iHome docks

I've had three friends approach me to "look at" their (failing) iHome iPod docking stations (they typically are clock radios to which an iPod can be mated).

I've "begged off" on each of these requests ("Sorry, too busy right now..."). But, the coincidence has me wondering if these are that popular *AND* that "crappy"?

Reply to
Don Y
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You'll never know, if you keep 'begging off'.

It'll be something simple, like connectors, or something devastating, like ESD into a single-chip blob.

RL

Reply to
legg

I've never _bought_ one, but I've scavenged an abandoned one, and its worked for years. Your friends' units might just be hitting capacitor-age-out, as the usual first guess for recent electronics going junk.

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Reply to
Ecnerwal

I fix one of those per month for customers. The problem is the older Apple devices 30 pin connector. The iHome dock puts it at the bottom of a "funnel" like depression, which is the perfect collector for loose debris, junk, coins, etc. The debris doesn't by itself cause a problem, but shoving the iPod or iPhone into the dock with debris present tends to mangle the connector. Very few of the wires in the connector are used, but all 30 connections are present. All that's necessary is for the debris to push one of the connector wires to either side, and it will short. The iPod or iPhone can also provide substantial torque to the connector area when wiggled.

I've done fairly well with just a magnifying glass, surgeons glasses, paint brush, dental pick, and patience. If I can't fix it in about 10 minutes, I order replacement parts. Also, be sure to inspect the matching phone for similar connector damage. The electronics in the various iHome devices seem to be ok. The worst I've seen are a few possible bad solder connections. Also, some trashed settings, which can be fixed by just removing the backup battery for about 10-20 mins.

Repair guides and parts are available:

The later docking stations use the newer Lightning connector, which breaks off instead of bending the pins.

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Reply to
Jeff Liebermann

How much time would you have invested in "rescuing" the scavenged unit had it not worked?

Repeat the question when *you* aren't the beneficiary of the rescued unit?

Reply to
Don Y

Nearly none and nearly none. Simply reporting a "thus far, not that crappy" experience with one.

About the most I'll do with stuff like this is find a power adapter that matches the missing or broken one if that was the problem (or very occasionally break out the soldering iron and hot-glue to rebuild/kludge the DC plug), have gotten some nicer stuff on that basis. Actual electronic repair on equipment that was made to be non-repairable is a miserable waste of time and effort.

In many cases "not new enough" or "don't care, got a newer one" or "just don't care" is all it takes for things to be abandoned completely intact, particularly in moving out and discovering that hauling stuff is work, or that there's simply too much stuff and some needs to be jettisoned.

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Reply to
Ecnerwal

Understood. I'm simply trying to put *my* situation in perspective.

I spend a fair bit of time fixing friends'/colleagues' computers, laptops, monitors, etc. But, there's usually a fair bit of value (for *them*) in those things.

I had to completely disassemble a friends' $1700 laptop several months ago to replace the power connector. It was, literally, the only thing remaining in the case by the time it was exposed! I suspect he would have discarded the laptop (after pulling the two 500G drives and all the RAM) if he'd brought it to a "shop" for an estimate.

[Having "friends" can be expensive! :> ]

Yup. I've inherited a fair number of items that needed little or no work (a 24" monitor last week) to put back into service.

Other items known to be "toast" I've tinkered with if only to see the manufacturing techniques at play (without spending any money or "risking" something that actually WORKS).

Reply to
Don Y

I SPIT on those docking stations.

What I did was to re-purpose a car stereo, with Bluetooth and USB to a home audio system to dock a phone or tablet to. You can connect via Bluetooth or via the USB port (which is also a high-current charger).

The one I used was which was on sale at Fry's for $70. I used an ATX computer supply to power it, but I could have also used something smaller, i.e. for about $22. Of course you also need some speakers.

Reply to
sms

Like everything, you get what you pay for. You can't expect much for $20 but $150 does pretty well. I have one of each, though both still work.

Reply to
krw

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