Help Improve Tikbro Micro USB Cable (Connector Issue)

whowantthegoodies on 04/06/2015 - 15:51
Last edited 04/06/2015 - 15:52

Hi ozbargain fans,

We are working on redesigning the next generation Tikbro Micro USB cable.
Please answer the following questions:

1 . Connector issues
This is the most common issue and we are keen to get this problem solved. Please help us figure out what exact went wrong.
- Which connector went wrong? Is it the micro USB connector or the USB connector? or both?
- Did the connector head come off or it simply didn't charge?

2 . Speed
Our micro usb cable is well-known for fast charging. That said, it doesn't always provide the maximum charging speed.
- Do you require a faster charging cable?

3 . Braided cable?
Braided cable increase durability and prevent tangling and twisting but it will increase the cost price up to $0.5. Should we?

Please share your thoughts. We will read and consider everything that you say. Thanks

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • romanholidaymusician on 04/06/2015 - 16:27
    +2

    1. The connector issue is with the micro USB connector itself. The connector will fit tightly for the first couple of weeks/month. After a while, the connector will become too loose to even stay connected to the phone (the flanges would recede into the rest of the connector).

    2. No issues with speed (my own opinion).

    3. Braided cables would be a nice option for small increase in cost :)

    I've bought quite a number of cables in the past and they do work really well. Again, this is all from my own personal experiences.
    It is really great to see you're looking into this.

    Once the connectors have been fixed, I will definitely buy them again.

  • victorwilson on 04/06/2015 - 16:33
    +3

    Another thing, the micro USB end of the cable is a bit bulky and will not fit into some devices with cases on them, e.g. Nexus 5 with first-party Google case. With that said, I've had no problems shaving off some of the plastic surrounding the micro USB connector.

  • ProjectZero on 04/06/2015 - 16:34
    +2

    1) Just a suggestion, whilst I have no issues with the head being thick, some phone cases do not allow for the cable to be connected due to the size, perhaps reducing this might make it more universal.

    Also, not too sure if it's just my phone or my cable, but I found that sometimes when I connect my micro usb, my phone does not recognise it and does not charge… the head is still intacted of course and if I re-plug it a few times it starts to work.

    2) Haven't really noticed any drops in charging speed.

    3) If making the cable braided only cost 50c extra, it doesn't seem like a bad idea.

    Oh, and thanks for providing such decent cables for a fair price, ordered one last year and it is really good.

  • CyberMurning on 04/06/2015 - 18:37

    The normal old cable doesn't tangle at all.
    Maybe one or more meter longer would be good.

  • CyberMurning on 04/06/2015 - 18:38

    Question. You make the cable charge faster than competitor but it is not damaging the battery, right? I heard slow charging always better for the battery life

    • elusive on 05/06/2015 - 00:32
      +3

      A better cable would allow more current through, but the phone will still control the charge rate. The phone is designed to charge up to a certain rate - crappy cables artificially limit this.

      You might get slightly reduced battery wear by reducing charge rate with a crappy cable, but no cable can force the phone to charge faster than what it's designed for (usually what you'd get with the OEM cable & charger).

  • iridiumstem on 04/06/2015 - 18:50
    +4

    The part that you insert to the MicroUSB port becomes loose (it becomes wobbly), which causes connection issues. It's the only thing that stops me from buying more.

    Other than that, I have no issues with the cable. I think making it braided would make the cable more attractive for some people, but I personally think it's better if you add that as an option (some people wouldn't care about the braid and would prefer cheaper cable).

  • elusive on 05/06/2015 - 00:29

    It's the two little spring-loaded clips in the Micro USB connector that seem to be wearing out first. Those clips are supposed to hold the plug inside the socket - without them, it's nearly impossible to get the cable to stay in. These clips: http://i.imgur.com/0Js1PKb.png

    I remember some people also had issues where the metal connector would come loose from the plastic casing. I haven't experienced this particular one myself.

    As for braided cables - I agree with AznMitch, it sounds nice, but probably better if it's optional.

  • bonz on 08/06/2015 - 16:53

    Of the three cables i got they exhibit the same symptom, first the clips/prongs/flanges/barbs on the micro end recede/ won't spring out, then the heads start wobbling, losing power intermittently, i guess the soldering breaks due to the movement, then they finally die out, mine didn't last long enough for the head to come off like some reported. I agree that the plastic mould is a bit bigger than most other cables, i don't use cases so doesn't affect me much, but if they're made smaller, more people will be satisfied. In regards to braiding, make it optional, majority do not need it, its main purpose would be for RFI shielding i think

  • Lancerx on 16/06/2015 - 14:15

    YES TO ALL ABOVE!

  • eug on 16/06/2015 - 15:48
    +1

    The USB head on mine came apart. The metal plug would come loose from the plastic body.

    With others, the head gets loose, as mentioned by everyone else.

    Maybe get some Anker cables off Amazon and try and emulate those? They feel solid, have even thicker wires, and have a small head too.

  • batrarobin on 19/06/2015 - 14:09

    Make the head a bit longer..to allow for the use of TPU / rubber protective cases on the phones.

  • Ambiguous on 25/06/2015 - 21:48

    Bit late to this party but please reduce the thickness of the head, it doesn't fit through many phone cases.

  • Axelstrife on 21/11/2015 - 14:59

    Has this issue been fixed? as i like your cables but my two 2m cables are so bad ive not used then cause of the reason in the OP.

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