Rear view camera mini-USB plug clearance

[JamesD]

It seems to me that the backup camera sold for the DiabloSport Trinity 2 is the same unit sold for the Edge CTS3, namely part number 98203.

It doesn't fit my T2 properly.

Here's the problem I have. This is the mini-USB plug that came with the camera.

miniUSB.jpg

The distance from the metal connector to the edge of the plastic is about 0.110".

On my T2, the distance from the connector shell to the plastic is about 0.055".

DS.jpg

This results in an interference fit that is trying to pull the connector away from the PCB.

The cable that comes with the T2 for connecting to a computer doesn't have this issue, as it has a very low profile.

Is this an anomaly? I've seen it on two T2s. How would you suggest I deal with it?

James

[mikel]

we only offer the one camera. They should all use the same cable. Got a pic of it connected?

[JamesD]

I'm quite hesitant to push it in all the way. The pictures I posted earlier were actual pictures of my unit, and I am adding pictures here of the plug half-way in. I hope you can see the angle between the plug and connector. In addition, the last picture shows a piece of paper sandwiched between the plug and the case, which easily holds the weight of the unit because of the pinch made by the interference fit. Side clearance is not an issue. It's the back of the plug which pinches the paper to the case. The unit is suspended in free air by the paper.

My solution would be to file away the rubber that makes the interference, but since I don't know what's under the surface, and you apparently are having Apple® make the cable for you ($140!), I hesitate to modify its warranty status.

I'll try some better angles tomorrow, to see if I can better showcase the problem.

1.jpg

2.jpg

3.jpg

Two free tacos!

[mikel]

interesting. I would go ahead and clearance it for now.

[JamesD]

Three more pictures. They're mostly the same, but I tried to compensate for the poor quality by adding quantity. They're slightly different, but that is indeed the $139.95 cable. Hopefully, the pictures are good enough to illustrate my issue. If not, I can try again.

4.jpg

5.jpg

7.jpg

To be clear, I could force the plug in, if I desired. I believe that the camming action caused by the interference fit would eventually cause the solder connection from the connector to the PCB to separate.

[Edit] I didn't refresh before posting, so I missed your reply. I'll be happy to clearance the plug. I'm sure that a few strokes of the file will take care of it, but I wanted your approval first. I'll take it down to the height of the boss.

[JamesD]

Ah, that was easy, and I didn't strike copper while removing the interfering rubber. I didn't think I would, but sometimes I think I'm related to Murphy (He was a real person, and worked not far from where I live).

The plug now seats properly with easy insertion and a slight click as it bottoms in the connector. I don't think it's physically any weaker, as the part of the plug I filed away now barely touches the plastic of the case, so it's still supported against moving in that direction, but no more interference fit.

Et voilà! Thanks for your help!

[mikel]

glad to hear it, enjoy!