USB-C – the connector to finish all connectors – has been accessible for the higher a part of a decade, and gives a variety of capabilities together with reversibility. Sadly, some units, even people who would in any other case rely as premium merchandise, nonetheless function older connectors. One such gadget is the Logitech MX Ergo trackball, which prices round $100, however has a Micro USB port for charging.
As an MX Ergo consumer myself, I see it as a small annoyance for an in any other case good product. Redditor TheSolderking, nonetheless, had it with this inferior port and as an alternative put in a USB-C socket in an impressively completed setup.
Somewhat than hacking his lovely Ergo to smithereens, Solderking rigorously disassembled this pointing gadget, revealing two PCBs stacked inside. The bigger of those PCBs was left alone, however the smaller charging unit was analyzed to get the correct connections and scanned for dimensional accuracy. This scan was then scaled and imported into Fusion 360, for a bodily board that went into the trackball with minimal modifications.
Electronics-wise, the PCB was specified by Eagle and made by board producer PCBWay. All of the elements, save the precise new USB-C connector and two related resistors, have been then transferred over with a scorching air gun and many flux.
After board cleanup, slightly work with a rotary device, and bonus change replacements, the trackball was put again collectively. It’s now able to level and click on for the foreseeable future, able to recharging each few months with out the necessity to fumble round for a Micro USB cable!
Extra information on the construct might be discovered right here, and PCB/BOM recordsdata can be found if you wish to do this hack your self!
