose, hopefully these help.
A quick note: this mod can be done with a 4-pin USB C port. That would give you power and data just like with the USB C board I’m using in this guide, however, a 4-pin USB C board will not charge with a USB C charger (ie USB 3.1). The board I’m using in this guide provides the ability to use any charger because it comes pre-built with 5.1k resistors wired to CC1 and CC2 to ground. This is the trick that tells the USB C chargers to send power to the device.
Solder the USB C Board into the USB Connector Board
This isn’t a “how to solder tutorial” so hit up youtube and find a good tutorial that works for you. In general though, use flux, pre-tin the VBUS, Ground, D-, and D+ pads on the USB C board as well as the points on the bottom of the USB connector board.
Now for the tricky part, I didn’t list it in the Tools section above, but it would really help to have magnification or a digital microscope for this. I have these things and I used both. You might have steadier hands and better eyes than me. The picture below was my first attempt of the three TouchPads I modded, and it’s not my best soldering work, but fundamentally, this is what yours should look like.
Put the Pieces Together
You can use a bit of kapton tape to secure the wires in place a bit more if you’d like but it’s not required. It won’t short since it’s only plastic underneath. This is all press fit into place, but if you’re uncomfortable with that, you can add a little hot glue under the board as you put it back into the TouchPad. You don’t have to put the metal shield back into place if you don’t want to. It’s all a pretty tightly fit and if you find the TouchPad screen isn’t as flush as you want, just leave the metal shield off. A little kapton tape right on top would be fine instead.
Congrats, You Now Have USB C
I did this mod on three TouchPads and each one works fine with any USB charger I could find, including USB C port having USB 3.1 chargers. I can also confirm the data connection works just like it should to connect via USB mode on PC. Sadly, this doesn’t do anything to stop webOS from telling you the charger you’re using isn’t the original TouchPad barrel charger, but you can make a custom cable to stop that which I’ll cover in a future article on pivotCE.
#webOS4ever
The post first appeared on . Related posts:
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By Den C
LG50UK6950. The programme guide is slow to load, and has to re-load for each page. My previous LG tv (a 49UK.....) was the same.
Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba and Sony are almost instantaneous.
Is this a hardware problem, eg lack of memory, or software - in which case is it ever going to be fixed?
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By tezz7624
re tv guide
used to be arrows to allow viewing of previous programs on catch up but they seemed to have disappeared
is there a way to make them return
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By mix-e
Yes! Freesat does work on the LGE TV that I have 2021 model. Using a SKY DISH and LNB in the UK. Okay now that sorted out.
With WEBOS 3.34.95
Then you launch the guide on freesat the preview window does not display a picture. Just says downloading" If you then select a channel from the guide the TV picture is shown.
Looks like a bug to me...
Also on the channel info screen. The displayed info screen box is very big and the font size is very very small even on a quite large TV.
It would be better is a bigger font could be displayed.
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By Alex
Resolving the Major Issues with LG TVs: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
LG has gained a reputation for producing high-quality televisions that combine cutting-edge technology with sleek designs. However, like any other electronic device, LG TVs can experience issues that may affect their performance and user experience. In this article, we will explore some of the most common problems encountered with LG TVs and provide practical solutions to address them effectively.
1. Poor Picture Quality:
One of the most frustrating issues faced by LG TV owners is poor picture quality. To enhance your viewing experience, consider the following steps:
Adjust picture settings: LG TVs offer various pre-set picture modes like Standard, Cinema, or Sports. Experiment with these modes to find one that suits your preferences. Additionally, fine-tune settings such as brightness, contrast, color temperature, and backlight intensity to optimize picture quality for your viewing environment. Update firmware: Regularly check for firmware updates on LG's official website or through the TV's settings menu. Firmware updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can enhance picture quality. Check input source: Sometimes, the picture quality issue may be due to a poor quality input signal. Ensure that your cable, satellite, or streaming device is connected securely and functioning properly. Consider using high-quality HDMI cables for optimal performance. 2. Sound Issues:
Sound problems can detract from the immersive experience that LG TVs aim to provide. To tackle sound-related issues, try the following:
Adjust audio settings: LG TVs offer various sound modes, including Standard, Cinema, Music, and Sports. Experiment with these modes to find the one that suits your audio preferences. Additionally, adjust settings like bass, treble, balance, and surround sound to optimize your audio experience. External speakers or soundbar: If you are dissatisfied with the built-in speakers' performance, consider connecting external speakers or a soundbar to your LG TV. This can significantly enhance the audio quality and immersion. Check audio output settings: Ensure that the TV's audio output settings are correctly configured. Verify that the correct audio output, such as HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth, is selected based on your audio setup. 3. Connectivity and Network Issues:
LG TVs rely heavily on connectivity features for streaming content and accessing smart features. If you encounter connectivity or network problems, try the following solutions:
Network troubleshooting: Make sure your TV is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Restart your router, update its firmware, or try connecting your TV using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Software updates: Keep your TV's firmware and applications up to date. Regularly check for system updates in the TV's settings menu. These updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve connectivity issues. Factory reset: If all else fails, performing a factory reset can help resolve persistent network issues. However, be aware that this will reset all settings and erase stored data, so make sure to back up important information beforehand. Conclusion:
While LG TVs are known for their exceptional quality, they can experience certain issues that may impact their performance. By following the solutions provided above, you can troubleshoot and resolve some of the most common issues with LG TVs, including poor picture quality, sound problems, and connectivity/network issues. Remember to consult the TV's user manual or LG's support website for specific instructions tailored to your model. With these steps, you can optimize your LG TV experience and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment.
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